Western Australia Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Guidelines · 2 INTRODUCTION TO CLOSED CIRCUIT...

Office ofCrime Prevention

Western Australia Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Guidelines

CONTENTS | CCTV GUIDELINES 1

CONTENTS

1 Introduction 2

2 Introduction to CCTV 4

3 Background to CCTV 5

Strengths and Limitations of CCTV 5

4 Planning and Implementation Process 7

Key Steps for CCTV 7

Step 1 – Define the Problem and Risk 8

Step 2 – Assess Suitability of CCTV to Manage Problems 9

Step 3 – Planning 10

Step 4 – Equipment and Installation 14

Step 5 – Implementation 31

Step 6 – Review and Evaluate 31

5 Additional Reading 32

CCTV GUIDELINES | INTRODUCTION2

1 INTRODUCTION

The use of CCTV technologyhas become increasingly popularto address crime reduction andcommunity safety issues. As thepopularity of the technology hasgrown, Western Australia hasseen a significant increase in thenumber of systems being installedand used. The Western AustraliaState Government has respondedto the increased use of CCTVtechnology by developing theWestern Australia State CCTVStrategy. This strategy seeks toachieve “enhanced crime riskmanagement through theeffective and responsible use ofCCTV within a range ofstrategies.”

These guidelines have beendeveloped as part of the StateGovernment’s CCTV Strategy toenhance the capacity ofgovernment agencies, localgovernments, businesses,communities and the public toimplement and utilise CCTV inan effective and responsibleway. The guidelines have beenproduced to assist those peopleor organisations who areconsidering the implementationof CCTV by highlightingrelevant planning and technicalfactors which should beconsidered at each step of theCCTV implementation process.

Research into the effectivenessof CCTV as a crime preventiontool in public places has shownmixed results, with some casestudies suggesting CCTV hasreduced crime levels and otherssuggesting that no improvementin crime figures resulted or thatcrime even increased.

In order to maximise thepotential benefits of CCTV,careful consideration must begiven to a range of factors sothat specific objectives for CCTVcan be clearly determined foreach case, and considerationgiven to the likely success ofCCTV to manage risk prior toimplementation. In this respectit is critical that the intendedpurpose be clear, that the risksare assessed in terms of theknown or anticipated threats,and that CCTV be considered inthe context of holistic securityand crime prevention measurestailored to address the identifiedthreat and risk.

Owners of

CCTV systems should

determine their own

objectives and risks in

order to select and

operate an appropriate

system to meet their

objectives.

INTRODUCTION | CCTV GUIDELINES 3

CCTV can be expensive toimplement, manage andmaintain, and may be ineffectiveif installed for the wrong purposeor if supporting measures arenot put in place. There are alsoprivacy and legal issues thatneed to be considered. Thechoice to employ CCTV shouldnot be taken lightly and carefulconsideration should be given ateach step in the implementationprocess. This will allow forinformed decisions to be madeabout the use of CCTV prior toits implementation.

These guidelines are dividedinto three sections:

• Introduction to CCTV,

• Background to CCTV,

• Planning andImplementation Process.

The content of these guidelinesis based on information currentat the time of development(October 2009).

For further reading on theeffectiveness of CCTV, asuggested reading list isprovided at the end of thisdocument.

These guidelines are not able orintended to provide a means ofselecting the right CCTV systemfor a particular user orapplication. Owners of CCTVsystems should determine theirown objectives and risks inorder to select and operate anappropriate system to meettheir objectives.

The Office of Crime Preventioncan not provide legalinterpretation of legislationrelating to CCTV and contentwithin this guideline should notbe viewed as such. The Officeof Crime Preventionrecommends that organisationsemploying CCTV should seeklegal advice to ensure compliancewith West Australian andAustralian legislation.

CCTV GUIDELINES | INTRODUCTION TO CCTV4

2 INTRODUCTION TO CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION(CCTV) CCTV’S ROLE IN SECURITY

Security comes in many forms,including (but not limited to):locks, fences, barriers, guards,patrols, CCTV, access control,intruder detection, securitymanagement and securitypolicies and procedures. With somany possible security measuresavailable it can sometimes be achallenge to determine whatspecific action should be usedto manage risk for a particularapplication or situation.

Selection of security measuresshould be based on: clearobjectives, minimising loss,cost/benefit, and a formaldocumented risk managementprocess. It is also beneficial forthe individual/s determiningsecurity requirements to haveexperience in managing securityrisk, a good knowledge of thelimitations of security (what itcan and cannot do), technicalknowledge of security (whenrequired) and criminology theory.

Ideally, security should:

• Deter (would-be offenders),

• Detect (offenders/incidents),

• Delay offenders for a periodlong enough to

• Communicate andRespond to an incident toprevent it occurring or atleast minimise loss in theevent it has occurred.

All of these roles should beaccomplished swiftly andefficiently to provide effectivesecurity. The order in whichthese roles occur is also important.

CCTV as a specific form ofsecurity is generally implementedfor the purpose of:

• Detection – indicating thatsomething is happening inthe field of interest;

• Recognition – determiningexactly what is happening;and

• Identification – determiningwho is involved in the activity.

The degree to which the systemwill be required to detect,recognise or identify objects inthe field of interest will, in part,determine the type of equipmentneeded and budget required.

When contemplating theimplementation of CCTV as asecurity measure, considerwhich of these roles of security(Deter, Detect, Delay,Communicate and Respond)CCTV could be achieved. CCTVmay deter some types ofoffenders, but not others. IfCCTV is actively watched (ormonitored) it may assist indetecting incidents as theyoccur. Although some advanced

CCTV systems generate alarmsthat can proactively alertsecurity personnel to an incidentor allow automatic tracking ofsuspects as well as otheradvanced forensic tools, CCTVgenerally does not assist indelaying offenders orresponding to incidents, unlessits coverage is sufficient toallow monitoring staff to followor track a perpetrator until aresponse force can detain them.This can be expensive in termsof personnel, hardware andintelligent software.

Therefore to achieve effectivesecurity, CCTV requires carefulconsideration and othersupporting strategies tofacilitate all roles of security.This may include strategies suchas: Crime Prevention ThroughEnvironmental Design orDesigning Out Crime, targethardening, communityawareness campaigns, offenderdiversion, and other crime riskmanagement interventions.

BACKGROUND TO CCTV | CCTV GUIDELINES 5

3 BACKGROUND TO CCTV

Strengths and Limitationsof CCTV

CCTV has a range of strengthsand limitations. In order to useCCTV effectively it is importantto understand its capabilities.The following sections outlinesome of CCTV’s strengths andlimitations:

CCTV’s Strengths

1. Recorded CCTV can be avaluable tool for police wheninvestigating incidents. If aCCTV system can adequatelyrecord quality images of anincident or crime, the imagesmay assist police by providingevidence or generalinformation that could assist asubsequent investigation. Forexample, the colour ofclothing an offender waswearing, vehicle make/modeletc.

2. CCTV can deter some typesof crimes/offenders. Ifoffenders are aware of thepresence of CCTV, and theoffender perceives that CCTVmay increase the likelihoodthat they will be captured onfootage and caught as aresult, then CCTV may deterthem from offending in theimmediate area.

3. Monitored CCTV may be ableto assist in identifyingincidents. If CCTV is activelywatched (or “monitored”)monitoring staff may be ableto identify incidents andinitiate a response to preventincidents or, more likely,reduce the consequences ofthe incident occurring.Similarly, some CCTV systemsmay be able to make use ofvideo analytics to detect someforms of unwantedbehaviours.

4. CCTV may assist safetyperception. Using cameras inareas may help normal usersof the space feel safer andtherefore more likely to usethe area. More people usingthe area may increase potentialwitnesses to potential crimesor unwanted behaviours(potentially deterringoffenders), so increasedperceived safety may lead toincreased actual safety.

5. CCTV works best in areaswith good access control.Access control refers tostrategies that limit access toareas or an individual’s abilityto move through a targetedarea. For example, swipe cardaccess, doors, hallways, androads all to some extent limitmovement through a targetedarea. When movement islimited it becomes easier topredict where individuals orvehicles will be, thereforemaking it easier to locatecameras to capture images ofpotential offenders. Accesscontrol can make it moredifficult for offenders to avoidbeing captured on footage.

6. CCTV can be a useful tool forpolice in gathering intelligence. Information recorded by CCTV systems can provide police with valuable intelligence on the types of crimes being committed within an area, how these crimes are being committed and the times thatthey are likely to occur. This can assist police to plan responses to crime issues within a targeted area.

