The cameras are primarily located in the centers of Umeå and Skellefteå, as well as districts like Ålidhem, Ersboda, and Mariehem, according to multiple reports. Police inspector Niclas Söderstedt said the number of cameras has increased, but the police will not say exactly how many there are or where they are placed. He added that the cameras are not hidden.
The purpose of the cameras includes crime prevention, but footage is often used for crime investigation, according to reports. Police can monitor cameras in real time, but a decision is required to do so, said Michael Rystedt, police area chief in Umeå. All images showing into houses and most showing restaurants and outdoor seating areas are masked. Footage is saved for over 30 days, and there are no obstacles to extracting footage for a crime even if the penalty level is too low.
Areas with cameras have become calmer, according to Söderstedt. In Östergötland, cameras have great significance for identifying suspects and for evidence, said John Andåker, investigation chief at police in Östergötland. Police in Östergötland want to set up more cameras because they see a need, according to operational coordinator Johan Holgersson. The number of fixed and temporary police surveillance cameras in Östergötland includes 67 in Linköping and 53 in Norrköping, among others, according to Police Region East.