CCTVs for all HDB void decks Thu, Nov 17, 2011 | my paper By Daryll Nanayakara EXPECT closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to be a common sight at the void decks of Housing Board blocks soon. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) hopes to announce the finalised model by the first quarter of next year and to begin the rollouts soon after. The installation of CCTV cameras, which will serve as a deterrent against crime, are to be located at the key entry and exit points of all HDB blocks and multi-storey carparks. Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry S. Iswaran made the announcement when he unveiled new initiatives being adopted by the SPF. The SPF is seeking to increase its efficiency and capabilities in dealing with the changing landscape of crime in Singapore. The introduction of the cameras is part of three new initiatives that the SPF plans to implement. In September last year, the SPF introduced a network of CCTV cameras at strategic locations in Geylang to deter the sale of contraband items and street gambling in back alleys. That, coupled with the deployment of more personnel to the area, led to crime such as snatch theft and outrage-of- modesty cases there falling by 50 per cent and 41 per cent, respectively. Riding on the success of the pilot project in Geylang, Mr Iswaran said that the Government will leverage on technology to better tackle crime. He added that it would take between three and five years before all the initiatives are implemented fully. There are currently CCTV cameras in place at key installations and MRT stations as a safeguard. Last week, the National Environment Agency and PUB, the national water agency, announced plans to install 55 additional CCTV cameras as an early- warning system against potential flash floods in low-lying areas.