CCTV’s Limitations

1. Cameras can become thetarget of theft or vandalism.CCTV cameras can be

expensive and may bedesirable targets of theft.Offenders may intentionallytry to damage cameras in aneffort to avoid being capturedon footage, or opportunisticvandals may throw missiles atcameras simply foramusement. Considerationshould be given to thelocation of cameras tofacilitate security of thecamera, but also allow thecamera to be easilymaintained. Additionalsecurity may be implementedto provide security forcameras (eg. housings andanti-climb devices). Forfurther information see thesection on Locating andSecuring Cameras.

2. Offenders may avoid theimmediate areas in view ofCCTV or take measures tohide their identity (eg. bywearing hats or “hoodies”).To provide the most value forevidential purposes, CCTVshould provide clear imagesof an offender’s face.Offenders may know this andmay take precautions toobscure camera views of theirface by wearing hats or hoods.

3. Crime or unwantedbehaviours may be displacedby CCTV (eg. to a differentlocation, time, or crime-type).For example, a knownhotspot may be identified andsubsequently fitted withCCTV, but theoffenders/incidents maysimply be moved (displaced)to another location.Displacement can occur indifferent ways. Offenderscould move to anotherlocation; change the timethey offend; change the type

CCTV GUIDELINES | BACKGROUND TO CCTV6

3 BACKGROUND TO CCTV cont’d

of crime they commit oralternate offenders mayreplace the original ones.

If the intended purpose ofCCTV is to detercrime/unwanted behaviour ina particular area because thecrime/unwanted behaviourcan only occur in that area(eg. CCTV installed in a bankto deter robbing the bank),displacement may be less ofan issue.

If the intended purpose ofCCTV is to detercrime/unwanted behaviour inone area but the samecrime/unwanted behaviour isjust as likely anywhere (eg.graffiti) displacement can bea challenging issue and mayrender CCTV ineffective.

CCTV planning should takedisplacement intoconsideration to facilitatemore effective use of CCTV.This may include utilisingtelephoto or zoom lenses toprovide extended coverage.

4. Offenders may learn or testresponse times (if CCTVsystems are monitored) toavoid apprehension. If CCTVis not monitored (activelywatched by monitoring staff)then CCTV is not likely toassist in initiating a responseto prevent or manage anincident. If CCTV ismonitored, incidents may benoticed as they occur and aresponse to an incident maybe initiated. There is a delaybetween the time anincident is identified and thearrival of a responsecapability (eg. guard orpolice). This is often referredto as the response time.Ideally a response time needs

to be swift enough toprevent or manage anincident. If it is not offenderswill be able to commitoffences and leave the scenebefore they can beapprehended. Offenders maytest how long a responsetime is before committingoffences so they can timetheir activities to avoid beingapprehended.

5. If CCTV is not monitored(actively watched bymonitoring staff) then CCTVis not likely to assist ininitiating a response toprevent or manage anincident. If there is noimmediate response toincidents the deterrent-valueof CCTV may be reduced asoffenders may realise thatthey can still offend withoutbeing caught, especially ifthey take measures todisable cameras or hide theiridentity.

6. If CCTV is to be used forproviding information toassist investigation or for useas evidence in court generally,recorded images need toclearly show an offender’sface (or similar valuableidentifying information) inorder to be of value. Manyissues can stand in the wayof achieving this. Theseinclude but are not limitedto: poor quality images,insufficient storage time(images may have beenerased or recorded-over),offenders may cover theirfaces, or cameras may bedisabled before the offendercan be viewed.

7. CCTV may create a false senseof security. People may feel

safer if they know, or thinkthat the area they are in isfitted with CCTV. However, ifCCTV is not monitored, or ifthe equipment installed is afalse or “dummy” camera, aresponse to an incident isunlikely to occur. Therefore,an area may actually be nosafer if it is seeminglyequipped with CCTV andindividuals (potentially with afalse sense of security) mayplace themselves at riskunknowingly.

8. CCTV in housings, and CCTVlenses outside housings, canbe defeated by paint or othersubstances so that the cameraslose vision or the vision isseriously impaired. AdvancedCCTV systems can generatealarms in the event thatcameras are painted or shiftedfrom their designated position.

9. CCTV becomes less effectiveif incidents take place andperpetrators are notapprehended, because wordof the ineffective naturebecomes widespread.

10.CCTV relies on good lightinglevels to obtain clear andaccurate vision. Overillumination, such as facinginto the sun or artificial lightdirected into the cameralens, may reduce the level ofefficiency.

11.The ‘field of view’ may belimited by certain cameratypes and positioning,creating blind-spots or theabsence of surveillancewithin an area.

12.CCTV is ineffective duringlosses of power, unless it isconnected to an uninterruptiblepower supply (UPS).

PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS | CCTV GUIDELINES 7

4 PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

KEY STEPS FOR CCTV

Define the Problem/Risk

– Crime Assessment– Security Risk

Assessment

Back to top

Assess Suitability of CCTV to Manage Problem/Risk

– Strengths/limitations– Legislation

– Assess supporting strategies– Cost/benefit

Implementation– Tendering

– Construction– Testing/commissioning

Design– Detailed design

– Equipment selection Monitor and Review– Review performance

– Security review

Planning– Set objectives

– Assess roles/responsibilities– Select designer

– Functional design brief– Preliminary design

(estimate costs)– Trial site/Permanent site

CCTV GUIDELINES | PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS8

4 PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS cont’d

General Considerations

If CCTV is being considered forcrime prevention, some veryfundamental questions shouldbe asked, including:

• Do we really need it?

• Why do we need it?

• What are its objectives?

• What issues will it assist inmanaging?

• Will it manage these issueseffectively?

• Will other strategies managethese issues more costeffectively than CCTV?

• Do we have existingmeasures and personnel tosupport CCTV?

The following sections outlinefurther general information thatshould be considered at theoutset if CCTV is beingconsidered as a crimemanagement tool.

Step 1 – Define theProblem and Risk

Do You Need CCTV?

Risk Assessment

Before specific security measuresof any sort are considered, anassessment of the threat andrisk should be undertaken todetermine the nature of theproblem and the desiredoutcomes. For example, if thethreat is muggings in the streetand the desired outcome isprevention rather than post-hoc identification of theperpetrators, CCTV may not bean ideal solution unless it ismonitored actively and aresponse force is rapidlyavailable, which may not alwaysbe possible.

The risk assessment will, ifundertaken properly, identifysecurity measures likely toaddress and mitigate the risk,and it is from this assessmentthat decisions can be madeabout appropriate security andeffective technology, includingCCTV. Security Risk Assessmentswill benefit from specialistknowledge so assistance shouldbe obtained from licensed,appropriately-qualified SecurityProfessionals experienced inSecurity Risk Assessments.

Crime Assessment

CCTV (for security purposes) is usually selected to assist inmanaging some form of crimeor unwanted behaviour. Thetype of crime or unwantedbehaviour occurring will impacton: CCTV’s potential to assist,where CCTV is located and howCCTV systems are designed. ACrime Assessment should be anearly consideration during CCTVplanning to assist in determiningthe types of crime occurring,how often they are occurring,where they are occurring andwho the likely offenders are (eg.external threats, internalthreats, professional criminals or opportunistic petty criminals,vandals, terrorists etc).

A Crime Assessment may includethe collection and assessment ofcrime statistics, assessment ofsites for local evidence ofcrime/unwanted behaviour,assessment of sites forenvironmental contributors tocrime/unwanted behaviour,gathering anecdotal evidencefrom police and stakeholders,and assessing vulnerabilities toparticular types of crime. Thisassists CCTV decision-making asit allows a determination ofwhether CCTV is likely to beeffective against certain types ofcrime in particular applications.For example, CCTV may bemore effective in locationswhere physical movement islimited because it is moredifficult for potential offendersto avoid the cameras.

CCTV may be more effectiveagainst certain crime types dueto their fundamentalcharacteristics. For example,bank robbery can generally onlybe committed in the bank, so itis reasonably simple to locate

Crime and risk

assessments assist a

determination of whether

CCTV is likely to be

effective against certain

types of crime in

particular applications.


cameras to provide footage ofthis crime type. However, crimeslike graffiti that can occuranywhere may be more difficultto treat with CCTV. CCTV maybe more effective against sometypes of offenders than others.For example, CCTV may deter asmall-time, would-be-shoplifterwho may be concerned aboutbeing caught, but it is likely tobe less effective as a deterrentto an alcohol or drug-affectedviolent offender committing anassault. Crime Assessments canassist in an early determinationof these types of issues to assistCCTV decision making.

Crime Assessments will benefitfrom specialist knowledge andexperience so assistance shouldbe obtained from licensed,appropriately-qualified SecurityProfessionals.

Community Consultation

Formal consultation should beconducted and documented toassess perception of CCTV as acrime management tool. Thecommunity, staff members orother relevant stakeholdersshould be consulted early in theplanning process to assess thepotential privacy concerns,assess whether these groups arewilling to support CCTV and toassess their knowledge of CCTVand perception of its ability tomanage crime/unwantedbehaviour.

