Installers who have requests for covert systems may be unsure of the new legislation. David M White, a consultant for the Oxford-based IVS Group, outlines the legal parameters for the effective operation of CCTV surveillance in the UK
It is important to consider the legal implications and practical compliance requirements of security systems and monitoring at the earliest opportunity.

   This saves costly and time-consuming changes to your security solution at a later stage.

Furthermore, enforcement agencies and the courts require CCTV evidence to be legally obtain-ed, with accountable procedures and images needing to be 'fit for purpose'.

Without this, the whole basis for a legal case could collapse.

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) covers the use of overt CCTV cameras for planned covert surveillance by public authorities.

RIPA is permissive legislation which sets out the definitions of covert surveillance. It states the circumstances in which authority needs to be obtained in order to conduct covert surveillance.

It also details the appropriate level within a public body at which the authorisation should be given.

Normal everyday use
The introduction to RIPA specifically states that "normal everyday use" of open public space surveillance in a town centre is overt in nature.

Therefore it is exempt from the requirements of this Act.

However, individuals need to be made aware – through effective signage – that CCTV is being used for general monitoring of safety and the prevention of crime.

But when overt CCTV cameras are used for specific reasons away from "normal everyday use" – such as deliberate, targeted activity of a place or individual – they are deemed to be undertaking covert surveillance, regardless of an operator's justifications.

RIPA states that in order to carry out this level of sustained surveillance (which cannot be defined as normal everyday proactive use of public CCTV) the user must have the appropriate surveillance authority in place.

  Get shirty
OpTex International came up with the Button Camera – a miniature CCD colour camera with a 3.6mm pinhole lens built into the back of a real shirt button.

The front aperture of the lens is no more than 1mm in diameter and slips through the button holes of most shirts. Pre-studs are available for sewing onto the shirt, above and below the camera to keep the front flat.

Existing buttons can be replaced with the matching buttons supplied, so they are all the same.
Reader Service No 102

Get Smart
Norbain distributes covert ranges from manufacturers such as GBC and Optex. But among its own Vista range is the SmartPIR.

It mimics a PIR, offering a number of options to suit the majority of covert surveillance requirements.

However, this latest version has evolved to also offer the ability to record alarmed images onto an internal 32 or 64Mb flash memory card. As a direct result, the camera can function as a standalone CCTV system – recording images which can later be played back on a conventional PC.

Such a facility means the installer's customer does not necessarily need to invest in a complete CCTV system. Additionally, the Vista Smart PIR camera offers both a built-in PIR sensor and motion detector which can operate on an AND/OR basis.
Reader Service No 105

Spot the difference
Observers would find it difficult to see any difference in Panasonic's range of cameras disguised as smoke detectors and PIRs.

The WV-CF420 is a colour smoke detector model. It offers 330 lines resolution, sensitivity down to 10 lux at F2.8 and comes with an exclusive lens. The WV-CF400 is a colour camera in an unobtrusive PIR housing, offering 330 lines resolution, operating in lighting down to 42 lux at F2.8 and built-in electronic light function.

Optional lenses are also available. The WV-BF320 is the black and white version of the smoke detector design.

It offers 380 TVL and sensitivity down to 0.5 lux at F2.8.

Finally, the WV-BF300 is the black and white version of the PIR camera, giving high-res images down to 2.1 lux at F2.8.
Reader Service No 106

Get sharp
GBC's Sharpshooter PIR camera (pictured top) fits on a versatile wall or ceiling bracket, as well as on a special corner-mount bracket. The casings are white or jet black, making the colour camera inside almost completely invisible.

It uses a standard rather than a pinhole lens and so it is available with a variety of lens options from 2.5 to 12mm.

It comes with free audio capability and free power supply. Standard or high-resolution mono models are also available.
Reader Service No 107

Unobtrusive monitoring
From Stortech Electronics comes a range of miniature cameras that can be hidden in clock faces, suitcases and bookshelves to provide unobtrusive monitoring with options of either colour or mono.

The Pecan range of miniature cameras are the size of a 50p coin. Even at low light levels they are said to provide excellent quality.

The mono units PCAM, UCAM and MCAM can operate at light sensitivities down to 0.1/ 0.2 lux.

Power consumption is between 80 and 135mA, with an electronic iris that adjusts to changing light conditions. Lens options of 2.0, 3.6, 6.8 and 12mm are available. The lightweight cameras are PCB-based and come with robust cast aluminium housings.
Reader Service No 108

Supplied to order
Fineplan Video Services distributes a range of covert cameras including the VSIIP, a PIR black and white camera; the VSIIWP, a working PIR with black and white camera; and several GBC units, including PIR and smoke detector versions with black and white or colour cameras, choice of lens and optional audio.

   FVS can supply covert cameras to order, hidden in clocks of various styles, loudspeakers, junction boxes, convex mirrors, outdoor PIRs, picture frames, lights and thermostats.
Reader Service No 109

Download images to a PC
Sure Vision distributes Video Domain's MemoCam, a covert device suitable for recording activities in a number of different locations. It is a standalone camera, PIR and VCR all in one.

   MemoCam is intended for sites where quick installation is required, since it needs just one mains cable to be set up. Events are recorded on an internal memory card and images can be downloaded to a PC.
Reader Service No 110

Covert and overt

Bosch Security Systems has a range of covert cameras disguised as PIRs, smoke detectors or mini dome housings. They can be matched with standard cameras to provide any combination of covert and overt surveillance.

The camera units are simple to install and come complete with mounting kit. Features include 380 TV lines, acceptable pictures down to 0.2 lux and automatic adjustment to changing lighting conditions. The mini dome unit also includes a built-in microphone for audio monitoring.
Reader Service No 103

‘The architect’s choice’

A range of covert – or rather ‘Kovert’ – equipment can be found in Planet CCTV, the trade catalogue from System Q. For example, the Mini Dome in silver or matt black finish, is designed for installation in pubs, clubs and retail outlets, above tills and other sensitive areas.

The unit blends in as a ceiling feature and multiple units can be installed in a curved or straight line to protect individual tills along a bar, or racks of clothing. It has a fully adjustable viewing angle, making set up easy.

“The architect’s choice,” says System Q. And the new ceiling coverts have been designed as a heat/smoke detector so they could be quite easily installed in a residential or commercial property. When installed, the dome’s dark interior and “wire mesh” insert help to shield the built-in CCTV camera. Each camera is mounted on an adjustable bracket to allow a small amount of vertical movement to get the best possible view of the target area. The built-in 3.6mm wide-angle board lens can be changed with other sizes. The ceiling covert is also available fitted with two cameras so that two separate areas can be covertly monitored from the one unit. This helps prevent undue suspicion and keeps the installation as quick as possible.
Reader Service No 104

Source

Security Installer

Postscript

David M White is the Thames Valley Police co-ordinator for CCTV technology and chairman of the CCTV User Group Standards and Advisory Board.