KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The private sector is being urged to join the police in their crime-fighting efforts, by setting up closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at their business places.

This call was made by Commissioner of Police Dr Carl Williams as he gave the keynote address at the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) President’s Forum at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, yesterday.

Williams said he believes it should be a requirement for all businesses to have CCTV in its vicinity, noting that this practice has worked in other countries.

“I would want to invite you to think about setting up CCTV cameras and ensure they are part of a wider system that will be monitored (so) that you can become eyes for the police,” he said.

“This is how technology can help and this is how the people who are going to be the beneficiaries of a safer community can step in and help,” the commissioner added.

Williams suggested that the PSOJ could coordinate the initiative to ensure it is done by a wide cross section of entrepreneurs.

“If every businessman could invest in a camera for his place… I think it could be a game changer. Think about it,” the commissioner encouraged.

Williams said the police will also be working to replace CCTV cameras across the island.

Meanwhile, the commissioner is also calling for greater private-sector investment in social programmes in violent communities.

“Crime is a community problem, and a solution requires the involvement of the community,” he said, noting that initiatives must involve families, schools and churches.

Williams said the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is also seeking a partnership with private security organisations which have a similar objective of safety and law and order as the formal law-enforcement system.

He said an alliance with this sector would significantly boost the capacity of the 13,000-strong police force.