Police and Crime Commissioner’s Statement on CCTV Project

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria, Richard Rhodes, is pleased to report that the project to develop a Cumbria-wide CCTV scheme is progressing well.

Richard Rhodes said: “Negotiations regarding the procurement of a supplier to install the county-wide CCTV scheme are continuing, and it is currently anticipated that a contract will be awarded during October 2014, which will operate for a 7 year period, subject to satisfactory performance. Once the contract has been awarded I will make a further announcement.”

The project is being led by the Commissioner, in conjunction with the Constabulary and the six district councils. Since the decision was taken by the Commissioner in February 2014 to go ahead with the project, extensive activities have been completed to establish future CCTV requirements and to source prospective suppliers. The intent being that the selected supplier would design, install, commission and maintain a market leading solution, utilising the latest proven technology, which will serve the county for the foreseeable future.  

It is anticipated that installation and commissioning will be phased due to planning, highway and utility requirements and will include 53 CCTV cameras operating across Carlisle, Barrow, Workington, Kendal, Whitehaven and Penrith. Provision for the potential future extension of the solution to other locations has been included within the outline contract, estimated to be valued at £2.5M for the full 7 year period.

Chief Constable Jerry Graham said “I am pleased that the CCTV project is progressing. I look forward to the new system becoming operational in the near future, as it will provide consistent and improved CCTV coverage across Cumbria.  CCTV is an important tool to help solve crime and keep our local communities safe.”

Police Commissioner agrees county-wide CCTV scheme

Commissioner Agrees County-Wide CCTV Scheme

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria, Richard Rhodes, formally signed off the proposals for Cumbria-wide CCTV, at the Public Executive Board meeting today.

The approved scheme  will provide a sustainable, scaleable county-wide CCTV solution with up to 54 cameras across the county, proactively monitored by a dedicated central team based at Police Headquarters in Penrith in liaison with  other communications centre staff and local Community Policing Teams.

Richard Rhodes said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm that the scheme, which is a joint project between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Cumbria Constabulary and the six District Councils of Eden,  Carlisle, Allerdale, Copeland, South Lakeland and Barrow, will now go ahead. 

“CCTV can play a vital role in delivering a safe and secure environment for people who live, work  and visit Cumbria, and supports crime prevention, reduces antisocial  behaviour, and crime and disorder.  It also has a significant impact on bringing offenders to justice, potentially reducing investigative time and freeing up officers. 

“I am always keen to work in partnership with other public and private sector partners, and this scheme is a great example of what can be achieved in Cumbria by working together.  It will deliver benefits to the local councils and savings for the police and wider Criminal Justice System by faster working and sharing of information.” 

Deputy Chief Constable Jeremy Graham said:

“It is great news that the CCTV scheme has now been approved. The new system will provide consistent and improved CCTV coverage across Cumbria.  CCTV acts as a deterrent for would-be criminals, helps track offenders, and gather evidence.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner and local councils to provide an important tool to help solve crime and keep our local communities safe.”