If community consultation is notconducted prior to furtherCCTV planning/implementation,there is a risk that CCTV may beopposed by the community to alevel that requires the system tobe significantly altered or evendecommissioned. Conversely,community expectations may behigher than the practical

capacity of CCTV to achieve,leading to criticism anddisillusionment.

Step 2 – Assess Suitabilityof CCTV to ManageProblems

Information to Support theRequirement for CCTV

CCTV can be an expensivestrategy to implement sodeveloping a strong case for itsrequired use should beconsidered prior to expenditure.Information that may assist insupporting the requirement forCCTV may include:

• What type of crime/unwantedbehaviour is currentlyoccurring?

• How often does it occur?

• What is the average level ofloss or consequence eachtime it occurs?

• Who is the offender?

• Will CCTV deter this type ofoffender?

• Whose responsibility is it formanaging the risk?

• Will CCTV installation affectour reputation if ineffective?

This information may not beavailable if systems and processare not in place to gather anddocument such information. Inorder to maintain accurate, up-to-date information on which tobase security expenditure, acomprehensive form of collectingand documenting crime/incidenthistory records should beimplemented and maintained.

Accurate records of this typewill provide a basis for decision-making and will support acost/benefit analysis for CCTVor other security strategies.



Cost/Benefit

During the planning stage of a CCTV system a cost/benefitanalysis is recommended.Security (including CCTV)should be based on minimisingloss or consequence afterconsiderations of likelihood.Therefore, it is important toestablish what the current losslevel is, what the securitymeasure will cost, and the levelof savings the security measureis likely to afford. It makes senseto conduct a cost/benefitanalysis prior to expenditure, toassess whether securitymeasures (eg. CCTV) are able tominimise loss (or if the cost willactually exceed current loss).The cost/benefit analysis looksat what the total cost of thesecurity measure will be peryear (cost), and the likelybenefits the system will provide(benefit). For example, a CCTVsystem may cost $100,000 toinstall, and then cost $10,000per year (after first year) tomanage and maintain. If thebenefit derived from the systemis estimated as being a 50%reduction in robberies due toprevention (currently incurringloss of $100,000 per year), anadditional loss is made in thefirst year (due to the cost ofimplementing the CCTV), butover five years $140,000 willhave been spent on CCTV, and$250,000 of loss (50% ofrobberies) will have been saved.The overall saving over fiveyears is $110,000. In thisexample, the CCTV will havebeen a worthwhile investment.

As cost/benefit analysis providesonly an estimate of futuresavings, it is also sensible tomonitor performance to seewhether projected costs andbenefits are accurate and being

achieved in reality.

It should be noted that loss cancome in many forms. It could bein financial terms (dollars), or itcould be harm (to people orreputation), or environmentaldamage. In some cases it can bedifficult to quantify loss, such asfear of crime. Some forms ofloss that are not financial maybe able to be transferred intoequivalent financial terms. Forexample, environmentaldamage may be translated intofinancial loss (eg. the cost ofreturning the environment to itspre-incident condition).Performing an “accurate-as-possible” cost/benefit analysis isbetter than not conducting oneat all, as it will provide anindicative preview more likely toresult in better decision-making.

A cost/benefit analysis tosupport CCTV may requireinformation to establishestimated current levels of loss.This may include informationsuch as: annual expenditure onremedial action (eg. graffiticlean-up), average financial lossper incident (eg. motor vehicletheft), how many such incidentsoccur each year, trends,perception of crime, likelyconsequences of adverse mediaattention etc. A cost/benefitanalysis will benefit fromspecialist knowledge andexperience so considerationshould be given to obtainingassistance from licensed,appropriately-qualified SecurityProfessionals.

Step 3 – Planning

Setting Objectives

The fundamental objectives of aCCTV system will determinewhere it is located, its designand ongoing managementrequirements. Thereforedetermining the fundamentalobjectives of a CCTV systemshould be an earlyconsideration. For example,what problem is CCTV aimed atmanaging? If it is crime, whattype of crime? Where and whendoes this crime occur? Whocommits this crime? Whatimage do we need to capturefor CCTV to be of benefit? IsCCTV being used to detercrime, or is it being used toprovide investigativeinformation or is it intended tobe used as evidence?

It is recommended that CCTV objectives be formallydocumented. It may be ofassistance to develop a dutystatement for each camera. Forexample, a single camera’s dutymay be to provide identificationimages of individuals as theywalk through a particular door.Assistance with setting CCTVobjectives should be soughtfrom licensed, appropriately-qualified Security Professionals.


CCTV Policy and ProcedureConsiderations

A CCTV system may requireformal written documentationoutlining overarching policiesand procedures to formaliseresponsibilities, compliance withlegislation, how to maintainCCTV objectives, facilitateauthorised use of the systemand penalties for non-compliance.

The following sections outlinesome potential considerations:

Responsibilities

A CCTV Policy document shouldformalise who is responsible foreach role involved withmanaging, operating andmaintaining CCTV. This mayinclude: who the owner of thesystem is, who is responsible foroverall management of thesystem, who is responsible foroperation of the system, who isresponsible for integrity ofinformation (recordings), whohas access rights to view CCTVvision, responsibilities ofmonitoring staff, maintenancestaff, the response force, etc.For further information seeSection below: Assessing Rolesand Responsibilities.

Non-compliance

A policy document shouldoutline the penalties for non-compliant use of the CCTVsystem. This assists in deterringunauthorised use of the systemand helps support compliancewith legislation (if detailed inprocedural documents).

Maintain Integrity of Data(Continuity of Evidence)

If CCTV footage is to be usedfor evidence, there are certainrequirements for maintainingcontinuity of evidence tosupport the integrity of theevidence for use in court.Specific procedural requirementsshould be tailored to suitobjectives in liaison with localpolice and once determinedshould be carefully documentedin Standard OperatingProcedures. Advice from Statelegal authorities should besought to ensure that courtrequirements are also designed-in and met.

Signage

Policy documents should outlinethe extent to which signage willbe used with the CCTV system.Specific signage requirementsshould be tailored to suitobjectives and State legislativerequirements. For moreinformation on signage seesection: CCTV SignageConsiderations.

Securing Equipment

Policy and proceduredocumentation should outlinethe security requirements forCCTV infrastructure (eg.equipment, recording devices,storage facilities, control roomsetc), who is responsible forsecurity, and how security willbe maintained to ensure theintegrity and privacy ofinformation stored.

The fundamental

objectives of a CCTV

system will determine

where it is located, its

design and ongoing

management

requirements.



Compliance with Legislation

Policy and procedural documentsshould be tailored to outlinehow to use the system inaccordance with relevantlegislation. For example, if aparticular organisation isrequired to store CCTV footagefor a specific duration of time tocomply with legislation, thiscould be detailed in StandardOperating Procedures tofacilitate compliance.

Authorised Access

A CCTV policy document shouldoutline who is authorised tooperate CCTV, who isauthorised to access storedrecordings/recordinginfrastructure, who is authorisedto make amendments to theCCTV Policy etc.

Training/Licensing

A CCTV policy document shouldoutline any particular trainingrequired for operators orlicensing requirements forinstallers, operators or consultantswho may contribute to thesystem. Training may includehow to use specific CCTVproducts (training by installer),or formal training (eg. Certificatein Security Operations). Licensingis required for installers of CCTVand Security Consultants who“investigate or advise on mattersrelating to the watching,guarding or protection ofproperty” (Security and RelatedActivities Control Act 1996).Security guarding licenses maybe required for monitoring staff.For specific licensing or trainingrequirements contact WA PoliceLicensing Enforcement Divisionon 9223 7000.

Use of the Equipment

Policy and procedural documentsshould specify protocols on howCCTV equipment is to be usedby operators. This should includehow to use the equipmentcorrectly, how to maintainsecurity of equipment (eg.mobile cameras, recordedinformation), and what operatorsare (and are not) authorised touse CCTV for. This latter issue isimportant for facilitatingcompliance with privacy andother legislation.

Dealing with Complaints

Policy or procedure documentsshould outline how complaintsabout the CCTV system are tobe dealt with. Staff or membersof the community may wish tovoice concerns about privacy orother system issues. Standardprocedures should be developedto ensure complaints are dealtwith as per the CCTV owner’spolicy.

Storage of Information

The storage of CCTV information(images) can have significantimplications for owners andoperators of CCTV. This dependson the size and complexity ofthe CCTV system. The policydocument should outline theperiod of time for which CCTVimages must be stored tocomply with Commonwealthand State Archives legislationbecause the images areconsidered to be data orinformation in a legal sense.Australian Standard AS4806.1recommends that a minimum of31 days storage be achieved.Specific storage requirements

may be regulated by a numberof State and CommonwealthActs. It is recommended thatCCTV owners seek independentlegal advice to ensure compliance.

