In a statement, the Security Institute explained more:

“In recent years, CCTV has become a more prevalent topic of conversation, featuring in national and international media, particularly in high-profile investigations. The Security Institute, in its latest Good Practice Guide, supported by Dallmeier UK, brings the subject bang up to date by covering in some detail the issues of procurement, good management and legislation that managers of such systems need to be aware of. Much has been written about CCTV, albeit rarely from an informed single source. This latest guide has sought to provide a definitive resource to address the requirements when looking at this area of security.

Clockwise left: Mike Bluestone (Security Institute Chairman), Gordon Tyerman (lead author), James Walker (Dallmeier UK) and Gordon McLanaghan (editor)

Image quality and integrity are of the highest importance in any CCTV system. The quality of an image is directly related to the constituent components, from the camera through to the recorder and, if applicable, the monitoring. All of these topics and more are covered in this excellent guide which has been written by CCTV experts who are members of the Institute.

Led by renowned CCTV expert Gordon Tyerman with fellow Institute members, this guide is a must-have for all practicing or aspiring security professionals who manage CCTV systems or are involved in their procurement. Written in simple, easy to understand language, the guide is designed to demystify some of the more technical and legislative issues.”

Pictured right: James Walker (MD of Dallmeier UK) and Jerry Woods (lead editor)

Copies of the guide are available from the Security Institute online shop priced at £15 for members and £25 for non members

The CCTV National Standards Forum (CNSF) is a newly formed organisation with the aim of providing a source of independent and expert advice to the Government, regulators and a wide variety of stakeholders on issues that relate to the deployment of CCTV, both in the public and private domains within the United Kingdom. It considered that the advent of the Protection of Freedom Bill adds further relevance to the role of the group and its potential to inform the regulatory process. Membership comprises of representatives from The Security Institute, The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), The Association of Train Operating Companies, Public CCTV Managers Association, Association of Security Consultants, Retail, Health and Educational establishments and many others who have first-hand knowledge of CCTV operation and management.

This event (free to end users only) is being staged at the Queens Hotel in Leeds between 09.00 and 16.30 on Tuesday 6th November 2012 with a complimentary buffet lunch. (Manufacturers and security service providers are only able to attend this event as part of one of the Exhibition Packages available). For members of The Security Instutute participating in the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme, a maximum of 8 CPD points are available for the seminar on a self-directed basis.

Details are exhibition packages are available here or in the Booking Section of this website

After lunch there will be a ‘Question Time’ style debate where the audience will be able to pose questions to the panel who will include representatives from  the Police, The Security Institute and other industry experts. We would like to encourage delegates and manufacturers to participate in what is set to be a lively and beneficial debate on the development of the CNSF and the future of CCTV including regulation.

Throught the day there will be the opportunity for delegates to enter the prize draw for an iPad3 which has been kindly sponsored by 360 Vision. Visit the 360 Vision stand to enter the draw.

Additionally, we are staging a private networking dinner on the evening of 5th November 2012 to allow exhibitors and delegates to meet in a relaxed atmosphere before the more formal event the following day. This is being staged at the Queens Hotel. The subsidised cost for dinner, bed and breakfast for delegates only is £85 (for exhibitors the cost is the full price of £125 per person). Please let us know if you would like to join us and we will make the booking for you and invoice accordingly, which must be settled in advance of the event to secure your booking. All figures quoted exclude VAT.

Running until this Saturday 12 May, National CCTV Improvement Week encourages security practitioners and business owners to test and review security camera installations to ensure they are operating efficiently.

National CCTV Improvement Week is promoting a ’10 point plan’ for evaluating CCTV systems, that is designed to ensure systems are delivering on their operational objectives:

1 - Review the previous 12 months operation - specifically, carry out a Crime & Incident Audit and then compare it against any practical results achieved using the CCTV.

2 - Check individual CCTV camera locations and review the specific areas covered, particularly in relation to the size of ‘targets’ being displayed on screen.

3 - Evaluate the overall picture quality relative to its intended purposes; particularly if needed to fulfil a “Forensic Surveillance” role.

4 - Review the quality, suitability and effectiveness of all the system’s existing monitoring, display and transmission equipment.

5 - Test the video record quality of each camera in use, and determine its effectiveness and suitability for possible evidential use.

6 - Check and review all practical and technical procedures required to provide video recordings for evidential use.

7 - Evaluate current CCTV system monitoring procedures and ongoing maintenance practices.

