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Safer Bristol launches pilot 'talking' CCTV cameras

Bristol is to trial 'talking' CCTV cameras as part of its drive to tackle anti-social behaviour and violent crime.

Specialist microphone equipment that will allow CCTV operators to address individuals whose behaviour has attracted the attention of a CCTV operator will be attached to a number of existing cameras in the centre of Bristol.

The three-month pilot scheme, which is being funded by the Safer Bristol Partnership in close partnership with Avon and Somerset Police and Bristol City Council's Emergency Control room, is due to get under way next month.

Key aims are:

. Reducing anti-social behaviour and violent crime

. Discouraging littering and communicating with members of the public carrying glass bottles, especially in the city's No Alcohol Zones

. Increasing public confidence about personal safety

Councillor Peter Hammond, Chair of the Safer Bristol Partnership, said: "There is encouraging evidence from other towns and cities where this technology has been trialled that it does help reduce anti-social behaviour and crime by enabling CCTV operators to address a member of the public directly.

"CCTV has already made an important contribution in Bristol and we will be looking closely at the results of the pilot when it finishes in the New Year to see what further impact this new technology has had on crime and anti-social behaviour."

The equipment, which will be operated by staff at Bristol City Council's Emergency Control room, cannot 'hear' anything said by a member of the public.

Sergeant Matt Parfitt from the City Centre Team said: "The police are happy and keen to embrace any technology which will prevent and detect crime and make the people of Bristol feel safer.

"This system is being used successfully in other cities and will hopefully bring it home to people that anti-social behaviour is not something that will be tolerated in Bristol whilst reassuring the huge majority of the law abiding public.

"We continue our successful partnership working with Bristol City Council to promote a Safer Bristol and look forward to the outcome of the trials."

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