CCTV

What could I use CCTV for?

Recording Crime  CCTV monitors your chosen environment and captures images of events as they unfold, recording them electronically along with time and date of recording. They are used in a variety of situations, as evidence of crimes or potential crimes, and to identify perpetrators.

Deterring Crime  Often, their presence is intended to deter crime because their presence as a potential witness, discourages people from misbehaving.

Monitoring Very Sick Patients – Hospitals can use 24 hour CCTV to watch very at-risk patients from a central location, limiting the number of staff required, but being able at short notice, to respond to any untoward events.

Where is CCTV used?

People often locate CCTV in hidden places around buildings or outside them, where vandalism is frequent, or to prevent people breaking in unseen. Garages often use CCTV on their forecourts and large shops usually have CCTV surveillance cameras in place to prevent of detect shoplifting.

How does it work?

CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. The cameras record the images to locally connected recorded – usually now a hard disk recorder –  and simultaneously, display events onto a TV screen, which is visible to an attendant or security centre staff. Any suspicious activity can be alerted to the appropriate authorities who can react very quickly.

Is it expensive?

CCTV systems are becoming relatively cheap now, though it depends what quality of images you require.

Are there rules governing its use?

Yes. The Data Protection 1998, CCTV Code of Practice, and the Human Rights Act also may apply if your cameras are deemed to be violating someone’s privacy. It is best to check. You must display a sign clearly stating that cameras are in use in the area.

CCTV does not remove the need to take normal anti–crime precautions. But it may provide extra security that helps to keep staff and property safer.