8 - Review all aspects of Data Protection compliance and potential privacy concerns where applicable.

9 - Evaluate the overall CCTV performance and operations, in relation to the requirements of any existing operators “Code of Practice”

10 - Produce an appropriate action plan for initiating improvements and adjustments, where considered necessary.

To discuss this in more detail don’t hesitate to Contact Us

“I would just like to say how much myself and Terry enjoyed yesterday’s Seminar. From a Council’s perspective it was very useful especially the networking aspect” - David Burge, Charnwood Borough Council
Deputy Cheif Constable Graeme Gerrard, Cheshire Constabulary and the ACPO Lead on CCTV, was the keynote speaker and reflected over his vast experiences over the years from the Brick Lane Bombings to the August Riots as he is due to retire in April 2012. Dr Paul Reilly talked about the use of social media by both criminals and the police during last years social disturbances and DC Mick Neville of the Met Police and C/Supt Jon Straford and DS Sim Cryer of Avon & Somerset Constabulary shared their expereinces about bringing criminals to justice through the use of CCTV.  To liven up the debate, Alex Deane of Big Brother Watch shared the organisation’s concerns about surveillance and Brian Pender, Chair of the newly formed CCTV National Standards Forum (CSNF) shared an update with the audience about what the CNSF are planning.
After lunch there was a ‘Question Time’ style debate where the audience were able to pose questions to the expert panel who will included DCC Graeme Gerrard, DC Mick Neville, Dr Peter Fussey, Gordon McLanaghan and Alex Deane. Manufacturers and Service Providers who participated were:

“It was the very best to date and considering the high quality of previous years that’s some acolade” - Chris Harrison, North Somerset Council
Throughout the day, there was the opportunity to enter a draw to win a fabulous iPad2 which was kindly donated by 360 Vision. The winner was Colin Goodhind of Melksham Town Council.
“Very enjoyable event” - Christine McElhatton, Tavcom Training
We staged a private networking dinner on the evening of 5th March 2012 at the Bristol Royal Marriott Hotel to allow exhibitors and delegates to meet in a relaxed atmosphere before the more formal event the following day. Throughout the evening there was a charity raffle to raise very much needed funds for unseen(uk). In total we raised over £820. We had fabulous prizes donated which included £300 of Apple Vouchers donated by UK Broadband and won by Neil Walker of Thinking Space, a bottle of champagne donated by RISCO Group which was won by Neil Harvey of Nottingham City Council, an iPod Nano donated by Stryker Communications which was won by Richard Martin of Christchurch Borough Council and dinner Bed & Breakfast at the Bristol Royal Marriott Hotel donated by Marriott Hotels which was won by Heather Cronin of Norbain. unseen(uk) is a charity established to disrupt and challenge human trafficking at all levels. unseen’s specific focus is to combat the trafficking of women for sexual exploitation. They aim to provide safety, hope and choice to women who have been trafficked for sexual exploitation.
“Thank you to you for putting on another great event! It was a great success and we were really pleased with how the evening demo went” - Natalie Simpson, Synectics
Additionally, as part of the drinks reception prior to the evening dinner at 7.30pm, our drinks sponsor, software integration specialists Synectics hosted a short live demonstration for all attendeeswhich was held within the exhibition area and included complimentary drinks. There was a live feed from the CCTV Control Room at Bristol City Council and attendees were able to view live images from around the City and the Synectics technology in action.

7% of respondents are expecting their CCTV budgets to increase this year. However 34% are expecting CCTV budgets to decrease with 15% of respondents expecting cuts to be more than 30%.

A really interesting development is that 49% of respondents are looking at other sources of funding for their CCTV and security, whether that is from private sector or other sources.

In the current economic climate it’s no surprise that CCTV and Security budgets are being clawed back. However – there has been a significant capital investment in CCTV infrastructure over the last decade – it simply doesn’t make sense to scrap it. Despite the strident objections of BBW and others – when the chips are down it’s always CCTV that provides core clues and evidence.

So what are the implications for CCTV operations? Will public space surveillance become a thing of the past in some places? Will they take on wider, more commercially anchored positions within the local authority? Will they become an annex of the overall I.T. function?

Certainly from our experience, control rooms are looking at maintaining their legacy platforms - but they are also looking at a more integrated approach to systems and operations – extending their remit to contribute more demonstrably to the bottom line. Questions asked as follows:

This Year are You Going to Increase your CCTV Budget?

