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.
