In Hampshire, Eastleigh Council’s public realm Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) estate is no longer fit for purpose, and ‘offers limited public protection’. As the costs of operation are not sustainable, the system needs to be decommissioned, according to a report to councillors.
The report noted that the council needed a ‘control room function’ on a 24-hour basis to monitor and operate the council’s ‘Pay-on-Foot’ parking, including a newly installed system at Itchen Valley Country Park. Like other councils with ageing analogue-era equipment from the turn of the millennium, Eastleigh admitted that the ‘defunct elements may give an unrealistic perception of the service’ provided by the council. While one option was to discontinue public realm CCTV altogether, the report proposed ‘a smaller public realm CCTV network’. Up to 15 new cameras would focus on targeted areas; as for finding the money for them, the report suggested approaching the Hampshire police and crime commissioner (PCC). As background, recent rounds of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, funnelled through PCCs, has gone on measures to combat violence against women and girls, including on-street CCTV and lighting.
Again like other councils, Eastleigh operates a number of standalone CCTV systems across its properties which are not monitored from its control room. The report suggested bringing such buildings’ CCTV into any new control room ‘to achieve further savings’. Eastleigh might outsourced its monitoring to another council. The report by corporate director Dee O’Rourke estimated that a capital budget of up to £200,000 could be required to cover building alterations and the fit-out of a new control room including the management software.
According to a survey, the council found that perceived crime and anti-social behaviour in Eastleigh town centre was high; yet many saw a value in public space CCTV as a deterrent and as a tool. Those who expressed an opinion overwhelmingly wanted to maintain or replace the town centre cameras; and expressed wishes for cameras in other parts of the borough, such as in parks and playgrounds; and in Chandlers Ford and Hedge End, among other places. Some responding to the survey spoke explicitly in terms of their own safety, such as a woman who stated, ‘I naturally worry in car parks and parks most.’
Meanwhile in west London, Richmond Council has brought out a CCTV strategy for 2024 to 2029.
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader, said: “CCTV is critical in our mission to keep Richmond the safest borough in London. It allows us to work rapidly with the police to prevent crime and track down perpetrators which was recently proven when a CCTV operator helped the police catch three suspects who robbed and set a fire at a café in Twickenham, showing how vital real-time monitoring can be in solving crimes quickly. Residents can be reassured that CCTV is something we continue to invest in so they can feel safe in their communities.”
Proposed is use of Rapid Deployment Cameras for response to specific, time-limited issues. A Joint Control Centre (JCC) monitors high-definition cameras in the borough; covering crime prevention, antisocial behaviour, fly-tipping, and graffiti.
The November edition of Professional Security Magazine, pictured, features Salisbury City Council’s control room in the city police station.
