PARAMARIBO - The Ministry of Justice and Police wants to carry out the final phase of the Safe City Project which is aimed at the installation of an additional 200 security cameras and the introduction of 1,000 body cameras for police officers.

Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath explained that he would discuss the final phase which has a price tag of USD 23 million with President Jennifer Simons. One option is to seek financing to carry out the final phase in phases. “Even if we have to do it with USD 1,000 per year, the important thing is to expand the safety net,” said Minister Monorath who added that the introduction of the bodycams would add transparency to the police operations. “Bodycams are needed. That way you can see if the police officers catch somebody red-handed and under which circumstances.” The footage from the existing Safe City cameras which are delivered by Huawei is reportedly used to track down suspects but mostly after the crime has been committed. “Many cases are solved that way and crimes are prevented and solved.” Minister Monorath explained that he would like the security cameras to prevent more crimes but explained that more manpower is needed to watch the monitors that receive the live feed from the security cameras. According to the minister, the police operations should start immediately after a crime has been committed. “Sometimes the crime is not reported fast enough.”