A Garda CCTV system – comprising 24 cameras – has been in operation in Tralee since September 1998.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the CCTV cameras in Tralee Garda station are monitored for the full 24 hour period each day by the member performing duty in the communications room. This member also performs other duties.
I am also informed that a member is assigned to full time dedicated monitoring of the cameras at certain times during the day. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to state publicly these exact times. The member concerned is assigned to this duty only and the member in the communications room is still in a position to assist the member on dedicated CCTV duty as there is a monitor and a control panel at his or her disposal which allows the member in the communications room to view any of the 24 monitors in the CCTV room. The CCTV room is immediately adjoining the communications room and separated by a glass panel.
A review of our policy on CCTV is under way and the approach to monitoring of CCTV cameras is being examined in that context.
I am also informed that there has been a major decrease in recorded crime in Tralee since 1996 – with the overall reduction in the period 1996-99 being in the order of 35%. The relevant information in this regard is as follows: