A new, expanded system of high-tech CCTV security cameras has not turned Bermuda into a police state, it has been claimed.

Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, gave the assurance at a public meeting last night.

The meeting, held at St Paul AME Church on Court Street, was organised to update the public on how the new system will work, and to also dispel concerns about privacy and a potential infringement on personal freedoms.

During a Q&A session, Mr Simons was asked by one audience member if the island was turning into a police state.

Mr Simons replied emphatically: “I don’t think Bermuda is on its way to becoming a police state, although I do recognise the impact that discussions like this can bring about feelings.

“But we’re just nowhere near that kind of space.”

In response to another audience question, Mr Simons pointed out that, although the number of cameras has increased, coverage was far less intense than in London.

Mr Simons pointed out that CCTV cameras were first installed more than 20 years ago and had been upgraded once before.

“This is nothing new,” he said.

However, he did accept that privacy concerns had become a bigger issue in recent years.

He said: “I speak to my 20 years involved in this project. I’m not saying privacy was never a topic but it’s just not like today. I think the level of discourse around privacy in general is a topic of conversation in the community.

“And quite frankly I think that’s a good thing. I think people wondering about their privacy, asking about their privacy, asking the Government to explain why this is the case, is absolutely a good thing.

“We as a police organisation are open and accountable and desiring of those questions to be asked.”

Mr Simons began his detailed presentation with a logistical breakdown of the number and type of cameras in place.

He said that the network had increased from 154 cameras to 247, the vast majority of which are now operational.

He said that research had been conducted to decide where the cameras were located — the majority have been placed on major roads and crime hotspots.

He said: “We have to have justification for why we selected that site.

“Having a camera in someone’s backyard, even if it is a high-crime area, is not going to land well.”

The commissioner said that although technically far superior to the old network, the new cameras could not record audio.

He also said that signs will be posted advising motorists and pedestrians when they were entering a CCTV surveillance area.

He said: “There is no covert installation of CCTV cameras. All cameras are in plain sight. There are no hidden cameras.”

Mr Simons said that the operation of CCTV cameras was governed by a raft of regulations imposed by Britain.

A list of 12 guiding principles includes:

• Images and information will be retained for 180 days and be securely deleted when no longer relevant

• Access to retained images and information should be restricted, with defined rules for access and disclosure

• The implementation of security measures to protect CCTV images and information

• The adherence to operational and competency standard

• The implementation of review and audit mechanisms to ensure legal compliance

Mr Simons also pointed out that the system adheres to the Personal Information Protection Act code of practice, the storage and security of the data will be strictly in compliance with Pipa and recorded material will not be used for commercial or entertainment purposes.

After his presentation, Mr Simons took part in a 15-minute conversation with Alexander White, the Privacy Commissioner, before taking questions from the audience.

The presentation was opened by Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, who also gave assurances to the audience that their privacy was not being invaded.

He said: “These cameras are not there to spy on people. They are there to support law enforcement in keeping our streets, parks and neighbourhoods safe.

“They are an added tool to help deter crime and assist the police in solving serious incidents, including the gun and gang violence that has caused so much pain in our community.

“But I must stress this. These cameras are not a substitute for what really makes the difference — that is, the people of Bermuda stepping up, standing together and working with the police.

“Technology helps, yes, but it is the courage of residents who come forward, who report what they see, and speak up when they know something that truly helps solve crime.

“We have seen time and again that when our community engages, when people provide information, the police can act, and we can prevent the next act of violence.

“These cameras must be seen as just one part of the solution. They are a tool, but they cannot replace the role that each of us has in creating a safer Bermuda. It takes a community that refuses to be silent, that refuses to let violence rule our streets.”