The Mayor of Douglas Councillor Carol Malarkey held a reception for members of the Council’s ICT team after their CCTV system and communications suite project was voted a finalist in the 2013 Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence.
The team achieved their finalist position in the Excellence in use of Technology category, sponsored by Canaccord Genuity Wealth. The project was led by head of ICT Daniel Looney and designed, said the Mayor, ‘as a solution with the sole purpose of making Douglas a safer and more welcoming place, allowing everyone the opportunity to enjoy a “cleaner, safer, greener” borough.’
Mr Looney explained that central to the solution was the creation of a class-leading CCTV communications and control suite, using a range of current and future technologies, and also a CCTV technology platform capable of future enhancement and growth. Partnership had been critical to the success of the project, at the heart of which was working with member agencies of the Douglas Community Partnership, particularly the Council’s electrical services and borough wardens teams, Douglas Development Partnership, Isle of Man Constabulary, Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service and government departments.
‘The project was delivered on time, within budget and exceeded original expectations. It is a flagship facility of which the people of Douglas and the whole Island can be proud,’ said the Mayor. She continued: ‘Such is the excellence of the system that it inspired UK Business Head of Siemens Security Products to say: “At a time when many local authorities are reducing services, Douglas Borough Council has had the foresight to recognise the important role CCTV has to play in ensuring community safety. We applaud the Council's vision and share its passion for embracing new technology that has the power to bring tangible benefits to society. It has proved a pleasure to work with Danny, together with his team of committed technicians, the Council's supportive leadership and cooperative local suppliers in the island to bring this innovative project to a successful conclusion.”’
The CCTV and communications control suite went live in May 2013, following which the room was manned through the TT period by volunteer and full-time police officers. Inspector Juan Kinley said: ‘As budgets are trimmed there is an impact on policing so this project is a superb example of just what can be achieved working in partnership to deliver a pioneering solution that’s already proving extremely valuable.’
The Mayor said: ‘To break significant new ground in technology projects is rare. This project has been picked up by the UK press and other organisations, and a number of articles have been published following the launch of the suite, the focus of which is the resourcefulness of the Isle of Man in producing industry-leading solutions in a complex industry.’
Photo - The Mayor of Douglas Councillor Carol Malarkey and mayoress Councillor Sara Hackman with members of the Council’s ICT team together with officers and staff, also Sergeant Wendy Barker and Inspector Juan Kinley. Picture Andrew Barton.
