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Digital CCTV: keeping it simple, straightforward
posted on 17/12/2001

A MAJOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS IN LONDON has invested in a significant overhaul of its security, centred around digital multiplexing technology from Dedicated Micros. The university has seven city centre sites spread over almost three miles. A growth in drug related crime in the nearby Kings Cross area prompted the university to reconsider its security arrangements in conjunction with IDS, specialists in digital CCTV technology. IDS considered a number of potential solutions before suggesting the Digital Sprite multiplexer from Dedicated Micros. Less expensive option Michael Pye from IDS explains: "The university had originally specified a much more expensive digital system, but we advised against it. We were aware of the complicated operating procedures it demanded and thought it unnecessarily expensive for the university's needs. ... [more]

What sources of information can you use in investigations?
posted on 12/12/2001

By Chris Brogan A RECENT COURT CASE calls into question the legality of relying on overt information sources for security investigations, in this case the electoral register, but as Chris Brogan argues, this might just be the start of our problems. Security relies on sources of information. This information may be from informers or overt sources, such as registries, databases, etc. The recent case Regina –v- City of Wakefield Metropolitan Council and another ex parte Robertson (16th November 2001), Justice Kay, throws into doubt the legality of relying on overt sources. This case dealt with the legitimacy of using the electoral register for anything other than compliance with the Representation of the People Act 1983. Mr. Robertson, a retired accountant, refused to register as a voter because Wakefield Metropolitan Council could not assure him that his personal details would not be sold on to commercial concerns such as credit reference agencies and direct mail compa... [more]

CCTV – Special Report
posted on 06/11/2001

ONCE YOU’VE GOT TO grips with data protection and privacy laws, there is some exciting technology out there which can help you enhance a CCTV system’s effectiveness. In our Special Report, Bob Lack, who runs the UK’s largest public CCTV scheme, explains how he has successfully adopted the latest surveillance systems while respecting civil liberties. Also featured is a visual remote monitoring system being used to reduce attacks on Bolton taxi drivers. Staying at the cutting-edge, we also report on how Ford in Daventry and a North London housing estate have invested in the latest CCTV equipment to deter crime. No matter what new technology you invest in, though, it is important that you don’t forget the basics such as camera positioning and lighting, advises CCTV consultant Simon Lambert. We also review the latest Key Note report on Britain’s CCTV market. Contents ... [more]

Bomb and Weapon Detection – Special Report
posted on 19/10/2001

THE EVENTS OF 11 September and the anthrax outbreak that has followed have forced businesses across the UK to re-think security. Many have concluded that they must invest more money in systems which can screen people and parcels for bombs and weapons. We report on the upsurge in demand for security screening equipment and ask whether there are systems out there that can detect anthrax. There is also a round-up of the latest bomb and weapon detection systems to hit the market. In addition, we provide a link to a fascinating article on ‘chem-bio detectors’. Also in our Special Report, two security consultants give their verdicts on airport security and how it needs to be tightened. The leisure industry, in particular pubs and night clubs, has to tread a fine line when searching customers for weapons. We look at how door staff can conduct searches in a way that’s effective and legal. Contents ... [more]

Data Protection Act gets personal
posted on 15/10/2001

CCTV MANAGERS HAVE ONLY until 24 October to ensure that all processing of Personal Data is compliant with the Data Protection Act (DPA). Personal Data is any information from which you can identify a living person - it could even be just a telephone number or a postcode. It certainly includes an image captured by CCTV, says Chris Brogan, director of Security International, a UK-based security consultancy. "For a long time there has been an argument that CCTV does not have to be compliant with the Act, but from 24 October that argument is irrelevant," emphasises Brogan. "If it captures an image and from it you can identify a living human being then it is personal data, and if so, it has to be processed in accordance with the DPA." ... [more]

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