Minister Updates On CCTV Network Upgrade
Minister of National Security Michael Weeks gave an update on “the progress of the island’s CCTV network upgrade and the implementation of the speed camera initiative” in the House of Assembly today [March 28].
Minister Weeks said, “The upgraded system includes 258 cameras featuring four different types: 19 License Plate Recognition [LPR] cameras, 103 Pan-Tilt-Zoom [PTZ] cameras, 74 Multisensory cameras, and 62 Varifocal cameras
“As of today, 219 cameras have been installed, with 204 currently online across 129 site locations, providing 454 distinct camera views. ”
Minister Weeks recently visited Digicel, where he was given a demonstration of the CCTV network’s license plate recognition system. Shane McDonnell, Head of Business Development at Digicel Bermuda, the project contractor, is pictured with the Minister.
“Despite these setbacks, the overall project is now 90% complete, encompassing camera installation, software integration, and training. Barring any major weather delays or unforeseen events, the project is expected to be completed by July 2025.
“An additional 34 camera site locations are being prepared for the final phase of civil and electrical works. This expansion will increase the total number of CCTV locations from 130 to 150 across the island. We consider this to be an enormous achievement in terms of coverage across the island.”
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update this Honourable House and the public on the progress of the island’s Closed-Circuit Television [CCTV] network upgrade and the implementation of the speed camera initiative.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members may recall that in 2023, Digicel Bermuda was awarded the contract to upgrade the CCTV Network and provide a managed maintenance service plan. The total contract value is $4,047,440.00, comprising an equipment and installation cost of $1,035,500.00 and a five-year managed maintenance services plan valued at $602,388 annually, totalling $3,011,940.00.
One of the key enhancements to the CCTV network is its deployment on a new fibre network. This modernization required civil [road] and electrical works that were not included in the original Request for Proposal [RFP] since vendors could not accurately quantify these costs in advance. As a result, the current cost for all civil and electrical works associated with the project stands at $463,651.00.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry’s CCTV implementation team has made every effort to minimize costs by collaborating with the Corporation of Hamilton, the Ministry of Public Works’ Works and Engineering Unit, and BELCO to utilize existing power sources. While some cost-saving measures were successful, others proved unfeasible.
Mr. Speaker, the upgraded system includes 258 cameras featuring four different types: 19 License Plate Recognition [LPR] cameras, 103 Pan-Tilt-Zoom [PTZ] cameras, 74 Multisensory cameras, and 62 Varifocal cameras. Notably, a single multisensory camera integrates four fully functional cameras, covering a wider area while maintaining clarity.
Mr. Speaker, real-time monitoring has significantly enhanced the Bermuda Police Service’s [BPS] ability to assess incidents as they unfold, enabling quicker deployment of resources during emergencies. This capability has already proven crucial in improving response times and overall public safety.
Mr. Speaker, as of today, 219 cameras have been installed, with 204 currently online across 129 site locations, providing 454 distinct camera views. The project commenced in September 2023 but encountered unforeseen challenges that have affected the completion timeline. Despite these setbacks, the overall project is now 90% complete, encompassing camera installation, software integration, and training. Barring any major weather delays or unforeseen events, the project is expected to be completed by July 2025.
Mr. Speaker, an additional 34 camera site locations are being prepared for the final phase of civil and electrical works. This expansion will increase the total number of CCTV locations from 130 to 150 across the island. We consider this to be an enormous achievement in terms of coverage across the island.
Mr. Speaker, beyond physical installation, this project involves critical components such as network infrastructure, power integration, and seamless connectivity to the central command centre to ensure the system operates at peak effectiveness. Moreover, multiple government departments and external agencies have played vital roles in this initiative, including the Ministry of National Security HQ, BPS, the Ministry of Public Works’ Works and Engineering Unit, the Departments of Estates and Highways, the Department of Planning, and the Information Technology Department, along with external partners such as BELCO and the Corporations of St. George and Hamilton.
Mr. Speaker, while progress has been made, delays have inevitably impacted the next phase of the CCTV upgrade—the introduction of speed cameras. However, initial testing of the LPR cameras has begun and will continue over the next few months. I recently had the opportunity to review preliminary findings and to see a demonstration of the LPR cameras and I was very impressed with how the system has advanced. This is wonderful progress, and I look forward to further developments in this area over the next year.
Based on initial research and testing, additional LPR cameras and site locations will be required to optimize the speed camera initiative. A comprehensive plan is currently being developed to expand this initiative.
Mr. Speaker, in the coming months, the Ministry of National Security and the BPS will work closely with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Justice on legislative amendments necessary for implementing the ticketing system for speed cameras. This will be the final step in the implementation of a system that we are confident will improve the safety on our roads.
Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that the upgraded CCTV system has been designed with privacy protection in mind. The system aligns with both current privacy regulations and future requirements, ensuring that privacy concerns are adequately addressed. The Request for Proposal specifically required vendors to incorporate privacy safeguards in both the camera features and the Video Management System [VMS].
Mr. Speaker, residents have expressed a greater sense of security knowing that CCTV coverage has been enhanced. This increased confidence has encouraged more community engagement, with citizens more willing to report suspicious activity to the BPS. Mr. Speaker, we have even received requests from community clubs and neighbourhoods to further expand CCTV coverage.
To further address privacy concerns, the Ministry and the BPS have engaged the PATI and PIPA Unit and the Privacy Commissioner’s Office in discussions on collaboration, transparency, and public communication regarding CCTV privacy matters.
Mr. Speaker, as we approach the completion of this initiative, the Ministry, in partnership with the BPS and the Privacy Commissioner’s Office, will host a town hall to educate the public on privacy considerations and best practices related to CCTV cameras. Also, this town hall will address any privacy concerns that the public may have.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Ministry of National Security and the BPS have worked diligently with internal and external stakeholders to implement this critical project.
Mr. Speaker, I extend my gratitude to the multiple teams who have contributed to the successful execution of the CCTV initiative thus far.
Mr. Speaker, we are delivering on our promise to upgrade the island’s CCTV Network and introduce a modern speed control regime on our roads. As I have stated before, this government remains committed to enhancing public safety, and this initiative is a testament to our mission at the Ministry of National Security: working together to keep you safe.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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So now the the cameras, which were supposed to be operational December 2023 will not be functional until July,or later, 2025.
Also, is it too much to have some of the cameras available online for the public? They are all on public property covering public roads after all. Webcams are a great tourism tool and many of these cams must have some very nice views. At the moment there are very few Bermuda webcams.
I see a lot of these cameras on poles right next to people’s houses and bedroom windows, sometimes within twenty feet – many such cases in the city and surrounding areas. not sure how such was ever approved, as i am sure these families and children would not approve of cameras outside their homes.
Also, once speed cameras are in effect – with the countless motorbikes stolen on a regular basis around the island, does Government have an effective plan to avoid ticketing the victims for when the thieves speed on the stolen bikes? Or when criminals speed around on illegal and unlicensed or unregistered bikes?
“Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that the upgraded CCTV system has been designed with privacy protection in mind. The system aligns with both current privacy regulations and future requirements, ensuring that privacy concerns are adequately addressed. The Request for Proposal specifically required vendors to incorporate privacy safeguards in both the camera features and the Video Management System [VMS].”
I mean truly how do we know lmao just take your word for it?! Some of these cameras directly point into people’s houses and yards….