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DPS defends Garapan surveillance cameras
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Posted on Jan 26 2005
Citing shortage in manpower, the Department of Public Safety indicated yesterday that it is happy with the installation of surveillance cameras in Garapan.
DPS spokesman Eric F. David said the cameras enable police to monitor the Paseo de Marianas mall and streets in the area to detect illegal activities.
The cameras all link up to a monitor located in the Koban—police office stationed at the mall.
The cameras have prompted mixed reactions from the community, with some critics arguing that the cameras are an invasion of privacy.
David, however, recalled an incident in November last year, where the operator of the koban witnessed an illegal drug transaction and alerted him to the incident. David said he and another officer responded and were able to arrest a juvenile with a pouch that was full of marijuana.
“We can have one monitoring in the koban and seeing everything going on,” David said. “It’s good not only for DPS but also for any law enforcement agency willing to do surveillance on an establishment or person.”
David said an officer is present at the koban 24 hours a day.
Eight DPS personnel have already been trained to operate the monitor system.
“Because it’s very expensive, only trained personnel can operate it,” he said.
David also explained that because of the cost, the cameras are taken down during an event that the governor issues a typhoon condition II advisory.
He said the cameras are taken down by Department of Public Works personnel.
Earlier, lawmen arrested seven female alien workers for allegedly offering sexual favors for fees in the area.
The arrests came following the issuance of court warrants sought by Immigration agents, who have been conducting surveillance operations at the tourist district since October last year.
Agents observed the women actively soliciting customers among Garapan’s passers-by.
