Someone to watch over us

The deployment of CCTV cameras – the ever-increasing presence of which was once the subject of public outrage amid concerns surrounding an Orwellian-style police state – is likely to become more widespread over the next few years. Ongoing improvements in digital technology, burgeoning Government funding and a growing body of evidential material suggest that CCTV surveillance is one of the most effective deterrents and detection methods in the fight against crime. It will therefore continue to play an important role in our everyday lives.

Under the umbrella of the Government's Crime Reduction Programme, the first round of funding saw £55 million awarded to CCTV schemes across the UK throughout 1999. The implementation of a further 300-plus Government-backed schemes began last year, which showed exactly how much faith Parliament appears to hold in today's monitoring systems.

Tragic but important lessons
In recent times, the general public has learnt a tragic, but very important lesson from CCTV surveillance. Who could ever forget the haunting images of little James Bulger being abducted from a Liverpool Shopping Centre? Or the last footage of BBC journalist Jill Dando doing her shopping?

And what about the pictures of Damilola Taylor walking home from the library before he met his tragic fate, Millie Dowler at the train station and Marsha McDonnell taking what turned out to be her last-ever bus journey. Of course, none of the footage captured can ever bring these unfortunate people back to us, but crucially it often provides the police with a time line and – in many cases – witnesses and potential suspects.

As a result of very public cases such as these, and many equally high profile incidents involving terrorist activity, public confidence in surveillance systems has now reached an all-time high. People recognise how strategically important CCTV systems really are in the war on street crime and terrorism. However, if that degree of confidence is to be maintained, then the background of CCTV operators, their levels of training and the reasons for deploying CCTV systems must all be beyond reproach.

On a personal level, I've heard many an 'Urban Legend' of operators misusing their 'Bird's Eye View'. Some of those 'Legends' have been almost funny, while others have been of great concern... Raising the question in my own mind as to who's watching me? And you, for that matter...?

Checking operator backgrounds
Let's address each issue in turn. First, the problem of checking past histories for contracted CCTV operators should be resolved by the introduction of licensing via the Security Industry Authority. Contract, uniformed CCTV operators will fall under the same licensing criteria as any other security officer. They'll require a licence to operate legally in the industry and that, combined with a robust vetting procedure – as detailed in BS 7858 – should alleviate the major concerns.

What do we do about in-house operatives, though? Like all in-house security officers, there will be no mandatory licensing of such individuals in the short term, a fact about which the industry should be mindful given that it could (potentially, at least) allow the creation of a two-tier system.

Training is also an area of grave concern. All-too-often a brand new, highly sophisticated CCTV system has been carefully planned out, expertly installed and subsequently commissioned at considerable cost, but little or no thought is given to the education of that system's operators. Training is essential to the success of any surveillance operation, and this should be rigorous and ongoing. It must also be structured to ensure that all operators are not only familiar with the equipment, but are also in a position to enhance their knowledge of legal matters and relevant standards.

Again speaking on a personal level, I've visited numerous Control Rooms where no tape management system has been put in place, access control is at best poor and equipment deployment little short of haphazard.

More importantly, some of the operators I've spoken to have absolutely no understanding of the implications surrounding the Human Rights Act 1998, the Data Protection Act 1998, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and BS 7858:1999. Such findings are very alarming, particularly as SITO (in partnership with Broadland Training), Tavcom Training, iTell Associates and ADT – to name but a few specialist companies – all offer excellent CCTV operator training courses.

Of course, the CCTV User Group can also provide cogent advice to the end user.

Control Room procedures and the operators working to those procedural requirements are at the very heart of a successful monitoring scheme. It's very unfortunate that too many technically sound systems have been all but destroyed by operator error. That must cease.

CCTV system deployment
The third area of concern is deployment. The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology has expressed a view that if the aforementioned public confidence in CCTV camera systems is to be maintained, then there has to be much tighter control in relation to camera deployment.

Back in July 2000, the Data Protection Commissioner published a Code of Practice for all end users of CCTV camera systems. The Code sets out a comprehensive framework for CCTV system operation, offering some excellent Best Practice guidance. Great emphasis is placed on the siting of cameras, highlighting the need for careful consideration of location prior to final installation.

In basic terms, there are several points to be borne in mind. Cameras should always be sited in such a way that they only monitor those spaces to which the public have access, and are intended to be monitored. Users should consult with the owners of the spaces in which images are recorded, while operators must be aware (at all times) of the purpose for which the scheme(s) has been established. In addition, CCTV equipment may only be used for the purpose for which it was originally installed.

All CCTV cameras that are adjustable by operators must be restricted such that they cannot then be manipulated to overlook those spaces to which the public has no access (private gardens being a classic example). Operators must be trained to recognise privacy implications, and – importantly – signs should be placed in the proximity of the cameras so that members of the public are fully aware they're entering a monitored zone covered by surveillance equipment.

CCTV signage should be at least A3 in size, and clearly visible to all members of the public. The signs must contain the following information: the identity of the person or organisation responsible for the CCTV system, the system's overriding purpose and details of whom to contact regarding the CCTV operation. In exceptional cases, however, the use of signage may not in fact be necessary.

CCTV scheme managers must endeavour to ensure that their operators understand just how important they are, and how crucial their role is in maintaining a safe and secure environment for not only the local community, but society at large.

As an industry, we have an obligation to safeguard the integrity of our people, and to create professional operators proud of the role they play in protecting the public.