CCTV
Our Installations comply with BS EN50132:1996 CCTV surveillance systems for use in security applications, BS7958:2009 closed circuit television management and operation code of practice and The Information Commissioners CCTV code of practice. CCTV systems requiring a Police Unique Reference Number (URN) are installed to BS8418:2003 the code of practice for the installation and remote monitoring of detector activated CCTV systems.
CCTV system design and installations comprise one or more of the following elements:
- Survey and Risk Assessment
- System Design Proposal
- Event Driven CCTV
- Video Motion Detection
- Digital Video Recording
- Fully functional pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) cameras and domes
- Selection of camera and lens to capture good quality images in all expected lighting conditions
- Covert cameras
- Infra red or white lighting
- Integration with access control, intruder and fire alarm systems
- Remote monitoring
For CCTV recordings to be effective for investigating crime the images must be of evidential quality. With digital CCTV there are 5 main areas that must be considered:
- The Data Protection Act
- Image Quality
- Image File Storage
- Image Export for offsite viewing
- Image Playback
CCTV can be as simple as one or more static cameras recorded and viewed locally or can be integrated in many different ways, for instance with intruder alarm systems so that if the alarm is activated, the recorded frame rate is increased to provide a better quality play back. PTZ cameras and domes can be configured to automatically pan and zoom to the area where the activation has occurred using the alarms detectors and stand alone CCTV detectors. If an intruder alarm is not available the recorded frame rate can be increased using video motion detection with stand alone detectors controlling the function of PTZ cameras and domes. CCTV may also be used to provide smoke and fire detection using video analytics and access control, for instance with ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) technology to open car park barriers.
Monitored systems can be dual path and dial out primarily using a static IP address and are normally backed up using either IDSN, IDSN Red Care or PSTN lines. Monitored systems can dial out to the remote video receiving centre (RVRC) on activation of the intruder alarm or stand alone detectors where trained operators can activate security lighting, take control of cameras to monitor the incident and issue audible challenges to intruders as well as request a Police response if required. The RVRC may also complete video guard tours of the site at random intervals if required.
The Digital Video Recorder (DVR) may also be networked to existing computer networks to allow images to be viewed on any authorised PC both locally and offsite. If no network is available access via a remote PC can be achieved using a static IP address or ISDN connection direct to the digital video recorder.
As an alternative to a conventional or monitored CCTV system a Videofied system monitored by our alarm receiving centre may be installed as a stand alone solution or linked to your existing intruder alarm system. These systems do not have local recording facilities or the means on site to view the camera images. Instead the cameras monitor their field of view for activity and, on detection of movement if the Videofied system is armed, images are sent to the alarm receiving centre for an operator to view. If the images are of a person or people the operator will contact key holders and the Police (subject to current Police site unique reference numbers being available and the policies laid out in DD243) and advise them of a confirmed intrusion at the site. If however the activation is due to wildlife or for another innocent reason, the operator will “clear down” the activation without disturbing key holders or the Police.
Videofied systems are suitable for installation both internally and externally and for installation on temporary sites with both mains and battery powered versions used with telephone line connections and mobile telephone technology for the transmission of images to our alarm receiving centre, with the option of battery powered cameras and controllers. Because of its low cost and seamless integration into any existing site due to the wireless nature of the cameras and detectors, it is a real alternative to the manned guarding of sites that won’t go for a tea break, the toilet or stay in the warm on cold nights!
