Hawke's Bay's CCTV security cameras could be consolidated at one centre to help police keep an eye on the region's criminal community. It comes after a recent Hastings District Council review of security patrols. The review found the security patrols were initially set up to protect property and reduce anti-social behaviour aroundthe central business district. But now patrols were also dealing with public safety, even though they only had authority to physically intervene when working with the police. The review also said those who funded the initiative felt the patrols weren't visible and that "Hi Viz jackets" should be worn so their presence would deter trouble in the CBD. They also thought the security patrols should work more closely with the volunteers on the community patrols, Maori Wardens and CCTV operators. The security patrols should also be around at peak times such as when pubs closed, weekends and school holidays. The review was last week presented to the council's development and environment committee which agreed to make changes to the security patrol to reflect expectations and the capabilities of security staff. It included a new funding arrangement whereby ratepayers would contribute 30 per cent; all licensed premises within the patrol areas would pay 30 per cent and businesses in each area 40 per cent. The committee was told Napier City Council also had CCTV but no longer had a paid security patrol. It did, however, have a strong volunteer community patrol of about 100 to 150 members, whereas Hastings' community patrol had only a handful of people. Councillors were worried about the CCTV service in Hastings, whether it was being staffed well and if it was of use to police. Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule said he had met Police Eastern District Commander Superintendent Sam Hoyle to look at the way CCTV was used in Hastings and Napier. "We have been looking at ways for CCTV to be regionalised," he said. "The thing is that CCTV can be viewed from miles away. There is a whole level of technology that can maximise its use."
