CCTV
Surveillance vehicles are amongst the most versatile and cost-effective
solutions to a vast range of surveillance problems and yet their use to
date has been restricted in the main to Police Authorities.
The focus on tackling Crime and Disorder issues and the increased
enforcement roles of Local Authorities created by deregulation of
traffic and environmental offences creates differing surveillance
issues for the newly empowered enforcement agencies.
A CCTV Surveillance Vehicle is not the panacea to all
surveillance issues but the versatility and freedom in deployment
provides solutions, which can not be addressed by fixed installations.
CCTV Surveillance Vehicles are not available "off the shelf" they
are usually designed and manufactured to meet a customer's surveillance
specification.
A CCTV Surveillance vehicle can be equipped with a range of
cameras and recording equipment, which produces evidential quality
images comparable with those produced by a central control room and
fixed installations. The specification and range of equipment depends
on the end users surveillance issues but can include a mix of fixed
& PTZ cameras, digital or analogue recording, ANPR systems with on
site editing & playback facilities.
Units are usually designed with a combination of power
supplies that cater for silent, covert surveillance with up to 24-hour
capacity or continuous surveillance utilising the vehicle's power
sources.
Surveillance vehicles can be deployed to monitor incidents in static locations or on the move, up to 70 mph.
Particular attention is given to the safety and comfort of
operators who are often exposed to potentially volatile surveillance
situations.
CCTV Surveillance vehicles are often purchased for specific tasks
but are most cost effective when utilised by Local Authorities and
Enforcement Agencies to cover a range of surveillance issues
including:-
Anti Social Behaviour
The mobility of the units allows monitoring to be deployed anywhere
and when required allows the operator to follow incidents as they
develop..
When used as "high profile" overt units, they not only deter
anti social behaviour but also provide a visible sign to residents and
victims of A.S.B that the authorities are tackling the issue.
Crime Prevention & Prosecution
Fixed CCTV installations in town centres and housing estates have
proved beneficial in reducing crime & the fear of crime but all too
often the crime is displaced into areas not covered. Mobile CCTV units
can be used in conjunction with fixed installations adding an extra
dimension to a CCTV scheme.
The mobility of the units allows targeted surveillance of suspects or premises outside the scope of static installations.
Traffic Enforcement
The new Transport Management Bill deregulates several offences and presents local authorities with new enforcement challenges:-
Bus Lane Enforcement
This requires evidence that an offence occurred with details of the
date, time and extent of the infringement together with details of the
vehicle involved. CCTV has proved to be the most effective means of
monitoring this activity but the installation and transmission costs
are high and unlike speeding offences monitoring must be live and
cannot be reviewed retrospectively. Mobile Surveillance units are a
cost-effective solution and versatile solution.
Enforcement of On Street Parking Offences
This will transfer to Local Authorities and while there is no
substitute for Traffic Wardens in Town Centres a Mobile Surveillance
Vehicle is most effective in areas where parking only occurs at
specific times.
Environmental Enforcement
Legislation is in place for prosecutions to be brought for a range
of offences including litter. Enforcement is far more manageable in
public spaces when the enforcement officers are backed up by instantly
accessible CCTV evidence. A high profile CCTV Surveillance Vehicle
parked in a Town Centre not only assists prosecution but also sends a
clear message that the problems of Litter are being addressed.
Fly Tipping
Known fly tipping locations can be monitored from a distance with
evidence of the offence and identification of vehicles and offenders
gathered to be used in prosecution.
Trading Standards
CCTV Surveillance vehicles are often used to gather evidence of
underage trading of alcohol etc. Parked some distance from a trading
premise the PTZ cameras can monitor underage customers entering &
leaving the premises and provide vital evidence for prosecutions.
Emergency Planning
A CCTV Surveillance vehicle makes a perfect forward base for Emergency Planning Officers to monitor & control incidents.
If you are considering the purchase of a CCTV Surveillance
vehicle for a specific task but have concerns over costs and potential
returns from the investment I would recommend consultations with
colleagues who may benefit from shared ownership.
The shared use of CCTV Surveillance Vehicles across a range of
disciplines often acts as a catalyst for joint intelligence and closer
working relationships.
CCTV Surveillance Vehicles can be fitted with fixed or mast mounted cameras
Inside a typical surveillance vehicle
A CCTV Surveillance vehicle can be as simple or complex as the operation demands.
A single fixed or manually operated camera, recording on a
simple VCR may be sufficient for the most basic surveillance, but there
are no technical or capacity limitations to a surveillance vehicle and
they can be designed to replicate any features found on fixed
installations or central control rooms.