Standards

Policy or procedure documentsmay outline the technicalstandards that a system isrequired to achieve. For example,minimum frame rates, resolutionor methods of compression. Forfurther information see Section:Technical Considerations.

The Western Australia Police hasdeveloped suggested minimumtechnical standards aimed atincreasing the likelihood thatCCTV footage will be of a qualitythat is more likely to assist policeinvestigations. These suggestedminimum standards outlinesuggested frame rates,resolution, storage and othertechnical information as asuggested guide.

Ongoing Review

Policy and procedure documentsshould be regularly reviewed sothat performance can bemeasured and improvementsand updates made as required.


Visual

Lighting

Movement activated lighting

Frame rate

Resolution

Camera/s

Embedded Information

Storage

Output

File export

Software

Preferred Minimum Standard

• When required, clear recognition of a standard vehicle number plate from the camera position.When required, clear recognition of facial features from the camera position appropriate to theinstallation.

• Appropriate to achieve the visual standard at all times (day / night)

• Ideally systems should incorporate a movement activated light inside the premises and/oroutside the premises to assist in the capture of video and/or images of persons of interestunder low light conditions.

• 10 Frames per second (FPS) (or higher)

Frame rate, or frame frequency, is the measurement of the frequency (rate) at which animaging device produces unique consecutive images called frames. Frame rate is most oftenexpressed in frames per second (FPS) and in progressive-scan monitors as hertz (Hz).

• 640 x 480 (or higher)

• Should support IP cameras as required.

• IP cameras are Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras that utilise Internet Protocol to transmitimage data and control signals over a Fast Ethernet link. As such, IP cameras are alsocommonly referred to as network cameras. Progressive scan on camera Progressive or noninterlaced scanning is a method for displaying, storing or transmitting moving images in whichall the lines of each frame are drawn in sequence. Ideally, systems should have at least onecamera located at eye level or close to eye level for capturing video and/or images of personsof interest. (Overhead cameras do not satisfy this requirement.)

• Time

• Date, Camera identifier (number / name / position / etc)

• Stand alone storage system (not used for multiple purposes) Digital Held for a minimum of 28 days

• At least one composite output

Composite video signal is typically connected using an RCA jack, normally yellow (oftenaccompanied with red and white for right and left audio channels respectively). BNCconnectors and higher quality co-axial cable are often used in more professional applications.

• One or more of the following: The system must be capable of burning to disk, in a simple operation: 1. The video file; and 2. the playback software required to view the video file

In reference to (2.) above, “ideal” systems should export footage in a format which can beviewed on a standard Police computer, using readily installable software such as WindowsMedia Player, Windows Media Player Classic, or VLC Media Player, and should not requirecomplex decoding software to play the footage. Systems which do not meet theserequirements should comply with the requirements under “Software” below.

The system should be capable of exporting enough footage to portable storage to enablelocation of the particular incident under investigation. Suitable portable storage should comprise ofDVD, CD, external hard drive and/or flash memory in accordance with this requirement.

• The playback software should: – Have variable speed control including frame by frame, forward and reverse viewing; – If the video file is from multiple cameras, the software should display single and multiple

cameras and maintain aspect ratio i.e. the same relative height and width; – Display a single camera at full resolution; – Permit the recording from each camera to be searched by time and date. – Allow printing and/or saving (e.g. bitmap) of pictures with time and date. – The time and date associated with each picture should be legible. – Allow export to a removable media in a format that allows replay immediately.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA POLICE PREFERRED MINIMUM CCTV SYSTEM STANDARDS



Assessing Roles andResponsibilities

As part of the planning stagefor a potential future CCTVsystem, it is important toundertake an assessment of theroles and responsibilities requiredto manage and run the system,and whether there are currentlypersonnel available to undertakethese roles/responsibilities or ifnew staff may be required. Ifinsufficient personnel areavailable to support the ongoingmanagement of a CCTV system,the system will be of limitedbenefit. The roles andresponsibilities required willdepend on the size of the systemand its objectives, however, thefollowing sections outline somepotential roles/responsibilities toconsider:

• A designated officer(s)responsible for the CCTV;

• Community liaison;

• Financing initial cost andongoing cost of CCTV;

• Evaluation of systemperformance;

• Technical input;

• Tendering for installation,operation and maintenance;

• Selection of installer;

• Selection of operator;

• Selection of maintenance;

• Provision of training;

• Assessment of performanceas a crime managementstrategy;

• Developing a system to dealwith complaints;

• Development and ongoingreview of a code of practiceand standard operatingprocedures;

• Ensuring compliance withcode of practice and standardoperating procedures;

• Maintenance of CCTV,lighting, vegetation etc;

• Ensuring compliance withAustralian Standards andAustralian (and WesternAustralian) legislation;

• Development of CCTVspecifications;

• Monitoring of CCTV (whererequired);

• Liaison with police and otherauthorities/owners;

• Procedure for the export offootage;

• Procedure to evidence thatfootage has not beentampered with (to ensurecontinuity/integrity);

• Response to incidents;

• Crime assessment (andevaluation of CCTV’s effecton crime);

• Management of storedrecordings.

Step 4 – Equipment andInstallation

CCTV System Design

CCTV design benefits fromtechnical knowledge as well asan understanding of local crimeand security issues. Technicalexperience alone may produce atechnically-proficient systemwhich may not assist inmanaging location-specificcrime. Conversely, experiencewith local crime and securityissues and a lack of technicalknowledge may produce asystem that is aimed at achievingthe right goals, but does notperform effectively from atechnical point of view.

Only licensed persons can offerdesign services. Suppliers arenot required to hold securitylicenses and therefore can onlyadvise but not offer designservices. It is recommended thatprospective CCTV ownersengage experienced SecurityProfessionals to assist withdesign (if it does not alreadyexist in-house). Installers shouldbe able to demonstrate thatthey are suitably competent insystem design.

Technical Considerations

There are many technical issuesthat must be considered as partof CCTV design. The followingsections are not intended toprovide a detailed understandingof the issues but rather as anintroduction to the conceptsrequiring consideration. Furtherassistance with technicalconsiderations can be sourcedfrom licensed, qualified SecurityProfessionals.


Resolution

Resolution refers to the qualityof the pictures that CCTVcameras produce. This is similarto the varying resolutionsavailable using still-picturedigital cameras. The higher theresolution a camera can takethe better the original picturequality is. Resolution for CCTVis often discussed in terms ofCIF (Common IntermediateFormat). CIF is a standard imageformat that equates to 288 linesof information with 352 pixelsper line. QCIF (or quarter CIF) isequal to 176 x 144, 2CIF isequal to 704 x 288, and 4CIF isequal to 704 x 576. The original

resolution is reduced once theoriginal images are compressedfor storage (sometimessignificantly reduced dependingon the compression formatused). Compression is used tocompact information so that alonger duration of footage canbe stored. The more images arecompressed, the more can bestored, however image quality issacrificed. CCTV design needsto take into consideration theoptimum balance betweenquality of images, number ofimages taken per second (framerate) and storage space requiredto support objectives.

Frame Rates

Frame rates refer to how manypictures a camera system is‘taking’ per second (frames persecond or fps). Most camerasystems have variable framerates so they can be set to takeanywhere from 25 frames(pictures) per second to 1 frameevery few seconds. Someapplications of CCTV mayrequire higher frame rates toensure that vital images arerecorded for investigative orevidential purposes. Forexample, cash counting mayrequire high frame rates toensure that fast movements arecaught on camera. The higherthe frame rate, the moreinformation is usually beingrecorded. Therefore, higherframe rates generally mean thatmore storage space is required.CCTV design needs to take intoconsideration the optimumbalance between quality ofimages, number of imagestaken per second (frame rate)and storage space required tosupport objectives. For example,frame rate may not be as

CCTV design must take

into consideration the

optimum balance between

quality of images, number

of images taken per

second and storage space

required to support

objectives.



important as resolution in agiven situation if the objectivefor a camera is identification.

Compression

Compression refers to thereduction of redundantinformation within images toreduce the amount of data fortransmission and/or storage ofimages. There are manycompression types that can beused, each of which will compressimages using different techniquesand by differing amounts. Mostcompression techniques seek toremove unnecessary data/detailwithout reducing how an imagegenerally looks, however, toomuch compression can significantlyeffect how the original imagelooks, even to the extent that itmay be unusable forinvestigative/evidential purposes.For example, excessive compressionmay hamper the ability toadequately identify faces.

Compression methods selectedshould be a carefully consideredbalance between optimumimage quality and file size forstorage. For more informationsee Section: WA Police PreferredMinimum Standards.

