In the UK, a company called CCTV In Focus has been championing the cause for the independent testing and auditing of CCTV systems. They are passionate about ensuring that clients do not waste thousands of pounds on CCTV systems, which do not do the job for what they were intended.
One of the main reasons for this, according to CCTV In Focus, is the lack of a written operational requirement against which an installer can source the correct equipment and then install it to meet the clients’ needs.
Would you consider buying a house without first having a survey or if you were planning to build some new offices or a factory, would you do so without the advice of a quantity surveyor? If your answer to these two questions is ’no’, then you might be surprised that businesses are willing to spend many thousands of pounds on a CCTV without first ensuring that their chosen installer has clear instructions as to what is needed and expected from the system?
Setting the norm
The result of a badly or incorrectly installed CCTV system can be that the owner or tenant of a property will be unable to pass onto what could be invaluable video evidence to the police. If the system is remotely monitored, poor images or cameras pointing in the wrong direction, could result in a delayed reaction to an incident.
For CCTV to play a role in reducing crime, it has to firstly be planned, installed, maintained and operated correctly. Secondly, as a direct result of the first, CCTV must be perceived by criminals to be effective in obtaining successful prosecutions. Sadly, neither of these is currently the norm.
Although CCTV In Focus is relatively new, there are already many examples of where our independent testing has resulted in alterations to a CCTV system so that it meets clients’ expectations and most importantly can provide high quality evidence if a crime or any other incident needs to be investigated.
Most of our business, however, has come from a relatively small number of enlightened end-users who have proactively decided to maximise on their investment in security systems and CCTV in particular.
Now, whilst the idea of a compulsory CCTV ‘MOT’ system has its merits, those of us who wish to see the CCTV industry prosper need to think very carefully before running with such a scheme. Bureaucracy would inevitably run riot and costs for all would spiral to the point where being robbed would probably be cheaper!
Whilst I have to own up to self-interest, the testing and auditing of CCTV systems by independent companies who have no financial interest in the outcome, is surely the most economical and practical solution. As independent system auditors, we would want to support a certification scheme approved by local government, police and insurance companies who have a lot to gain and nothing to lose.
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