The introduction of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV ) has been one of the best weapons against crime. It has been proved effective in both cutting and detecting crime and because of this people now feel safer when they're out and about.
The Home Office states that CCTV surveillance is particularly valuable when used as part of a wider crime reduction strategy, thus strengthening partnership with the local police. Images from the cameras are monitored at the Council's Security Operations Centre and relate to a number of systems including the recently installed Nexus digital system at Metro stations in the Borough. A radio link with the Police is used to alert them to incidents and the design of the systems also allows police CCTV operators to remotely access and control the cameras.
The main operational aims of the systems can be summarised as:
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Assisting in the security of the Council's assets' The detection, deterrence and prevention of crime
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A means of providing assistance to the emergency services
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Helping to secure a safer environment for the people who live, work and trade in the areas covered by the cameras and the people who visit those areas
Users of the systems are committed to complying with a CCTV Code of Practice to ensure that they are only used for legitimate purposes.