Day/Night, Inside/Outside

CCTV needs adequate lightinglevels to provide quality images.A key consideration therefore iswhether the objectives of theCCTV require it to surveyspace/individuals during the dayor at night (or both), inside oroutside (or both). If CCTV isrequired to survey outdoor areasat night and provide colourimages to meet objectives,adequate external lighting mustbe factored into the design. If objectives require accuratecolour rendition to supportinvestigative/evidentiary purposes,CCTV should be supported withappropriate white lighting thatproduces images that depictaccurate colours. Some camerasare able to capture images innear darkness; however thesegenerally operate only in blackand white at that time. Somecameras operate by viewing theinfrared spectrum and candetect individuals in the dark;however the images of peoplemay appear ghost-like and maysupport varying degrees ofrecognition or identification ofthe individual. CCTV designmust therefore take intoaccount system objectives, theenvironment cameras willoperate in and the lightingconditions required forsuccessful operation.


Tests

Sometimes the technicalrequirements of CCTV to supportobjectives may be difficult topredict accurately due to site-specific conditions or specialapplications. Testing can be away to assess whetherassumptions regarding technicalrequirements of CCTV will meetobjectives. For example, if aCCTV system needs to be ableto clearly display a vehicle licenseplate number at a 25 meterdistance, a test camera could beset up under local conditionswith a mock-up license plate

used to assess the requiredresolution. Similarly, testing mayassist in determining potentialissues, for example, lightconditions such as the positionof the Sun could affect CCTVvision significantly. Testingshould be carried out under thesame conditions in which theCCTV system is required tosupport objectives (eg. time/location/lighting/environment).

WA Police PreferredMinimum Standards

Police note that the quality ofrecorded CCTV images is a vitalelement if CCTV is to provide

information to supportinvestigation or evidence ofcrime/unwanted behaviour. Inan effort to facilitate quality ofrecorded footage, WA Policehave developed as a suggestedguide, the WA Police PreferredMinimum Standards for CCTVimages. These suggestedminimum standards provideguidance for CCTV owners ontechnical settings for producingimages that are more likely tobe of value to police. Generalenquiries to police can be madeby phoning 131 444.

Lamp type Lumens Average CRI Colour Operating Colour temp per watt life hours rendition cost range (deg, K)

Incandescent 15–20 750–1K 100 Excellent High 2750–3400

Halogen 18–25 1K–3.5K 100 Excellent Above average 2850–3000

Fluorescent 55–100 7.5K–24K 51–95 Good–excellent Average 2700–7500

Mercury vapor 40–60 16K–24K 20–60 Poor–good Average 3000–7000

Metal halide 80–125 5K–20K 60–80 Very good Below average 3200–3700

H.P. sodium 75–140 10K–24K 20–80 Good–excellent Low 1900–2700

L.P. sodium Up to 200 14K–18K 0 Poor Low 1700

CCTV design must take into

account system objectives, the

environment cameras will

operate in and the lighting

conditions required for

successful operation



Storage (DVRs, RetentionTime)

Storage refers to the methodand duration of keeping recordedCCTV images. CCTV used to berecorded on VHS (or S-VHS)video tape recorders and storedon video tapes. These days,CCTV is generally stored digitallyusing hard drives, DVRs (DigitalVideo Recorders) or NVRs(Network Video Recorders). Iffootage needs to be storedmore permanently it is usuallytransferred to DVD (disk).Storage time refers to theamount of time that CCTV imagescan be stored on a givenmedium before it is recordedover. For example, a DVR maybe able to store CCTV footagefrom 4 cameras for 14 daysbefore the storage space is fulland recordings start to berecorded over. CCTV design musttake into account objectives ofthe system, required storagetimes to support objectives andstorage times determined underCommonwealth and Statearchives legislation.Consideration should be givento the installation and use ofredundant DVRs.

Fixed and Mobile CCTV

CCTV cameras can either befixed (eg. non-moveable fromlocation to location, althoughthey can pan/tilt and zoom) ormobile (eg. re-deployable, eithermounted in a vehicle or buildingfor a period of time and thenrelocated as required).

There are issues that should beconsidered for both fixed andmobile CCTV. The followingsections discuss some of theseissues:

Fixed Cameras

One of the main considerationsfor fixed cameras is displacement.Displacement means that crimemay change location (awayfrom CCTV), change the time itoccurs or the crime type maychange. Since fixed cameras arenot easily moved it makes itsimpler for offenders to avoidareas with CCTV. For moreinformation about displacementsee Section: Strengths andLimitations of CCTV.

Fixed cameras that

are installed outdoors

need to withstand

the weather, wind

loading and

environmental

conditions.

Another consideration is thatfixed camera infrastructure suchas camera poles, lighting, power,transmission links, recordingfacilities and monitoring facilitiesare more permanent in natureand therefore can be quiteexpensive.

Fixed cameras that are installedoutdoors need to withstand theweather, wind loading andenvironmental conditions.Depending on where they arelocated they may require specialhousings, anti-climb devices,purpose built poles, or otherancillary devices.

Where poles are used for thedual purpose of CCTV andlighting, or where a powersupply runs along a pole whichis also used for situating a CCTVcamera, the CCTV camera maybe affected by the powersource’s electro-magnetic field.This may affect the quality ofthe system. A qualified andlicensed CCTV installer shouldtake this into considerationduring the design andinstallation of the system.

Mobile Cameras

One of the main considerationsfor mobile CCTV systems is thesecurity of mobile cameras.Mobile cameras are often smallportable units, sometimesconfigured in a briefcasearrangement. Their size andportability means that they aremore vulnerable to theft ortampering. Mobile camerasshould be located in secure areasor be accompanied by monitoringpersonnel to minimise the riskof theft or damage.

Another consideration regardingmobile CCTV is how to usesignage with the cameras.Signage is one method tocommunicate its use in an areaand contribute to CCTV’sdeterrent value by creatingawareness. Signage used withmobile camera systems is likelyto also be re-deployable andtherefore may also be vulnerableto theft or tampering.

Consideration needs to be givento where signage will belocated and how it will be fixedso that it is highly visible butalso secure (for more informationon signage see Section: CCTVSignage Considerations).

Another consideration for mobilecameras is whether they will berecorded (only) or monitored(for more information seeSection: Monitored CCTV andRecorded CCTV Considerations).Mobile cameras that arerequired to be remotelymonitored may require a secureInternet landline or wirelessconnection.

Trial Sites

Depending on the level ofinformation available to achieveeffective CCTV planning, trialCCTV sites may be consideredto test the effectiveness ofCCTV prior to significant furtherinvestment. For example, if aprospective CCTV owner has noexperience with CCTV, has noexisting CCTV or does not havesufficient information on whichto base the likely performanceor success of proposed CCTV,trial sites may provide importantdata that may contribute tofurther CCTV decision-making.A trial site may involve settingup a temporary camera systemto assess its performance againstobjectives, performance in aparticular area or performancein managing a particular type of incident.


Mobile cameras

should be located

in secure areas or

be accompanied

by monitoring

personnel to

minimise the risk

of theft or damage.



Monitored CCTV and Recorded CCTVConsiderations

One major design decision for aCCTV system is whether cameraswill be monitored (and recorded),or recorded only. The decisionto monitor or record CCTVshould be based on systemobjectives as this decision willimpact significantly on systemperformance and costs.

Monitored CCTV means thatcameras are actively watched bypersonnel in real time. MonitoredCCTV is usually also recorded.CCTV may not be activelywatched by personnel, butinstead images are recorded sothat any incidents that occur

within the field of view can belater reviewed.

The benefits of monitored CCTVare that it is more likely tocontribute to detection ofincidents/offenders and initiateresponses to incidents inprogress. This also contributesto its deterrent value.Appropriate monitoring andresponse planning is importantto realise these benefits.Actively monitored CCTVsystems may also consider useof a PA system to allowmonitoring staff to directlycommunicate with, or warn,would-be offenders.

Monitored CCTV is more

likely to contribute to

detection of

incidents/offenders and

initiate responses to

incidents in progress


Conversely, the disadvantagesof monitored CCTV are thepotential additional infrastructureand personnel required tosupport it, the potential ongoingcosts of maintaining transmissionlinks and employ monitoringstaff, and the natural inclinationof humans to become obliviousto routine screen information.These issues may be especiallysignificant in larger systems (eg.public area video surveillance)that may require more resources(and cost) to implement andmaintain.

The benefit of recorded CCTV isthat it provides images that mayassist in post-event investigationor potentially as evidence incourt. The limitation of

recorded-only CCTV is that it isunlikely to initiate a response toan incident, and therefore mayhave limited deterrent value tooffenders.

CCTV Signage Considerations

Why use Signage with CCTV?

