CCTV
Good practice guide for the implementation of redeployable CCTV
This guide aims to assist practitioners, particularly those employed in local government, who are buying and installing Redeployable CCTV (RCCTV) for the first time. It will help them to avoid a range of implementation problems that might adversely affect the impact of the cameras.
Title: Good practice guide for the implementation of redeployable CCTV
Author: Martin Gill, Anthea Rose, Kate Collins (Home Office)
Series: Home Office Online Report 16/05
Date published: February 2005
Availability: Download full report 
PDF 371Kb
How to implement an RCCTV scheme
There are 6 basic principles of implementing an RCCTV scheme.
1. Develop a rationale for re-deployable CCTV
Managers should consider the following:
What are the main objectives for RCCTV?
How will the relocatable feature help to meet the objectives?
What problems are to be tackled?
What evidence is there to suggest that RCCTV is the appropriate intervention to tackle the issue in question?
How will RCCTV fit with other measures already in place or that are about to be introduced?
How will it fit into the culture of the organisation?
2. Plan the implementation
Develop management systems and form project team
Having a variety of agencies involved in the decision to purchase and then in the use of the equipment can cause problems. Good management systems need:
clear decision-making processes
definition of areas of responsibility within and between partner organisations
each partner agency to identify its priorities for using CCTV, and for these to be effectively managed
to identify both capital and revenue funding streams
to identify a suitable 'gatekeeper' to control access to the equipment
to resolve communication issues between agencies.
Identify funding streams
Funding streams need to be identified to support the setup and running costs of an RCCTV system.
Consult widely and choose a scheme to meet the needs and budget
It is valuable to visit other users of RCCTV in similar areas , to gain information on:
the quality of service offered by different suppliers of RCCTV
what, if any, technical and implementation problems were encountered
the costs of the system
the strengths and weaknesses of systems for particular purposes
Examples of how RCCTV was used, and how much success it had.
Investigate the various options
Careful planning is needed to decide how best to match the available technology to operational requirements. The following issues need to be discussed:
Type of camera
Transmission medium
Type of receiver
Power supply
Mounting of cameras.
Further information on the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of camera available, and the cost of implementing them can be found in the full report.
Set realistic timetables
Project plans need to take into account any potential problems that may occur. Timescale problems can occur due to:
the slow release of funding
tendering processes, which are sometimes administratively complicated
delays in receiving equipment from the suppliers
the slow acceptance of new technologies into an organisation's culture and working practices.
3. Choose a supplier
The following are key points to consider when thinking about suppliers:
shop around to get the best deal
invite several companies to carry out equipment testing at the chosen locations
speak to existing clients of these companies
enquire about have a trial period using the equipment before purchase
ensure the supplier is willing to make modifications after delivery
ensure that the supplier has a comprehensive technical back-up system in place and that it is easily accessible.
4. Prepare for delivery
Identify additional staff requirements, recruit staff, develop protocols, identify a gatekeeper for equipment, engage likely users and partners, publicise equipment, train staff in protocols and legal restrictions on using cameras, and manage expectations.
Identifying the 'Gatekeeper'
Managers need to weigh up the relative advantages of different organisations acting as gatekeepers.
Placing responsibility for the systems in the hands of the police can lead to quick and regular identification of deployment opportunities because of local operational knowledge of where the hotspots are.
However, designating the Council as the gatekeeper means that existing static CCTV expertise can be more easily drawn upon.
Protocols and Legislation
The following protocols and procedures are needed:
Code of practice
Protocols on the use, procedures and responsibilities for the equipment
Standard authorisation forms for each deployment
Evaluation forms
Compliance with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)
Signage
Fault reporting forms
Image management protocols.
5. Deploy Cameras
Staffing and Training
Staff will be required to monitor RCCTV cameras although, where images are transmitted to an existing control room, existing staff may be used depending upon their workload.
Staff using RCCTV need to be trained in a range of topics, including:
Technology – how to work the cameras and to use them to best effect.
Data Protection Act 1998 and Information Commissioner's Code of Practice for CCTV.
Human Rights Act 1998.
How to manage tape images so that they are suitable for evidential purposes.
Paperwork and protocols, which are detailed in the previous section.
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).
Test the efficacy of equipment and remedy if required
The equipment needs to be tested to see if it achieves the desired effect. The quality of images produced by the system should also be good enough to be used as evidence, if required.
6. Evaluate
An evaluation should be carried out to test the success of the system in achieving the original aims set. The effectiveness should be reviewed periodically and amended and upgraded as required. Finally it is important to share your experiences for the benefit of others.
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Last update: Wednesday, September 20, 2006