Report: UK CCTV Cameras Ineffective Against Terrorism
A report published on the 19th October highlights how the majority of CCTV images are so lacking in detail that ultimately they are of no benefit to the police. The report is the result of the police’s cooperation with the Home Office, and describes the low quality of over 80 per cent of images produced by CCTV. It adds that the greater part of the UK’s security cameras are located in the wrong areas to be of effect in tackling crime and terrorism. Authorities, asserts the report, are unaware of the number of cameras currently in operation in Britain, although common consensus cites it as the most surveyed country in the world.
The joint report states, in the absence of statutory safeguards, anybody is able to install a CCTV network. Consequently, it urges for the formation of a nation-wide database, presided over by stronger regulatory powers.
A large number of CCTV networks, the report asserts, are designed to combat comparatively minor, but prolific crime in towns and cities. The police’s fear in this regard is that such cameras effectively "monitor crowds, slips, trips and falls", but “patrol” rather than anticipate crime. The situation is worsened, they say, by the heightened use of CCTV to generate profit – for example, to fine drivers.
The report refers to the image quality generated as "far from ideal" when it comes to establishing the identity of suspects. A further fear is that of the duration of time that the images are retained for: the trend now is for a fortnight’s storage, whereas this period used to extend to 31 days. The report concedes that CCTV has been of use – highlighting the example of the investigation after the London bomb attacks in July 2005. However, it stresses the need for cameras to now be installed in areas not necessarily in line with regional crime hot spots.
The report suggests that the imminent London Olympics provides an opportunity for London’s CCTV coverage to be re-analysed. Additionally, it proposes the formation of a new body to oversee the implementation of new CCTV proposals.
The report was commented on by a spokesman from the Home Office, who confirmed that "All the recommendations will be assessed by an expert programme board and a proposed plan of action will be submitted to ministers for consideration."
Source – Security International’s Current Affairs Correspondent
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