CCTV & Emergency Radio Network now in Operation

By Lise Schmidt/

Apia, Samoa – 08 October 2024 – The Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras are now in full operation at the main Beach Road in Apia, the Taufusi four corners and Vaitele.

The CCTV cameras have been installed for some time and together with the Emergency Radio Network (ERN) systems and the Police Operation Centre were only officially launched last Friday by the Minister of Police, Faualo Harry Schuster.

The launching of the three projects is also in line with the security surveillance operations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at the end of the month.

CCTV cameras are already installed at strategic points along the CHOGM Peninsular Road from the Mulinu’u peninsula to the Taumeasina Resort and cameras are also installed at the traffic lights at Taufusi and several unspecified locations at the rapidly growing industrial area at Vaitele.

“These initiatives collectively aim to bolster the responsiveness and readiness of law enforcement agencies, ensuring enhanced safety for both citizens and international delegates attending the upcoming summit,” said Faualo.

The effectiveness of CCTV cameras was tested when it captured clear images of students who were involved in the recent fight between Maluafou and St. Joseph Colleges.

The Minster of Police said putting cameras in public places will not only assist police but can be a deterrent in illegal activities or school fights as seen lately.

The installation of CCTV cameras has proven invaluable, and the incident, which drew significant attention, was captured in real-time by the surveillance cameras, allowing police to easily identify and apprehend the individuals involved.

The presence of these cameras has not only enhanced the police’s ability to monitor activity but has also raised awareness among residents on the issue of privacy.

Significant of these developments to Samoa’s security landscape
During the launch, the head of the Ministry of Police Information and Communications sector, Laulu Angelo Chan Mow demonstrated how the CCTV Camera and Emergency Radio Network work in the police’s security operations.

The current project was the result of a review of the police security system conducted in 2022 and it identified outdated systems, unencrypted communications and a significant portion of non-functional infrastructure, all posing critical risks to national security.

“The findings, which underscored the urgency of upgrading the network, were presented to Cabinet for approval. Consequently, the responsibility for overseeing these crucial upgrades was assigned to SPPCS, with financial backing from the Australia Federal Police and the Government of Australia,” he said.

He believes the installation of high-definition cameras in the Central Business District and areas prone to crime will improve situational awareness, allowing for real-time monitoring and quicker response times, significantly enhancing the safety of both residents and visitors as Samoa prepares to host CHOGM.