Ouagadougou: The Minister of Security, through the Secretary General, Commander Ahmed Ou©draogo, has introduced the "24/7 Security" initiative, a video surveillance system designed to improve emergency police response and bolster citizen involvement in urban areas.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the initiative integrates video surveillance with emergency police operations, allowing observers to notify police in real-time about suspicious activities anywhere in the city for swift on-ground intervention. This system is supported by a network of several hundred cameras, enabling the police to detect activities that might compromise public safety or contradict republican values, thereby ensuring an appropriate response.

The "24/7 Security" initiative also aims to enforce video fines for offenses committed in urban areas, as noted by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Security. This development coincides with the Patriotic Days, and Mr. Ou©draogo anticipates that it will promote self-discipline among citizens, emphasizing that it is impractical to station police officers at every traffic light or intersection.

The implementation of this technology serves as a reminder that any crime committed in urban areas can be monitored and that individuals will be held accountable for their actions, Commander Ou©draogo cautioned.

Part of the Ministry of Security's SMART project, the video surveillance covers all police activities managed by both the police and the national gendarmerie. Depending on the situation, the surveillance team alerts the relevant units to ensure a prompt and effective response. For instance, in case of a traffic accident, the national fire brigade is informed to enable swift assistance to victims.