Although the use of covertCCTV is not illegal in WesternAustralia, CCTV owners arerequired to abide by thelegislative requirements outlinedwithin the Security Devices Act1998. Although there is noobligation requiring the use ofsignage under the current Act,CCTV owners should use signageto indicate to the public thattheir activities within an area

may be observed and recorded.This is particularly important forinternal environments (insidebuildings and businesses). It isrecommended that owners ofCCTV systems seek legal adviceto ensure compliance withAustralian and Western AustralianLegislation to avoid potentialprivacy and other legal issues.

Australian Standard AS4806.1 –2006 Closed Circuit Television –Management and Operationstates that (as a minimum)CCTV signage be posted at allCCTV system site entries.

CCTV signage also plays a partin deterring would-be-offendersby highlighting that CCTV is in use.

CCTV owners should

use signage to

indicate to the public

that their activities

within an area may

be observed and

recorded.



Ownership

CCTV signage should clearlycommunicate ownership of theCCTV. Contact details shouldalso be considered to facilitatefeedback, complaints or reportingproblems/damage. Owner’ssymbols may also assist inproviding TerritorialReinforcement (in other words,indicators of ownership, anelement of Crime PreventionThrough Environmental Design– CPTED or Designing OutCrime).

Wording

It is recommended that thewording used on CCTV signagebe carefully selected andaccurate. For example, if CCTVis not monitored (being activelywatched by a person in realtime) signage should not inferthat the CCTV is beingmonitored.

Overstating the capability ofCCTV to increase its crime-deterrent-value is tempting;however, it can also lead to thecreation of a false sense ofsecurity resulting in members ofthe public potentially puttingthemselves at risk. It could alsonegatively affect thecommunity’s perception of theusefulness of the system,particularly if signage states orimplies that the system is highlysophisticated and effective,when in fact, its technicalperformance may be poor.

Sign Placement

Australian Standard AS4806.1 –2006 Closed Circuit Television –Management and Operationstates that (as a minimum)CCTV signage be posted at allCCTV system site entries.Determinations on the use andlocation of signage should bemade on a case by case basisgiving adequate considerationto issues of safety andpracticality.

Signage at face level may bemore easily noticed, but signagemounted higher may assist inpreventing vandalism, theft orgraffiti. Signs should also beplaced in areas with sufficientlighting to ensure that signageis visible and legible at all timesand consideration should begiven to treating signage withanti-graffiti coatings to facilitategraffiti-removal, and UVstabilization to prevent fading in sunlight.

Signage at face

level may be more

easily noticed, but

signage mounted

higher may assist

in preventing

vandalism ...


Other Considerations

Consideration should be given tomethods of ensuring that CCTVsignage will be understood byeveryone, particularly individualswho may not be able to read,have poor eyesight or do notunderstand English. For thisreason consideration should begiven to including both symbolsand bold lettering on signage.

Awareness campaigns can assistin alerting the public (andoffenders) to the introduction ofCCTV systems, and to be alertfor CCTV signage.

Locating and SecuringCameras

Cameras need to be located inan optimum position to providethe images required to achievethe system’s objectives. Anexample of a building planindicating the location of CCTVcameras (at each end of thebuilding) is displayed above. It isrecommended that buildingplans showing the locations of

all CCTV cameras and theirintended fields of view areproduced and included as partof the owner’s CCTV policydocuments.

As far as practical cameras needto be protected against loss ordisruption to service. Potentialrisks to cameras may includetheft, vandalism or local conditionsaffecting their performance.Consideration should be givento locating and securing camerasto minimise loss or disruption.The following sections discusssome considerations:

Mounting Height

Mounting heights for eachcamera must support the camera’sobjective so that it can providethe scene required. Camerasshould be mounted no higherthan 8-9m above the ground.Where possible, cameras shouldbe mounted at a height thatalso supports security so theyare more difficult to access bythieves or vandals. Anotherconsideration for mounting-

height is maintenance. Camerasshould not be mounted in areasthat make them too difficult toaccess for regular maintenance.

Overlapping Cameras

Ideally, the field of view of eachcamera in the system shouldoverlap so that no blind spotsare created in the areasrequiring camera coverage.Camera security is supported bya system design which locatescameras in a way that allowseach camera to be “seen” byanother camera. This form ofdesign makes it more difficultfor offenders to access orvandalise cameras “unseen”.

Locating Cameras in SecureAreas

If possible cameras should belocated in areas that cannoteasily be accessed by offenders,thieves or other potential threatsources, such as within secureperimeter fencing.



Alarm Systems

Additional protection can beprovided to a CCTV system bytempering cameras into thesite’s security alarm system.Should a camera be vandalised,attacked or tampered with, thesite’s alarm system will activate.Alarm responses can beprogrammed by the systemowner to create an audiblealarm, alert a security companyor cause other cameras in thesystem to focus on the camerabeing attacked.

Camera Housings

Camera housings come in twogeneral categories: shoeboxhousings or dome housings.Housings assist in protectingcameras from the weather, dustand potential vandalism. Domescan assist in obscuring thedirection the camera is pointingwhich may have an additionaldeterrent effect.

Anti-climb Devices

Anti-climb devices such asspikes can be fitted to camerapoles to deter climbing andtherefore access to cameras byvandals or thieves.

Maintenance

Location and mounting ofcameras should take intoconsideration ease of access bymaintenance personnel. Ifcameras are located in areas ormounted in ways that make ittoo difficult for authorised accessby maintenance personnel it mayhamper regular maintenance,

cleaning or corrective action tocameras that have slipped outof alignment.

Wind

Cameras programmed withVMD (Video Motion Detection)should be secured in such a waythat wind pressure does notcause movement that the camerainterprets as movement in thefield of view. Considerationshould be given to supportingrods in these circumstances toavoid nuisance alarms.

Avoid Glare

Location and mounting ofcameras should take potentialsources of glare intoconsideration. In the same waythat glare can affect anindividual’s ability to see (forexample, looking into the Sun),glare can affect the ability ofcameras to produce clearpictures of a scene. Whenlocating cameras care should betaken to avoid directingcameras toward bright light,reflective surfaces or the Sun.


SupportingInfrastructure/Measures

CCTV may be of limited value ifused alone. Other security orcrime prevention strategies areusually required to support aholistic system, ideally toaccomplish all the roles of Deter,Detect, Delay Communicate andRespond (for further informationsee Section: Strengths andLimitations of CCTV). CCTV maypartially fulfil the role of deterringcrime or unwanted behaviour,and potentially detecting crimeif it is monitored. A holisticsystem, however, requires othersupporting strategies to furthersupport deter and detect roles,and to provide the functions ofdelay and respond.

Other supporting strategies thatshould be considered forsupporting CCTV may include:

CPTED or DOC

Crime Prevention ThroughEnvironmental Design (CPTED)also known as Designing OutCrime (DOC) is a crimeprevention approach that mayoffer an alternative or supportingstrategy for CCTV. CPTED uses

the built environment toinfluence behaviour, deter crimeand encourage use of space byauthorised users of a space. The main principles of CPTEDare Natural Surveillance, NaturalAccess Control and TerritorialReinforcement. More informationabout CPTED or DOC strategiescan be sourced from the Officeof Crime Prevention website(http://www.crimeprevention.wa.gov.au/). CPTED strategies willbenefit from specialist knowledgeand experience so considerationshould be given to obtainingassistance from licensed,appropriately-qualified CPTEDPractitioners.

Lighting

Studies on lighting have shownthat it can deter some types ofcrime in certain circumstancesand encourage use of space bythe community due to creatingan increased perception of safety.Lighting may have its own crimeprevention qualities, but it isalso a vital element in a CCTVsystem by assisting cameras toproduce clearer images. If colouraccuracy in CCTV recordedimages is necessary to ensure

that the objectives of the CCTVsystem are met, considerationshould be given to supportingcameras with lighting that willprovide a white light with goodcolour rendition.

Monitoring

Monitoring has a specificmeaning within CCTV terms. Itrefers to the active, live watchingof CCTV vision by people whoserole it is to supervise the placesbeing watched. Some CCTVsystems are not monitored, butare recorded only. Monitoring ofCCTV generally requiresadditional equipment,infrastructure and personnel toachieve, all which incur anadditional cost. MonitoredCCTV systems are more likely todeter crime/unwanted behaviour,but only if monitoring is able toeffectively detect incidents andprevent the incident fromoccurring or initiate an effectiveresponse.

A holistic system

requires supporting

strategies to further

support deter and

detect roles, and to

provide the functions

of delay and respond.



Actively monitored CCTVsystems may include a PAsystem to allow monitoring staffto directly communicate with(or warn) would-be offenders,to enhance the systems crimedeterrent value. Activelymonitored systems must alsohave consideration for a suitableresponse force to manageincidents. Whilst these strategiesdo enhance the crime preventioncapability of a system they alsorequire additional cost andresources to achieve.

