The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX) plan to deploy a total of over 200,000 police cameras (PolCam) by the mid-2030s, said the Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity Josephine Teo.

This is more than double the current number of PolCams in Singapore, said Teo, who is also the Second Minister of Home Affairs, during the Committee of Supply debate in parliament on Feb. 29, 2024.

Teo said,

"We need to improve our sense-making capabilities to detect threats earlier and respond faster and better."

Teo said PolCam has proven to be very effective in deterring, detecting, and solving crime.

In 2012, there were more than 7,600 reports of property damage due to physical harassment by unlicensed moneylenders, said Teo.

In 2023, there were fewer than 1200.

Teo added that PolCams have helped police solve around 7,500 cases.

"In some incidents, footage aided by video analytics have enabled the police to identify, locate, and apprehend the suspects involved within hours of a crime being reported," Teo remarked.

The ministry will progressively replace all the cameras and expand coverage across more locations islandwide.

Over 90,000 PolCams installed since its launch in 2012

MHA previously said that over 90,000 PolCams have been installed across the island in neighbourhoods and public areas since its launch in 2012.

They also said that at least 200,000 PolCams will be installed by 2030.

Top image via SPF.