Doktor Jons Guide to the "Use and Application of CCTV"
This is the "System Design" Section - About CCTV System Design

- An introduction to Crime Audits -
 

CCTV Security System Design
 

“It’s perhaps unfortunate that many of the CCTV systems currently in use, are so badly designed, configured and installed, as to render them only marginaly better than a complete waste of money. Time and again, serious crimes take place in full view of relatively high performance surveillance cameras, and the resulting images shown on the TV news do little to dispel the myth surrounding the existence of a Yeti (or Bigfoot). It wouldn’t be quite so bad if you could tell whether the creature was male or female; perhaps that's just a little too much like rocket science”.

The truth of the matter is that most CCTV cameras are just not properly set up for their intended purpose, and that’s the main reason why it’s so important to understand the objectives, before installing the system.

In the context of Security, there are essentially four main steps to achieving an efficient approach when applying Closed Circuit Television; but it is still worth remembering that in most situations, the general effectiveness of CCTV increases when it is used as part of an overall strategy, involving various other complimentary techniques,
(for example, correct lighting, intruder alarms, access control, etc.).

Step 1 is the Crime Audit (CA)

Before you can address any given problems, you first need to understand the scope and complexity of any criminal behaviour which has so far taken place.
For most assessments, Doktor Jon will apply two distinct levels of analysis; ‘Global’ which will relate to the entire premises, site or location, and ‘Macro’ which applies to a specific point on the drawing or map.

When compiling a crime audit, it is important to list all of the incidents that have taken place within or adjacent to, the area to be protected, in particular making note of the date and approximate time.
In addition, the audit should also reflect whether any action resulted in identification of suspects, arrests or convictions (this will help to compare the effectiveness of CCTV, after it has been installed).

For example, with a small retail shop taken over a 12 month period, this may total 11 incidents of shoplifting, 3 credit card frauds, an attempted break in, 2 incidents of graffiti on the external shutters, and 1 cash snatch from the till; ( if I were the shopkeeper, I might be tempted to relocate or retire!! ).

more information on CCTV System Design >

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; 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 - 2009

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