Welcome to the
"CCTV / IP Video News"
Section of
Doktor Jons

Guide to Closed Circuit TV (CCTV)

So would you like to play "Spot the CCTV Camera?". Eagle eyed visitors may recognise the profusion of street furniture, surrounding a single heritage dome camera keeping watch over part  of Londons' prestigious Oxford Street shopping area.
The unique "TRUSTED" National CCTV Improvement Campaign


In the race to become the next Mayor of London
... what does the future hold for CCTV in the Capital?

An exclusive report by
Doktor Jon
Dateline April 19th 2008 - London, England

With literally only a few days left to go before the local elections on May 1st. 2008, the race is now seriously hotting up to become the next Mayor of London. Although there are ten people in total standing for election, Doktor Jon thought ( as a humble Londoner ) it would be an interesting exercise to set a few very simple questions for the three main candidates, to see how they regard London's position as the capital city, of what is universally regarded as the CCTV capital of the world.

So brief e-mails were sent off, requesting a formal response to the following:-

"In tackling crime and public safety issues, how important do you think Closed Circuit Television is overall, what are your thoughts on the way security cameras are presently being used, and what are your policies, plans or ideas with regard to the future use of CCTV in the capital?" .

The incumbent mayor Ken Livingstone (Labour), Boris Johnson (Conservative) and Brian Paddick (Liberal Democrat) were all given a week to respond, and interestingly enough, two came up with part of the goods .... whilst one couldn't even manage that; to find out who was the 'no show', read on ....
 

Conservative candidate Boris Johnson replied:-

"CCTV has an important role to play in crime prevention, and I want - for example - to trial live CCTV for the worst bus routes in London. However, CCTV can never be considered an alternative to a police presence. I want to get officers back out on the streets, buses and trains by cutting the amount Mayoral agencies spend on spin, looking at how PCSO's can help with the admin burden, and lobbying the Government to tear up red tape".
 

Liberal Democrat candidate Brian Paddick replied:-

"CCTV has a part to play in policing London, but is no substitute for officers actually on the beat. However, working with local communities, CCTV cameras can have a good deterrent effect, and the information they gather can be used in court. A mixture of CCTV and proper intelligence led policing can have a real effect on crime levels in the capital".
 


The current Labour Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone .... didn't bother to reply.


 


Doktor Jon
very much appreciates the Conservative and Liberal Democrat candidates taking the trouble to respond to what was three fairly simple questions; it was just a shame that the current Mayor couldn't even manage a few brief words.

That said, it would be somewhat naive to assume that any of the candidates would have any significant insight into a subject, which whilst highly technical in nature, has nevertheless served many politicians well in their quest for votes, in the not so distant past.

Unfortunately, no matter how well intentioned, the candidates responses clearly indicate that little is really understood about the current state of our "lottery" surveillance, provided by existing CCTV infrastructure widely deployed throughout the capital.

There are many serious issues which were accurately highlighted in the recently published joint Home Office / ACPO 'National CCTV Strategy', and if there was any doubt at all about what needs to be urgently addressed in order to make proper use of the capitals video surveillance, the new Mayor's advisors would de well to consider the reports findings, if there's to be any chance at all of improving currently low levels of CCTV effectiveness.

The Mayor of London is in a unique position to help everyone make the capital a much safer place ... given that crime and Anti Social Behaviour are perhaps the leading issues concerning Londoners, only time will tell whether the victor actually chooses to do something appropriate, that will actually make a difference.

 

Further suggested reading:-

"CCTV and the Surveillance Society" - by Doktor Jon

Home Office / ACPO 'National CCTV Strategy'

STOP PRESS:- 2nd May 2008 - Boris Johnson has been duly elected as Mayor of London.

IMPORTANT: No material may be reproduced, copied or redistributed from this site,
without the express written consent of doktorjon.co.uk

All the detailed information on this site is provided in good faith; and as such, Doktor Jon
does not accept responsibility for any consequential loss, injury or disadvantage
resulting from any individual or organisation acting on the details contained herein.

© doktorjon.co.uk 2004 - 2008

Homepage...:...Gateway...:...Technical Gateway....:....Quickfind Index....:....Equipment Directory
Site Index...:...About this site....:....CCTV Helpdesk....:.... The Forum ....:....Contact Doktor Jon