If an offender hid their identity(eg. with a balaclava) to avoidbeing identified, a monitoredCCTV system may still be abledirect a response that results inthe offender being apprehended.Conversely, a recorded-onlyCCTV system may not pose aproblem to an offender in thisscenario, as an immediateresponse is unlikely andrecorded footage may not besufficient to identify the offender.

It should also be noted that ifcameras are not monitored thereis a risk that they could beinoperable for considerable timebefore a potential problem isrecognised. Regularinspections/tests should beconsidered to assist in managingthis potential issue.Consideration should be givento CCTV tools that generate analert for operators if a camerabecomes inoperable.

Intruder Detection

Intruder detection includestechnologies such as alarmsystems, intrusion sensors, fencedetection systems and electricsecurity fences. Thesetechnologies are designed toinitiate an alarm if an intrusionis detected. Intruder detectioncan assist the role of detection.It can also be used to supportCCTV. For example, CCTVrecording could be activated byan alarm input from an intruderdetection system, or it couldalert a response capability.

Video Analytics

Video analytics is the use oflogical processing (usually ITbased) to assist in the analysisof video information for specificdata, behaviours or objectsthrough activities such as theprogramming of cameras toautomatically ‘patrol’ fildes ofview, detecting movement in asurveyed CCTV scene,recognising objects in a scene,recognising some unwantedbehaviours (eg. moving into aparticular area), and initiatingan alarm when certainconditions are met (eg. to startrecording footage, or to alertstaff of an issue).

Video analytics may be of use to


assist monitoring staff torecognise a range of issues or tosave on CCTV storage space.Video analytics developerscontinue to design newfunctions; however, it isrecommended that trials beconducted to establish whethervideo analytics will performadequately for a givenapplication in a particularlocation. It should be noted thatvideo analytics is notrecommended as a substitutefor human monitoring.

Access Control

Access control refers to systemsthat limit the movements ofindividuals. Examples include:natural barriers, doors, swipecard systems and keyingsystems. It is easier to predictwhere cameras need to belocated in order to capture therequired images (eg. anidentification image of anoffender) if CCTV is supportedby access control.

Physical Security

Physical security such as fences,barriers, locks, doors and gatesmay support CCTV by providinga delaying role. Physical securityshould be designed to delay anoffender once they have beendetected, so that a response canbe effectively achieved beforethe offender can achieve theirtarget and escape. Physicalsecurity may be of assistance toslow an offender down in orderto capture clear CCTV footageof them.

Communication andResponse

If no response capability existsto react to an incident or crime,then offenders may not bedeterred from offending orapprehended during an incident.A response is the final importantlink in an effective integratedsecurity system. Response to anincident may be enacted bysecurity staff or police.

Operation

Control Room Considerations

Monitored CCTV systems withsignificant numbers of camerasmay require a dedicated CCTVmonitoring or control room. Thefollowing sections discuss someconsiderations:

Space

A dedicated monitoring facilityrequires a suitably sized room orfloor-space. This could representa significant cost if it does not already exist or if it requires significantalterations/refurbishment toachieve. A monitoring facilityneeds to provide adequateroom for infrastructure tosupport the CCTV system andmonitoring staff potentiallyincluding racks for recordingequipment, rows of monitorsand control equipment,furniture, toilets etc, and roomfor potential future expansion.

Security/Construction

A CCTV monitoring facility mayhouse staff, sensitive informationand significant assets includingvaluable or sensitive equipmentand the facility itself mayrepresent a key element inensuring organisational securityor business continuity. For these

reasons, consideration shouldbe given to the physicalconstruction of the facility andits ability to support the securityof staff, information and assetsand non-disruption to operations.Considerations may include:physical construction (robustbuildings materials), CPTED,defence in depth, barriers, solidcore doors and robust doorfurniture, electronic accesscontrol, and intruder detection.Security construction may bedetermined through a formalSecurity Risk Assessmentprocess. Assistance withSecurity Risk Assessmentsshould be obtained fromlicensed, qualified SecurityProfessionals.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics and staff comfort isimportant as monitoring staffmay spend extended hours infront of monitors, and ifuncomfortable, may not be ableto concentrate on operations.Staff should be seatedcomfortably, able to reachcontrol equipment comfortably,and view monitors from anoptimum distance withouthaving to continually refocustheir view to compensate formonitors located at varyingdistances away. Ideally monitorsshould be laid out in an arc sothat all monitors being viewedfrom one point are the samedistance away from the viewer.



Staff

Depending on the number ofhours CCTV is monitored,staffing may require numerousshifts. A 24 hour monitoredfacility may require threeoverlapping shifts for around-the-clock monitoring. Aconsideration here is the abilityof staff to perform adequatelyover extended periods of time.Some research suggests that anindividual’s attention spansignificantly reduces after 1 hourof continuous viewing ofmonitors. Monitoring staff mayneed to work in pairs to allow 1hour active monitoring sessionstaken in turns. Working in pairsalso facilitates having at leaseone staff member available formonitoring at all times (eg.during toilet breaks etc).

Training may be required formonitoring staff depending onorganisational policy and locallegislation. Monitoring staff mayrequire a Security Officer’sLicense if they are someone:

“who for remunerationwatches, guards or protects anyproperty”

Reference: Security and RelatedActivities (Control) Act 1996(WA).

Elective training is available toassist monitoring staff such aselective units as part of aCertificate III in SecurityOperations. Enquiries regardingspecific training or licensingrequirements for a particularapplication can be directed toPolice Licensing Services.

Liaison with Police

CCTV system owners willgenerally liaise with police atsome point following an incidentcaught on camera. For largerCCTV system owners, liaisonwith police may occur at theoutset of considering ordeveloping a CCTV system, sothat police can contribute in atwo-way partnership. Policemay also be able to partnerwith owners of larger CCTV

systems to conduct specificinvestigations or operationsusing CCTV. Police may be ableto offer or guide owners towardsources of information orprofessional advice (throughlicensed Security Professionals)that will assist the effectivenessof a CCTV system. Informationmay include crime statistics orspecific crime hotspots, orinformation regarding storagemediums (for CCTV footage) tofacilitate ease of transferringrecorded images to police.

Liaison with police will also assistin developing a standard methodfor contacting police andarranging for retrieval ofrecorded images to maintaincontinuity of evidence. Shouldpolice require CCTV footagefrom a CCTV owner as part ofan investigation they may requestthat the owner provides itvoluntarily or may compel theowner to provide it via a warrant.

General enquiries to Police canbe made by phoning 131 444or the Office of CrimePrevention on 9222 9733.

Further assistance should besought from licensed, qualifiedSecurity Professionals.

The WA Police have recentlylaunched Blue Iris, a register ofWA based CCTV systems aimedat mapping the locations ofCCTV systems than can be usedby police investigators. Ownersof CCTV systems can registertheir system with Blue Iris online(https://blueiris.police.wa.gov.au/).

Information SecurityConsiderations

The use of CCTV generallyresults in the storage of large


quantities of stored information(CCTV images). This informationmay be stored on hard drives,on DVD (disks), or in hardcopy(paper documents). CCTV imagesmay be extremely important dueto their sensitivity. If sensitiveimages were leaked by any means(for example onto a website orto the media) it could havesevere consequences for theCCTV owner. For this reasonInformation Security strategiesshould be considered to classifyinformation (eg. what is and isnot important, and what levelof protection each categoryneeds), clearance for individuals(eg. determine who needs accessto information based on “needto know”), and a means ofcontrolling access to information.This may be supported by:logical access control, physicalaccess control, physical security,information handling policiesand procedures.

Other sources of informationrelating to a CCTV system mayalso warrant InformationSecurity strategies. Documentedpolicy and proceduredocuments or CCTV designdocuments may include detailabout a CCTV system that maybe of benefit to offendersbecause it could indicate systemweaknesses. Similarly, access toCCTV monitoring points mayprovide detail about whereCCTV cameras are located andwhat they are able to view.

Incident Management

CCTV can be an effective incidentmanagement tool if it formspart of an integrated systemthat performs the roles of deter,detect, delay communicate andrespond (for further informationsee Section: CCTV’s Role in

Security). Incident managementmay employ monitored CCTVwith audio capability as a meansof deterring offenders. Forexample, if potential offendersare seen (via CCTV) to beengaging in unwantedbehaviours, they can be warnedvia an audio system remotely bymonitoring staff from the CCTVmonitoring point. Potentialoffenders could be tracked bymonitoring personnel usingPan-Tilt-Zoom cameras and if aresponse is required, monitoringpersonnel could alert and guideresponding security personnelto the persons of interest.Recorded images of offenderscould then be used to supportapprehension and potentialconviction of offenders.

