With the increasing crime rate in Chennai, the Police have decided to install CCTV cameras across the city to curb crimes. As a part of the “Third Eye” campaign initiated two years ago by Commissioner Dr A K Viswanathan, Chennai police have installed 2.5 lakh cameras at about every 50 metres and are planning to add 1 lakh more. These digital eyes serve as a deterrent to thieves and traffic law-breakers and also bring about accountability by capturing the relevant happenings. A vast stretch of about 9.5 kilometres is already under cops’ watchful eyes.
A recent incident proved how CCTV helped a labourer couple to reunite with their two kids who went missing on 22 February. The footage showed the kid’s journey from the roads of Kotturpuram to Velachery MRTS station, which was pieced together by ACP KN Sudharsan and his team. The city has wholly supported the initiative: a recent example of that is when a 9-year-old contributed Rs. 1.5 lakh from her birthday fund to the Chennai police to buy CCTV cameras. This is a positive step forward to make the city safer. However, and rightfully so, there are people who are wondering whether privacy is not violated.
