A white paper by Dal Cais Research (DCR) suggests networked CCTV could be used by UK police and local government against street crime.
The white paper, entitled ?Live Networked Video and Crime & Disorder: The implications of digital CCTV and modern policing? argues that Live Networked Video?s accessibility, scalability and quality of imaging will make it a significant weapon in the battle to contain street crime and anti-social behavior in UK cities. The DCR white paper discusses common CCTV functions and their benefit to the public, explains the differences between analogue and live networked video technologies and then argues how this will improve the efficiency of public-space surveillance in the UK. The advantages of live networked video, DCR say, include its scaleable infrastructure, ease of deployment and simpler, cost-effective distribution of images. Of particular significance to DCR is the way Live Networked Video can greatly reduce administrative red tape for operators while making them more publicly accountable. One of the key factors driving the uptake of live networked video, according to DCR, is the UK Government?s commitment to eGovernment at both a local and national level. This initiative encourages local and national authorities to improve efficiency of data sharing via existing networks. DCR suggests that using IT infrastructure to link separate local and national authorities in crime and disorder partnerships will accelerate the adoption rate of Live Networked Video. Once established, live networked video applications will strengthen these emerging relationships by enabling different teams to co-ordinate their resources around shared video evidence, DCR say.
What they say
Mat Hanrahan, founder and principal analyst, DCR, said: ?Despite the fact the UK has been investing heavily in CCTV since the late eighties, we are currently suffering one of the biggest increases in street-crime on record.? The Home Office?s present crime reduction initiatives recommend partnership and co-operation between community, local authorities and the police force, but the operational costs of analogue CCTV systems restrict the service to the immediate needs of the police and the Criminal Justice System. A live networked video solution, in contrast, DCR say, would use IP to simultaneously deliver regular bulletins to the desktops of interested parties such as drug allocation resource teams, a truancy officer or a housing department – on demand. DCR?s white paper is available at www.indigovision.com
