Mitie, the facilities management company, has teamed up with Facewatch to launch what they term intelligent and proactive security monitoring for businesses, called SafeWatch. That combines alarm monitoring with CCTV surveillance to provide real-time visual verification of an incident. Staff thus can raise an alert.
As a result, the firms say, police response times are faster compared to traditional alarm and CCTV monitoring, and due to the visual evidence and crime reports produced the rate of convictions is higher. Police have estimated that they save about four hours of admin per crime by not having to recover CCTV on discs. They are also able to start their investigations within minutes rather than the average of two to four weeks, it is claimed.
SafeWatch alerts the surveillance centre to the incident, and automatically provides real-time visuals of the incident. Staff at Mitec, Mitie’s CAT II BS 5979 technology centre providing 24/7 remote assistance, can broadcast audio warnings to assailants and update police accordingly.
After an incident, all images are compiled as evidence and passed to the police. Participating partners can share watch lists and threat profiles of assailants. West Mercia Police say Facewatch’s platform allows more collaboration between security staff, police and retail staff, and has driven a 41.5pc reduction in retail crime in Hereford city centre, pictured. West Midlands Police reported that since the introduction of Facewatch they have seen a 30pc reduction in routine call outs.
Jason Towse, managing director of Mitie’s Total Security Management (TSM) business, said: “We’re really excited to be working with Facewatch in bringing this unique solution to market. SafeWatch is an ideal fit with our integrated approach to security, using technology to enhance what we deliver. Mitec’s highly trained operatives are well placed to support in this highly responsive remote monitoring and assistance of personal attack and intruder alarms.”
And Simon Gordon, Chairman of Facewatch, added: “SafeWatch will lead the way in the monitoring arena, protecting businesses and their employees and customers 24 hours a day, when operational or closed. The benefits of getting real-time video and reporting to police online are significant and will make the UK a safer place as this rolls out nationally.”
