Closed circuit television (CCTV)

In its simplest form a CCTV system consists of a television camera joined by a transmission link such as a cable to a monitor sited in the guard room or central control point. More complex systems use several cameras and monitors or a single monitor with a switching system to display camera pictures in sequence. Additional facilities such as recorders, automatic switching in response to an alarm signal may be used.

CCTV should form part of the total security system and should not be used on its own. It cannot replace security staff, although it may permit a reduction in their number or their redeployment to other security activities.

Using CCTV can help clarify whether a security alert is real and is often vital in post-incident investigations, but only if the images are good enough to identify what happened and be used in court.

External lighting will help security staff and improve the capabilities of CCTV systems if it is carefully designed and used. Effective CCTV systems may help to deter a terrorist attack or even identify planning activity. Good quality images can provide crucial evidence in court.

If you contract in staff who operate CCTV equipment, they must be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). This applies if the CCTV equipment is deployed into fixed positions or has a pan, tilt and zoom capability and where operators:

• proactively monitor the activities of members of the public whether they are in public areas or on private property
• use cameras to focus on the activities of particular people either by controlling or directing cameras to an individual’s activities
• use cameras to look out for particular individuals
• use recorded CCTV images to identify individuals or to investigate their activities.

Checklist

• do you have your cameras regularly maintained?
• do the cameras cover the entrances and exits to your building?
• do you have cameras covering critical areas in your business, such as server rooms or cash offices?
• do you store the images in accordance with the evidential needs of the police?
• could you positively identify an individual from the recorded images on your CCTV system?