Metro cops press P10-M CCTV system at NLEX, SLEX

In a bid to catch motoring criminals trying to escape via the North and South Luzon Expressways (NLEX, SLEX), Metro Manila police have earmarked P10 million for a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system that can recognize vehicle license plates. But Metro Manila police chief Director Roberto Rosales asked the management of NLEX and SLEX to provide counterpart funds for the ambitious project. “Given its vast potential benefits to the motoring and commuting public whose continued patronage of the tollway system sustain the operations of NLEX and SLEX, I am confident that they will consider the proposal as part of their goal to add value to their services and corporate social responsibility initiative," he said in an article on the Metro Manila police Website. He proposed that the CCTV system have Plate Number Recognition. Rosales submitted his proposal through the Joint Anti-Bank Robbery Action Committee (JABRAC), whose members include the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP). "The proposed CCTV System can scan, profile and identify motor vehicles at speed of fraction of a second using modern digital character recognition technology. This will enable law enforcers to monitor the passage of certain vehicles that are being pursued or determine if a plate does not match the model and make of a vehicle," the Metro Manila police said. Rosales said the CCTV monitoring system will be very effective in addressing crimes like kidnapping, car theft, hijacking, bank robbery, and other crimes committed by suspects within the confines of NLEX and SLEX. In case of a car chase, chokepoints and checkpoints could immediately be established in case suspected vehicles are spotted around the jurisdiction of the monitored area. “The monitoring system will not only help us document incidents of crime for purposes of presenting them as evidence in court but, will also enable us to immediately and appropriately respond to any crime incident that happens within NLEX and SLEX and adjoining thoroughfares," Rosales said. — LBG, GMANews.TV