The role of mobile CCTV surveillance has been tested and utilised by any number of municipalities but is not seen so often in commerce and industry. But imagine the impact on productivity or security if mobile cctv surveillance was implemented.

A mobile cctv system could be put in place for a new project or to observe the impact of recent training and then moved as soon as an assessment had been made. If the images could be streamed straight to a note book, PDA or cellphone then prompt intervention by supervisors for non compliance or evaluation could be made on the spot.

An installation team sent by a manufacturer could be monitored by a home based project manager.

The concept has been used by medical people for remote support for some time. Why not transfer the experience to the business world?

Westminster Council Mobile CCTV
The new instant response vehicle supported by Westminster City Council and the Metropolitan and City of London Police Service. Equipment supplied by Sony. Also supported by Interserve/First Security. Footage courtesy Digby Oldridge/PR Eye.

To test both cameras and the wireless network for the final stage of the wireless city programme, cameras will be hung at a number of locations and tested. The cameras will not be used for any enforcement purposes. On completion of testing, not to exceed 48 hours, the camera will be removed.

We have one of the most advanced CCTV schemes currently in operation in the country. Our CCTV control room, based at the Trocadero, is equipped with state of the art digital recording and editing facilities servicing a network of 33 cameras in the West End as well as separate schemes in Church Street, Oxford Street and Belgravia. The level of sophistication is such that images can be enhanced on site without having to source the expertise of police or other crime investigators.

We also have a highly advanced Open Circuit Television system. This is effectively the opposite of CCTV. Images are transmitted directly from the surveillance camera to a mobile phone which relays images to a laptop or palmtop computer. This allows rapid deployment, unprecedented versatility and consequently, better re-assurance.

No other local authority has such advanced technology at their disposal. Both systems have provided important evidence in criminal proceedings.

Here are some examples of what the CCTV system may be used for:

• Deter anti social behaviour
• Disrupt and prevent street crime
• Look for illegal waste dumping
• Observe unlicensed activity in entertainment premises
• Observe fraudulent behaviour
• Gather evidence for court proceedings
• Identify persons wanted by the police
• Crowd control
• Emergency planning