Why the PolCam system is a game-changer in fighting crime.
By: Domnic Dass
The Police Operations Command Centre (POCC) is the nerve centre of the Singapore Police Force (SPF), supporting its 24/7 frontline operations. Since the implementation of the Police Camera (PolCam) system in April 2012, the POCC’s sense-making capabilities, monitoring and management of real-time incidents have been enhanced. Here are three things you should know about PolCams!
PolCams Have Helped to Solve More than 6,000 Cases Since 2012
PolCams are a common sight in public housing estates, multi-storey carparks, neighbourhood centres and town centres. With more than 90,000 PolCams installed around Singapore to date, the system has enhanced the safety and security of our neighbourhoods and public spaces.
Since 2012, PolCams have aided the Police in solving more than 6,000 cases, enabling officers to identify and track down the suspects, sometimes within hours of the reported crime!
PolCams have Unique Video Analytics Capabilities
Newer generations of the PolCam system have video analytics capabilities that help officers to find matches using specific descriptors. This enables officers to quickly sift through a large amount of PolCam footage to find investigative leads.
PolCams can also capture high-resolution images, significantly reducing the time taken for the Police to identify suspects.
PolCams Can Also Help Locate Vulnerable or Missing Persons
PolCams have proven to be invaluable in helping to find missing persons. In April 2020, the Police received a report at 10.50pm about a missing elderly woman with dementia.
Using PolCams, officers obtained an image of the elderly woman in her last seen attire. Within three hours of the police report, they managed to locate her.
The SPF will continue to leverage technology to keep Singapore safe and secure!