Council expands police access to city’s 600-camera CCTV network

Council has expanded police access to its extensive CCTV network, helping maximise the value of its investment in community safety infrastructure while strengthening the tools available to the city’s frontline officers.

Council recently connected the District Tasking and Coordination Centre (DTACC) at the Kirwan Police Facility to its expansive CCTV network, providing local police better visibility of key public locations and supporting faster, more informed operational decision-making.

The connection to the DTACC, a regional command hub that coordinates the deployment of officers and resources across the district, represents the second Queensland Police Service (QPS) facility in Townsville to be linked to the city’s CCTV network.

Deputy Mayor Suzy Batkovic said the project ensured Council's CCTV network was being used more effectively to support community safety across Townsville.

“Council has made significant investments in CCTV infrastructure across the city, with more than 600 cameras installed in public spaces as well as our mobile CCTV trailers that can be strategically located at crime hotspots and areas of community concern,” Cr Batkovic said.

“It’s important we continue looking for ways to maximise the value of this investment for our community, and expanding police access to our CCTV network helps us do that.

“Providing police with direct access to the network gives them another tool to support crime prevention, monitor emerging issues and coordinate responses when incidents occur.

“This is a practical example of Council and QPS working together to help keep our community safe.”

Council’s extensive public safety surveillance system provides 24/7 monitoring of key public spaces, commercial precincts, and Council infrastructure in a bid to deter crime and assist emergency responders.

The network is monitored in real time by authorised Council personnel as well as police, providing critical situational awareness during incidents and emergencies.

Northern Patrol Group Inspector Jason Brosnan said QPS worked with a number of councils across the state on public safety networks and community security initiatives.

“Having access to CCTV cameras means police and first responders can respond more quickly to crimes happening in our communities or better investigate incidents that have already occurred,” Inspector Brosnan said.

“Together we are working to create a safer community for everyone.”

This most recent initiative complements Council's broader community safety strategy, which includes ongoing investment in CCTV technology, mobile CCTV trailers, community safety patrols, public lighting improvements and collaborative programs aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.