Walu, I'd like to add a comment.
 
Below would be a very basic overview of a metro cctv system. As it becomes clear, the task is not cheap nor simple:
 
- Webcams and wifi/simple data platforms can only provide very limited functions as they have serious limitations on picture size, quality and control.
- As a minimum, IP cameras can be used with high quality lens assemblies. These provide Wide angle, Pan,Tilt and Zoom features that can be remotely accessed by the operator. ( Added costs )
- IP cameras or even regular cameras with analogue to digital conversion streams consume a lot of local loop capacity between them and an operator room. With the fiber optic growth in major cities, this may no longer a problem
- All cameras require some sort of low light boosters in areas where there are low light conditions eg, infrared etc. ( Added costs )
- As the system would be tamper proof, special power backup ( eg solar ) and protection would be necessary. ( Added Costs )
- The cctv operation centre etc would need an archive system to store all the data gathered for  analysis etc. ( A huge cost here )
- Training would need to be provided to operation centre staff.
 
Imagine someone hacking into a wifi camera system and able to monitor the events? This itself would be a big issue to security.
 
I guess there would be need for some sort of a security policy and budgets to push for the technology implementation over a period of a few years. Hopefully policy makers will see the urgency and push forward plans to make it more safer for all.
 
With Rgds.
 
Aki.
 
 

 
On Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 12:30 PM, Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo@gmail.com> wrote:
On Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 10:44 AM, John Walubengo <jwalu@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Yesterday evening (6.30pm) i parked just outside the Hilton and lost my second side mirror within the year.  Fine, i didnt tip the security guard but it was because he wasnt in site...
>
> Anyway, just wondering, with all this 'Butterfly' cameras and now 'HOTSPOTS' hovering above the City, why cant the Police take advantage of them and beef up security?  I dont think we need to wait for the year 2030 or another multi-billion donor funded project for this to happen. I suspect there is still a HUGE disconnect between regular (r-)Government and electronic (e-)Government.
>
> May you have a safer evening tonite.