Police launch guidelines for security surveillance of private buildings

Do beef up surveillance measures, Second Minister for Home Affairs S Iswaran told private building owners on Friday, as he launched police guidelines on security surveillance.

Among other things, the guidelines suggest that owners ensure the CCTVs in their buildings have adequate lighting and high enough resolution.

At the National Safety and Security Watch Group award ceremony, Mr Iswaran noted that security footage had played a pivotal role in identifying the culprits behind last year's Boston marathon bombing.

"Technology is a powerful enabler and tool in an increasingly complex and challenging safety and security landscape," he said.

He also noted that the shooting at Westgate Shopping Centre in Nairobi last year was a "timely reminder" that attacks can take place anywhere.

It was important for businesses here to gear up to deal with the consequences of possible terrorist attacks and plan for quick recovery in the wake of crises, he added.

At the event at the Home Team Academy on Friday, Mr Iswaran also presented 188 watch group members with awards to honour them for efforts to boost the security of their buildings.

Started in 2004, the watch group scheme encourages businesses to work with the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Civil Defence Force to protect their buildings from crime and security threats.

Members are given points for fulfilling criteria such as conducting fire drills, setting up emergency response teams, reviewing contingency and security plans, or strengthening CCTV presence.

One winner today was AMK Hub, which won an Outstanding Individual Award.

Its centre director Andy Kau Jit Seng said security footage has helped them identify culprits of crimes like shoplifting.

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