How does CCTV impact on our environment? How should the police extract images from digital CCTV footage to be used as evidence in Court? What are the tangible effects of changing technical standards on businesses? These are but some of the vexing questions facing the CCTV sector – and its clients – in 2005 and beyond.

In such an ever-changing sector of the security industry, it’s extremely important for security companies and end users alike to keep themselves up-to-date with the latest developments and debates in order to make the most of the technologies on offer – and to adapt successfully with the times.

Light pollution: the politics of CCTV

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 has just received Royal Assent, and will usher in new restrictions for CCTV and security lighting companies with respect to light pollution (in addition to a number of measures concerning intruder alarms, as highlighted by the BSIA’s technical director Alex Carmichael in The Big Issue section on page 19 of SMT’s March edition).

With restrictions imposed, end users and CCTV companies should be examining whether or not their installations contravene the laws.

Digital video evidence

Digital video evidence has produced a number of challenges for the police service, which has been faced with the task of extracting evidence from many different recording devices without the benefit of independent guidelines as to how it should be done.

Following extensive consultation with bodies including the Home Office Scientific Development Branch, the BSIA is now in the process of producing a Code of Practice to assist not only the police but also end users, insurers and alarm installers in the specification, selection, installation and operation of digital video recording systems.

Technical standards on surveillance

New standards which impact on the industry will inevitably have implications for the security of businesses. BS 8418 is a good case in point. If a detector-activated CCTV system does not comply with BS 8418, then it will not qualify for a Unique Reference Number from the police. Therefore, there will not be an immediate police response to any activation. Many end users may wrongly assume that their system will automatically qualify for such a response.

It’s imperative that end users and security companies alike are fully aware of these new standards and requirements.

In celebration of the industry’s achievements!

  • The BSIA’S Annual Luncheon promises to be one of the highlights of 2005 as the Association celebrates another hugely successful year.


The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has been at the hub of change in the past 12 months, of course, so it is particularly apt that the SIA’s chairman – Peter Hermitage QPM – will be the Guest of Honour and KeyNote Speaker at the event. Peter is sure to provide an insight into the future direction of the industry, and the myriad challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Peter will also be presenting the BSIA’s Annual Security Officer of the Year Awards, which recognise individual security officers and teams that have excelled in their bravery, levels of customer service, in their overall group working practices and in the use of security technologies.

The presentation of the BSIA’s Apprentice Installer Awards will be another highlight, recognising the young and talented installers that are proving the future of the electronic side of the industry to be in safe hands.
The BSIA Chairman’s Awards are being presented by Jim Harrower. In keeping with tradition, Jim will be honouring those leading figures within the industry who have made both a positive and lasting impact.

The BSIA Annual Luncheon will be held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London on Wednesday 22 June. For further information call the Events Department on 01905 727711.

Source

SMT

Postscript

All of these issues and more will be covered in a series of BSIA Seminars (sponsored by Derwent Systems) to be held at IFSEC and Security Solutions 2005. The seminars take place on 17 May at the NEC, Birmingham, and are free of charge to visitors. Telephone 01905 727711 for more information.