When considering a surveillance vehicle you must consider:-
It is vital to determine the full range of surveillance required
from the unit. Establish the full surveillance requirements of the unit
and explore any opportunity for multi-agency sharing of the resource.
The cost of building additional features into the original
specification is minimal compared with cost of modifications at a later
date.
A CCTV Surveillance Vehicle can be as simple as a fixed or manually
operated camera recording through a simple VCR added to a standard van
or as complex as a vehicle which can accommodate several operators
handling numerous fully functional cameras, including remote camera
systems with full Digital recording and editing facilities.
A
bank of gel batteries provides a stable power supply, with capacity for
up to 24-hour surveillance. A well-designed split charging system can
allow continuous surveillance over longer periods without the need for
a mains charge.
There are two main options, battery and generator.
Each of these must be designed to deliver stable voltage(s) over a defined operating period.
Operational and environmental considerations must be included in your specification.
It would always be recommended that separate batteries be
utilised instead of the vehicle's main battery to stabilise the power
supply and eliminate peaks created in vehicle systems. Charging can be
achieved through split charging systems utilising the vehicle's
alternator or a mains charging system. The most efficient and effective
system combines both of these options.
Generators provide a range of voltages over extensive periods
but have environmental issues including noise and exhaust emissions
that can detract from the surveillance operations and create fuel
storage problems.
A full range of cameras can be specified although attention should be given to the operating environment.
In addition to the cameras' surveillance specifications consideration must be given to:-
- voltage and consumption
- covert or overt surveillance
- mounting (fixed or mast mounted)
- environmental protection.
- potential to withstand vandalism.
Traditionally surveillance vehicles were designed with telescopic
masts that allowed the camera to be deployed at any height up to six
metres.
There are several options for telescopic masts, which include:-
Rugged construction with anti-vibration mountings
Both digital & VCR recording units are available which have been
specifically designed for use in vehicles. This application calls for a
rugged construction with anti vibration mountings and flexible voltage
supplies.
In common with fixed installations digital produces the better
quality images, has greater storage capacity and is compatible with a
full range of I.T. systems. However a VCR is still a viable option
particularly where multi agency surveillance is required for example
working within a Crime & Disorder Partnership with the Police. Any
Data Protection issues are simplified with ownership of the data
belonging to the agency that made the recording and own the original
tape.
Provide clear access between cab & saloon. The use of curtains restricts visual access to the surveillance area.
The safety & comfort of the operatives is paramount.
Most surveillance activities particularly in relation to
anti-social behaviour or enforcement will inevitably place the
operative in a potentially hostile environment.
Doors should be locked whilst surveillance operations are in
progress however it is essential that operatives can access the
driver's seat from the rear saloon without the need to leave the
vehicle.
The use of proximity cameras around the vehicle allows the
operatives to maintain a clear image of the activities in the immediate
vicinity of the vehicle. These cameras should be discreet and must be
protected from vandalism.
They can also be used as traditional surveillance cameras providing an overview of the surveillance area.
Seating in the rear surveillance should meet Public Service
Vehicle Regulations. M1 Tested seating and mountings should always be
specified. Swivel seats must only be locked in the forward or rear
facing positions when the vehicle is moving
The specification must also give consideration to the following:-
- Heating & ventilation
- Lighting
- Gross vehicle mass & weight distribution.
- Security of the surveillance equipment
- Health & Safety
- Road Transport Legislation.
The build processes will inevitably involve a number of suppliers and contractors.
Commercial Vehicle Dealerships will have contacts with local
body converters but it is unlikely that these will have experience with
any specialist security or surveillance vehicle conversions. Ideally a
conversion company who specialise in Police & Security Vehicles who
will have secure areas of the workshops should be utilised.
A CCTV contractor with experience with automotive
installations will be familiar with van interior layouts and the
precautions required to minimise the effects of the vehicle electronics
on the surveillance equipment.
Consideration must be given to the logistics of moving the
vehicle between subcontractors' workshops or arrangements made for
sub-contractors to work in each others workshops.
A specialist consultant will co-ordinate the whole procurement process:-
- Introductory meetings & presentation to explore the scope of the project including options for design & specification.
- Produce a full design and specification to the customers' requirements
- Assist with the tendering and procurement process.
- Provide complete build management service to co-ordinate the
activities of the Vehicle Dealership, CCTV Supplier / Installer, and
body converter.
- Provide a full warranty schedule identifying the separate agencies' responsibilities.
- Commission the vehicle.
- Provide full training
The role of the Consultant is to co-ordinate the activities of the sub contractors
- Consultant (pink)
- Vehicle Dealership (white)
- Body Converter (blue)
- CCTV Installers (yellow)
Build Management is all about sequencing their activities
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