Ensuring resident safety is a priority for Logan City Council in southeast Queensland.
Over the past 30 years, Council has directed extensive resources into numerous safety initiatives. The highly acclaimed Safety Camera Program has been one of the most successful.
The Program was introduced in 2001 with the installation of cameras in two precincts. It was then expanded in 2004–2005 to include portable and mobile safety cameras used at Council’s many public spaces, parks and major events.
Council now monitors over 150 safety cameras strategically placed throughout the City at locations such as parks, business districts, and major public transport nodes.
The Logan Safety Camera Program operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a direct live link to the Police Communications Centre.
Logan City Councillors were recently given the opportunity to see the program in action first hand, when they toured Council’s monitoring room and various safety camera locations throughout the City.
“The aim of our camera system is to monitor strategically located areas and help create a safer environment for our residents and visitors,” Logan Mayor Pam Parker said.
“For many years, Logan has had to battle against the perception that we are an unsafe City – that is simply not the case. Logan has had a steadily declining crime rate in recent years.”
Deputy Mayor and Safe City Advisory Committee Chairperson, Councillor Russell Lutton, said the safety cameras had improved Logan’s lifestyle by detecting and deterring crime.
“In one serious instance of hooning in Springwood, our cameras were instrumental in police apprehending the offenders and removing the problem,” he said. “This is only one of hundreds of instances were our camera program has played an integral role in not only keeping our residents safe, but also assisting police with their investigations.
“We are able to provide them with important information from car registration numbers to the description of people of interest.
“Residents and businesses have told us they feel safer with these cameras in their neighbourhood and that is what we want – residents to be happy and safe.”
Councillor Parker conceded safety cameras could not prevent all crime, but said they played an integral role in assisting police investigations and reducing potential future crimes.
“It doesn’t take long for people to realise our cameras are watching and activities such as drug deals, graffiti and vandalism decrease,” she said.
