KEY POINTS:
Sitting in a dark, secluded spot just off Auckland's K Rd, a group of drug dealers probably thought they'd found the perfect place to sell $75,000 worth of P.
But, like many criminals lurking throughout Auckland's CBD, the drug dealers were oblivious to the fact an eagle-eyed CCTV operator was watching their every move and dispatching police to their location.
The dealers are now before the courts facing a raft of charges.
The recent case is just one of many successes that can be traced to more than 50 cameras throughout the CBD which are monitored by non-sworn staff at the Downtown police station on dozens of screens.
Senior Sergeant Ben Offner said while the cameras - which are placed at various strategic locations around the inner city - have existed for many years, their presence is largely forgotten by most of the public.
Plans are now under way to try to change that in the hope greater awareness will lead to a reduction in crime and disorder. Police are looking at several measures - from placing advertisements in papers and improving signage about the cameras - to try to improve the public's knowledge of the cameras' presence.
Another option is placing flashing blue lights on a couple of the cameras so people walking down the main roads, such as Queen St, will be reminded they are there.
Mr Offner said the cameras prove their worth on an almost nightly basis. In many cases staff monitoring them are able to direct police to potential hotspots and prevent trouble before it has a chance to develop. In other cases, the cameras are used to look for wanted people or follow cars in a pursuit. Sometimes the camera monitors simply witness crimes being committed and are able to direct officers to the scene.
An example is a case where a retired police officer, who monitors the cameras at night, noticed three youths get into a car and start it up but not leave. A fourth youth then ran into the car and it left.
A quick registration check revealed it was stolen and police officers - directed by the camera monitor who was following the fleeing car on the cameras - were able to stop it. It turned out the fourth occupant had just stolen a handbag from around the corner.
In another recent case a bag snatching had occurred earlier in the night. A camera operation recognised a group in Myer's Park from their descriptions and zoomed in to find them going through the contents of the stolen bag. They too were arrested - and the evidence was all recorded.
The cameras cover most parts of the central city and thanks to powerful zooms can get close enough to read car registrations and facial expression. One central city camera can zoom as far as the harbour bridge.
Mr Offner said police were governed by certain regulations which meant they couldn't just spy on members of the public. All footage was kept for 28 days - unless it was needed for evidential purposes - before being recorded over.
