AMERICAN officials came to town last week to see how Wycombe District Council fights crime using its CCTV cameras.

The aim of the visit last Thursday was to show the international visitors how the council uses CCTV technology to help identify situations that may need attention and to deter and aid the prosecution of criminals.

The council's CCTV operation consists of a network of 150 cameras being monitored 24 hours a day with a direct link to the local police.

The guests included the Chief of Police, Fire Chief, a staff representative to the Mayor of New Jersey City and the vice president of a major CCTV consultancy from New York, as well as representatives of High Wycombe's local police.

A council spokesman said: "The visit was very successful and gave our visitors a very worthwhile insight into how CCTV technology works in Wycombe District to help the police, as well as protecting the safety of our public."

The meeting was arranged by the UK branch of international CCTV technologists, Optimum, which said the CCTV network at Wycombe District Council was one of the largest and best-run systems of local authorities in the country.

John Pavlouich, Associate Vice President of Edwards and Kelcey, in New York, thanked all the council officers involved with the visit and said the meeting had been very enjoyable and informative.