Maintenance

CCTV requires ongoingmaintenance and regularinspections to ensure the systemis performing effectively.Maintenance may include cleaning,repairing or replacing cameracomponents, but it also mayinclude maintenance of lightingor surrounding vegetation thatmay impact on CCTVperformance. Maintenanceshould only be undertaken byqualified and licensed personnel.CCTV planning should takeongoing maintenance budgetinginto consideration.

Maintaining Vegetation

Vegetation in the vicinity ofcameras can affect theperformance of CCTV. Forexample, trees or other forms ofvegetation may obscure CCTVvision, or if VMD (Video MotionDetection) is used with theCCTV, vegetation that moves inthe breeze may trigger VMD

alarms or initiate recording offootage when it isn’t required.For these reasons, ongoingmanagement of vegetation maybe required to support CCTV.Maintenance of vegetation mayalso prevent trees obscuringlighting which could affectCCTV performance.

Repairing and ReplacingCameras

CCTV cameras may need to berepaired or replaced, potentiallydue to a number of reasonsincluding:

• Theft of cameras,

• Vandalism,

• Broken, dysfunctional orsuperseded cameras.

Ongoing costs for replacementof cameras is dependent on anumber of issues, including:

• The type of cameras selected(and therefore beingreplaced),

• The extent of damage (eg.camera only, camera andexpensive lens, camera andcamera pole),

• Labour required to replacethe camera,

• How often cameras requirereplacing (potentially due tonumber of incidents per yearthat affect the cameras, eg. theft).



Some of the above criteria maybe unknown prior to CCTVinstallation. For example, howoften cameras are likely to bethe target of theft/vandalism.

A Crime Assessment may assistin determining likelihood ofdamage to cameras or to assistin locating/securing cameras tominimise damage (See Sections:Risk Assessment and CrimeAssessment).

Consideration should be givento permanently identifyingcameras with the owner’s nameand telephone number to reducethe resale potential in the eventof theft. Owners should alsoconsider documenting cameraserial numbers.

Cleaning Cameras

Cameras may require regularcleaning due to dust, graffiti,insect infestation, being locatednear the coast, sea/air, etc.Scheduling for cleaning shouldbe determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on thelocal environmental conditions.

As a minimum, cameras shouldbe cleaned and maintained 6 monthly, including but notlimited to:

• Cleaning dust,

• Checking seals,

• Checking cooling fans,

• Lubricating servo motors.

Other maintenance may include:

• Changing belt drivesapproximately every 2 years(if applicable),

• Changing cooling fans approximately every 2 years(if applicable),

• Assessing whether domesneed replacing every 3 to 5years (if applicable).

Legislation

Privacy Considerations

CCTV can be used to recordimages of people and places.Several laws exist locally andnationally that may impact theextent to which such potentiallyprivate information can belegally recorded. Breach of somelegislation incurs significantpenalties, so consideration of allpotentially applicable laws is avital consideration at the outsetof considering the use of CCTV.

A determination of the extentto which CCTV can be legallyused may affect decision-making regarding: whetherCCTV will be used at all, thedesign of a CCTV system,location of cameras, use ofCCTV signage, anddevelopment of CCTV policiesand procedures.

As Western Australia does nothave a Privacy Act, the use ofsurveillance devices is regulatedby the Surveillance Devices Act1998 (WA). This legislationprohibits the recording of“private activity”.

Private activity means “anyactivity carried on incircumstances that mayreasonably be taken to indicatethat any of the parties to theactivity desire it to be observedonly by themselves.” (S3 SDA)

Activities carried on incircumstances where it shouldreasonably be expected that theparties may be observed oroverheard are not consideredprivate.

It is essential to consider thesurrounding circumstances,including the location andphysical environment, indetermining whether the use of

CCTV will breach the SurveillanceDevices Act 1998. Whenplanning to install CCTV,owners and/or operators shouldask themselves:

(a) Is it likely that the CCTV willrecord activities that peoplemight reasonably desire tobe observed only bythemselves?

(b) Is the CCTV system observingan area where people oughtto reasonably expect thattheir activities might beobserved?

Provided that CCTV cameras arepositioned to observe publiclocations in which it mightreasonably be expected thatactivities taking place in thoseareas be observed, and providedthat CCTV cameras are notplaced in locations or used insuch a way as to suggest thatthe intention of camera’splacement or use is to observeprivate activity, there would beno breach of the SurveillanceDevices Act 1998.

It is therefore advisable thatCCTV system owners develop aduty statement and documentthe principle purpose of eachcamera within their CCTVsystem. It is also advisable thatCCTV owners utilise signage tomake people aware that theiractivities within an area may beobserved and recorded.

Owners of CCTV systems shouldinform themselves of the lawsthat may impact on their use ofCCTV prior to planning a system,and that ongoing identificationand review of local and nationallaws be regularly conducted.

Source: Advice to WesternAustralia Police Communicationsby State Solicitor’s Office.April 2009.



Step 5 – Implementation

The technical installation of theCCTV system should only beundertaken by a licensed andtrained system installer. TheSecurity Agents Institute ofWestern Australia (SAIWA –www.saiwa.asn.au) and theAustralian Security IndustryAssociation Limited (ASIAL –www.asial.com.au) can providelists of licensed CCTV installerswithin Western Australia.

The selection and appointmentof a system and designer willcomply with the owner’s ownprocurement policy, however, itis recommended that theselection of a designer andinstaller, particularly for large orcomplex systems, is undertakenby a panel consisting of peoplewith relevant qualifications andexpertise in the equipment thatis being considered.

Step 6 – Review andEvaluate

The CCTV system, onceinstalled, should be reviewedand evaluated to ensure that theequipment is meeting theobjectives as determined duringthe planning stage. Indicators ofsuccess will depend on thepurpose for which the systemhas been installed and theobjectives determined during theplanning phase. Positiveoutcomes may take some time;timeframes should be realisticand actions should be persistent.

A policy review should beinitiated following a reasonableimplementation period when thedegree of applicability andeffectiveness of policy andprocesses can be satisfactorilyassessed. The review processmay involve internalorganisational and externalexpertise. The informationgleaned from this research andanalysis can be used to modifythe relevant CCTV policy andoperational processes. Thereview process should be aconstant method of ensuringthat policies and proceduresrelated to the use andmanagement of the CCTVsystem remain current andeffective.

Further Information

Enquiries regarding this documentor requests for furtherinformation should be directedto:

The Office of Crime PreventionWestern Australia PoliceLevel 5, 197 St George’s TerracePerth WA 6000

Ph: (08) 9222 9733 E: [email protected]


5 ADDITIONAL READING

Ditton, J., E. Short, S. Phillips, C. Norris, and G. Armstrong (1999). The Effect of Closed CircuitTelevision on Recorded Crime Rates and Public Concern about Crime in Glasgow (Final report).Edinburgh: The Scottish Office.

Flight, S., Y. v. Heerwaarden, and P. v. Soomeren (2003). “Does CCTV Displace Crime? An Evaluation ofthe Evidence and a Case Study from Amsterdam.” In M. Gill (ed.), CCTV. Leicester: Perpetuity Press.

Gill, M & Spriggs, A. (2005). Assessing the impact of CCTV. Home Office Research Study Number 929.Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate, London.

Scarman Centre National CCTV Evaluation Team (2003). National evaluation of CCTV: early findings onscheme implementation – effective practice guide. Home Office Research, Development and StatisticsDirectorate, London.

Tilley, N. (1993). Understanding car parks, crime and CCTV: Evaluation lessons from Safer Cities. PoliceResearch Group, Home Office Police Department. London.

Weblinks

www.police.wa.gov.au

www.crimeprevention.wa.gov.au

www.saiwa.com.au

www.asial.asn.net

www.rgl.wa.gov.au

www.saiglobal.com

https://blueiris.police.wa.gov.au

Legislation

Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996

Surveillance Devices Act 1998

Acknowledgements

The Office of Crime Prevention wishes to thank and acknowledge the contribution of the followingindividuals and organisations in the development of this document:

Western Australia Police, Integracom, WA Department of Education, Main Roads WA, WA State CCTVWorking Group, WA State Solicitors Office, Arthur Barker, Bosch.

Western Australian PoliceOffice of Crime Prevention

Level 5, 197 St Georges TerracePERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6000

Telephone: 08 9222 9733Facsimile: 08 9222 8705

Email: [email protected]: www.crimeprevention.wa.gov.au

NO

VEM

BER

2009

• 4

146

Des

ign

Des

ign Office of

Crime Prevention

Western Australia Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Guidelines · 2 INTRODUCTION TO CLOSED CIRCUIT...

Documents

Transcript of Western Australia Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Guidelines · 2 INTRODUCTION TO CLOSED CIRCUIT...