In an effort to improve public safety and lower crime, the Mourão City Council and the GNR will sign a cooperation protocol to install a video surveillance system on the town’s streets. Even though there is not a "climate of alarm" in the city, video surveillance on Mourão's streets will guarantee a higher "perception of public safety," according to mayor João Fortes.
“Municipalities will increasingly face the challenge of ensuring public safety within their boundaries”, João Fortes noted. The investment in video surveillance, expected to range between 70 thousand and 80 thousand euros, represents a significant commitment, though it is not yet formally budgeted.
The protocol, to be signed, outlines the legal framework and operational principals for the system. The council stated that this project is designed to enhance public safety, reduce crime, and improve the efficiency of the GNR’s operations. The Mayor highlighted that the video surveillance system would contribute to greater “serenity and tranquillity” for residents, even in a town where violent crime is almost non-existent.
The project, expected to be completed within a year, will involve the installation of 12 strategically placed cameras, with locations chosen in collaboration with the GNR. Key sites include Praça da República, the castle, the health centre, the town hall, and the gym.
The system will be monitored from the Évora District Command's control room, allowing for broader oversight and enabling physical patrolling to cover areas outside the cameras’ reach, particularly at night.