EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Heerlen: Video surveillance at Hoensbroek, Heerlerheide and Akerstraat

Heerlen: Video surveillance at Hoensbroek, Heerlerheide and Akerstraat

Introduction

In a follow-up to the very successful video surveillance in the centre and the GMS neighbourhood, entitled Operatie Hartslag (Operation Heartbeat), the same concept will be used in the problem areas of Hoensbroek, Heerlerheide and the Akerstraat Noord.

Problem

The aim of the project is to improve both the objective (measurable) safety and the subjective (perceived) safety. A central feature of the project is to improve cooperation among the authorities, the police, local people and the business community, in order to improve safety.

Description

Video cameras with read functions and a follow-up policy will be introduced to tackle disturbances in public areas. The following activities will be carried out to facilitate video surveillance: construction of the infrastructure, installation of video cameras, organising consultations for coordination between police, the local community and businesses, setting up an information campaign and carrying out an evaluation to measure the effects of the video surveillance.

Approach

The spearheads within the Heerlen programme document are:

Innovative neighbourhood philosophy: links between policy levels (regional and local level) in the approach to problem areas.
Neighbourhood development programmes: promoting self-activation in the neighbourhoods.
Following on from and fitting in with the developments and innovation pilots from government.
Station district Centrum-Noord: station district is pilot point between the privileged and the under-privileged.
Working on self-awareness and improving one's image.

Results

Improving safety in a neighbourhood has a positive effect on amenities and economic activities in the area. When people feel safe, the area’s appeal as a place to live, work and shop increases.

EU involvement

URBAN II is an initiative of the European Commission. The aim is to support innovative projects in the field of urban regeneration in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The URBAN II projects will set an example for national urban policy. In the Netherlands, areas in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Heerlen have been allocated for the period 2000-2006. In Heerlen the URBAN II project involves six neighbourhoods with a total of 43,806 inhabitants, in the north and east of the city.

Financing

European subsidy: € 75.751
Total cost: € 750.000

Contact info

The local programme management, tel. +31 45 5604209

Project start date

01/06/2005

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Security & crime prevention > Crime prevention

Keywords

Camera surveillance