CCTV systems recording onto videotape have to remember the basics if they are to work to potential, it is argued.
Companies are investing in more and more sophisticated CCTV systems in the attempt to combat crime – but is this enough? According to most commentators, the truth is that CCTV can only have a real impact on reducing crime, if systems are used and maintained properly. There is no denying the importance of the correct maintenance and procedures. Not only must systems comply with Human Rights Act and the Data Protection Act, but they should also fulfil their function and objective. The deterrent effect on criminals is hugely undermined if proper use is neglected. And all too often this is often what happens. In June, we heard the sad story of a 60-year-old woman who was raped in a West London mental health unit. The case then became tragic when we learnt that the police?s hopes of identifying the perpetrator were dashed because the CCTV camera had run out of videotape. Poorly equipped and maintained systems cost not only money, but also convictions. The police have said that in 70 per cent of cases, CCTV images they would like to use in court are ruled inadmissible. Far too often the quality of the images or the way in which they have been gathered and stored disqualifies them from legal use. The police have reported that criminals are far more likely to plead guilty when faced with the undeniable evidence of their actions on videotape. So we see that the investment in CCTV systems, which can cost tens of thousands of pounds to install, is rendered worthless because the annual maintenance budget is being shorn. Some system owners may consider it worthwhile skimping on the maintenance budget and, for example, decide to buy low-cost CCTV tapes, which always proves to be a false economy. There is no such thing as a short cut when it comes to selecting such a crucial piece of the jigsaw. Often, the images recorded on a CCTV system are going to be those taken from a large area, or possibly from a site with inferior lighting conditions. In such cases, the need for crystal clear images is absolutely imperative. With an inferior quality or worn tape, it may not be possible to use such images. Conclusion: public support may begin to wane if the basic tenets of CCTV good practice are forgotten. But CCTV is not to blame; after all we wouldn?t expect cars to run without petrol in their tanks.
