Police will have access to footage from up to 1000 new CCTV cameras to be installed across Sydney's west.
Seven weeks out from the NSW election, Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Tuesday committed $5 million over four years to roll out the cameras in eligible businesses and community organisations.
Businesses can apply for the cameras but police will decide where they'll be installed and have full access to the footage.
"Police are the best ones to monitor security, to make sure they match evidence in criminal proceedings but also to monitor community activity," Ms Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.
The premier said the cameras will also act as deterrents as people are less likely to commit a crime if they know they're being watched.
"Surveillance is part-and-parcel of modern day life," she said.
"If you're doing the right thing, you have nothing to fear."
NSW Police assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell said CCTV is essential for police in investigations and gives the public a sense of safety.
Community groups and small businesses in 10 local government areas across western and south-west Sydney will be the first to participate in the program before it's assessed for expansion across NSW.