• 92% of responses not increasing CCTV budget

• 7% of responses increasing CCTV budget

If Yes, By What Percent is Your Budget Increasing?

• 5% increase by 5%

• 2% increase by 30% or more

This Year are You Going to Decrease your CCTV Budget?

• 66% responses not going to decrease CCTV budget

• 34% responses going to decrease CCTV budget

If Yes, By What Percent is Your Budget Decreasing?

• 5% decrease by 5%

• 5% decrease by 10%

• 5% decrease by 20%

• 5% decrease by 5%

• 15% decrease by 30% or more

Are you looking for Funding from Private Sector or Other Sources?

• 51% are not looking for contributions

• 49% looking from funding from private sector or other sources

The survey was circulated on the i-Comply website, twitter, email campaign and through the CCTV User Group. 41 responded from throughout the UK

The CCTV National Standards Forum is a newly formed organisation with the aim of providing a source of independent and expert advice to the Government, regulators and a wide variety of stakeholders on issues that relate to the deployment of CCTV, both in the public and private domains within the United Kingdom. It considered that the advent of the Protection of Freedom Bill adds further relevance to the role of the group and its potential to inform the regulatory process.

Membership comprises of representatives from The Security Institute, The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), The Association of Train Operating Companies, Public CCTV Managers Association, Association of Security Consultants, Retail, Health and Educational establishments and many others who have first-hand knowledge of CCTV operation and management. Whilst, as a group, we are mindful of the benefits that CCTV technology brings to the functions of safety and security, we will need to acknowledge, embrace and promote the deployment of the highest ethical standards across the industry

In keeping with that objective, the forum seeks to develop a set of standards, guidelines and processes built on the principles of ‘best practice’. As part of this process, we will review existing guidance and procedures that focus on management, training and technical standards, currently in place across both the public and private sectors. The aim is to identify coherent and structured models built on robust professional principles, for the deployment of CCTV systems across our communities. Ethics, accountability, proportionality, transparency and responsibility are at the forefront of our considerations.

The work will focus on a balanced approach, informed by existing legislation, addressing the needs of safety and security within our communities, whilst ensuring that the issues of privacy and collateral intrusion are central to our agenda. We will need to consider the views of all sections of the community and where appropriate seek to address any reasonable concerns that may prevail in a positive, constructive and meaningful way.

As a group, we hold the view that in a modern and fair society, the use of CCTV technology should be about promoting confidence as opposed to concern or anxiety. It should be about developing a ‘safe society’ as opposed to a ‘surveillance society’. Our vision is to develop an organisation operating within a framework of guiding principles, ethics and values associated with transparency, legality, fairness and accountability and non-discriminatory practices. We are willing to listen and to learn.

The CNSF Board pictured left to right: Technical Lead Officer - Simon Lambert  (Association of Security Consultants), Police Liaison Lead Officer - Mick Harrison (Kent Police), Chairman - Brian Pender (NHS Trusts), Training Lead Officer - Gordon Tyerman (the Security Institute), Secretary - Group Secretary - Alan Gardner (Public CCTV Managers, Association), Retail & Commercial Lead Officer - Lloyd Wright (British Council of Shopping Centre Managers)

Pictured left: Representatives of the CNSF Core Group which included British Transport Police, Association of Chief Police Officers, Public CCTV Managers Association, British Retail Consortium, British Council of Shopping Centre Managers, NHS Trusts, Assiciation of Security Consultants, the Security Institute (including MSC’s Derek Maltby), Transport Sector and Association of Train Operating Companies.

CNSF is body of professional representatives of organisations that wish to be involved in improving the technical standards, use and deployment of CCTV, the delivery of professional training, development and standard to CCTV managers and staff that perform those duties. They will provide advice and guidance to the Home Office in the way public space CCTV is utilised and provide safeguards and reassurances to ensure privacy of individuals’ data is also taken into account.

This unique group will transfer information and provide a link between the other identified sector areas to stimulate, discuss, develop and promote best practice in the CCTV industry. Such consistent expertise and direction has been sadly lacking with the advancement, development and use of public space CCTV adopted by many towns and businesses over the years.

The Core Group is made up of representatives from the following organisations: -

· Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)

· Metropolitan Police

· British Transport Police (BTP)

· NHS Trusts

· British Retail Consortium (BRC)

· British Council of Shopping Centre Managers (BCSCM)

· Transport Sector

· Association of Train Operating Companies

· Public CCTV Managers Association (PCMA)

· The Security Institute

· Association of Security Consultants (ASC)

· Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO)

This Core Group will hold its next meeting on 5th March 2012 at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel as part of the Security Seminar being staged there the next day.

