Electronic security systems – particularly CCTV – are playing a more prominent role in maintaining a safe and lawful public environment, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has suggested on the first anniversary of the riots and looting tin England in August 2011.
The trade body points out that since the riots, CCTV has been crucial in the apprehension of many of those involved. Recently, CCTV images have been integrated with mobile phones, in a move to more actively involve the public in apprehending those responsible for the violence and theft of the riots and preventing further disorder.
The BSIA adds that advances in the image resolution and technical quality of CCTV devices has enhanced the ability of such systems to support depleted police units, allowing limited national and government resources to be effectively allocated to other crime prevention.
Simon Adcock, Chairman of the CCTV Section of the BSIA says: “The availability of higher resolution cameras, more flexible IP-based transmission options, improved storage and more advanced software is continually increasing the effectiveness of CCTV systems whilst bringing down the cost. Based on surveys following the riots public space CCTV has widespread public support and provides a major and contribution to both the perception and the reality of public safety, a contribution that looks set to increase.
‘‘CCTV is perhaps the most obvious place to turn in the search for technological Police support, and the results gained by forces in London, Birmingham, Manchester and across the UK following the riots support this. It is a technology which has the versatility to work in almost any environment, day or night, and will allow government resources to be spread wider and go further.’’
For more information about the BSIA and its CCTV section, or to find a CCTV supplier visit www.bsia.co.uk