You may be aware that Deputy Chief Constable Graeme Gerrard, ACPO lead on CCTV, is planning to retire in April 2012. We are delighted to announce that Graeme has agreed to deliver the keynote speech at our March 2012 seminar where he will reflect on the riots as well as provide his thoughts on what has been achieved under his guidance in the field of CCTV and where this is expected to be taken to further the regulation . He will also be participating in the afternoon panel discussion. This will be a wonderful opportunity for CCTV Users to say their farewells and thanks to Graeme. Other confirmed speakers include:

· DCI Mick Neville - Metropolitan Police

· Alex Deane - Big Brother Watch

· Peter Currie - Milestone Systems

· Dr Paul Reilly - University of Leicester

· Gordon McLanaghan - Bristol City Council

· Dr Peter Fussey - University of Essex

· C/ Supt Jon Stratford - Avon & Somerset Constabulary

· Tim Close - UK Broadband

· Det Sgt Sim Cryer - Avon & Somerset Constabulary

· Mark Rees - 360 Vision

· Ted Beatson - Synectics

Interim CCTV Regulator Andrew Rennison was the keynote speaker and delivered a very thought provoking presentation on how regulation may look once the Protection of Freedoms Bill is passed (due Spring 2012), Judith Jones of the Information Comissioners Office gave the audience an update on the Bill. Whilst Mick Neville of the Met Poilice and Nigel Horsfall of Everything Everywhere talked candidly about the August Riots and how CCTV helped to catch and convict those responsible.

After lunch there was a ‘Question Time’ style debate where the audience were able to pose questions to the expert panel who will included Nigel Horsfall, Judith Jones, Simon Adcock (BSIA), Peter Webster (Slough Borough Council and Alan Gardner (London Borough of Enfield).Manufacturers and integrators who participated:

Throughout the day, there was the opportunity to enter a draw to win a fabulous iPad2 which was kindly donated by 360 Vision. The winner was David Down of Newcastle City Council.

We staged a private networking dinner on the evening of 7th November 2011 to allow exhibitors and delegates to meet in a relaxed atmosphere before the more formal event the following day and was staged at the Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel. Throughout the evening there was a fundraising raffle to raise funds for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Fabulous prizes were donated which included a Motorola Xoom donated by UK Broadband (won by Kevin Bruce of USS) , a bottle of vintage cognac from NVT(won by Jason Piggott of Dallmeier) ,a digital camera from COE, (won by Howard da Costa of Commend) a Ferrari Red Letter Day from Norbain (won by Karl Blemar of Freespace) dinner B&B at the Gosforth Marriott donated by Marriott Hotels (won by Stephen King of Zenitel) and a bottle of champage donated by Steve Dobby of Bosch (won by Dominic Scarr of UK Broadband). We raised £650 for a very worthy charity. Additionally, in memory of our dearly missed friend the late John Broomfield, CCTV Manager for Nottingham City Council, MSC donated a Kindle which was raffled to raise funds for John’s chosen charities.The winner was Michelle Ryall of Pelco.

As part of the drinks reception prior to the evening dinner at 7.30pm, our drinks sponsor ,CCTV lighting specialists Raytec hosted a short and practical test night demonstration for all attendees - held within the grounds of Gosforth Park. Raytec highlighted some of the practical issues facing security professionals in achieving high performance CCTV images at night. Raytec engineerstested the performance of the latest Infra-Red and White-Light LED technology with a range of camera and lens combinations, including IP and Megapixel technology. The session also focused on the improved system performance, and the energy and cost savings made possible by switching from old style wasteful lighting technology to new low energy LED technology. Attendees were able to see firsthand the integration of different components, get the best installation and set-up advice, and pose specific testing requests.

Additionally, during the day on 7th November 2011 we hosted an indoor Go Karting championship. We had a great turnout for the fun event and despite lots of dubious overtaking and a couple of ‘near misses’ we had an action packed finale. The overall winner of the event was Steve Dobby of Bosch, second was Stuart Moaby of Maidstone Council and third was Andy Cassidy of Norbain. It was a uncharacteristically sunny day and after the karting was finished we all enjoyed pizza for lunch in the sunshine.