Module 1: Basics of CCTV

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to
o
Explain the CCTV operational requirements
o
Identify the skills and qualities of a CCTV operator
o
Outline the importance of behavioural analysis
o
Recognise the steps involved in the hostile surveillance
o
Describe the method of setting up a CCTV system
o
List the essential devices used to install a CCTV
o
Define the various components in technical guidance of CCTV


Introduction to CCTV Operation
CCTV Operation practices provide operational objectives and performance indicators for CCTV Operations,
emphasising nominated outcomes related to camera placements and other designated target areas.

CCTV Management necessitates ongoing dedication to the monitoring, review, and audit process and
planning and financial procedures for CCTV Operations.
Executive supervisors and CCTV operators should continually look for ways to improve system efficacy.

Key Performance Indicators

Establishing clear, efficacy, and concise Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for CCTV Operations will enable
effective system reporting and monitoring.
KPI will quickly highlight trends concerning fundamental operations that may necessitate early intervention or
closer monitoring by CCTV Management and the MHRS.
The following are recommended CCTV Operation KPIs:

o
The number of incidents identified using CCTV
o
The number of incidents that have been responded to
o
The number of documented material requests/applications
o
Police feedback on the identification and prosecution of criminals



CCTV Operation Code of Practice
This British Standard specifies how to operate and maintain CCTV in a controlled setting, such as a control
room.
The CCTV Operation Code of Practice can be used everywhere data is received, stored, evaluated, or analysed
as evidence. It also relates to the enforcement of traffic laws.
The standard includes best practice suggestions to help users collect trustworthy information that may
be used as evidence. Compliance with the Data Protection Act is highly advised, especially if projects contain
an element of public observation. It pertains to CCTV systems deployed in public areas, such as the ones listed
below:

o
Places where the public is encouraged to enter or has the right to access, such as town centres, shopping malls,
public transportation, health care facilities, and so on
o
Programmes that gaze out over a public space, such as traffic monitoring schemes
o
Private plans in which a camera view incorporates a portion of public space


The standard also served as good practice for all other CCTV projects and
was written to integrate the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice's 12
guiding principles.


The Main Principles of the CCTV Code
Following the 12 main principles of the CCTV code given below, any CCTV operator or system designer may
assure full compliance by adhering to a broad framework.

o
The use of a surveillance camera system must always be for a specific purpose that is in pursuit of a legal goal
and is required to satisfy an acknowledged urgent necessity
o
The use of a surveillance camera system must consider the impact on persons and their privacy, with frequent
assessments to verify that its use is still justified
o
There must be as much transparency as feasible in the usage of a surveillance camera system, including a
publicly accessible contact point for information and complaints
o
There must be clear responsibility and accountability for all surveillance camera system activities, including
the collection, storage, and use of pictures and information
o
Before using a surveillance camera system, clear rules, regulations, and processes must be in place and
communicated to all parties who must follow them
o
No more pictures or information should be retained than is strictly necessary for the declared purpose of a
surveillance camera system, and such images and information should be destroyed after their functions have
been completed
o
Access to preserved pictures and information should be restricted, with clearly defined rules governing who
may acquire access and for what reason such access is given; disclosure of images and information should
occur only when necessary for such a purpose or law enforcement purposes
o
Surveillance camera system operators should take into account any authorised operational, technical, and
competency requirements that are relevant to a system and its purpose and endeavour to meet and maintain
such standards
o
Images and information from surveillance camera systems should be subject to adequate security measures to
prevent unauthorised access and use
o
Effective review and audit procedures should be in place to verify that legal obligations, rules, and standards
are followed in practice, and frequent reports should be published
o
When a surveillance camera system is utilised to pursue a lawful goal, and there is an urgent necessity for its
usage, it should be employed most effectively to assist public safety and law enforcement in processing
pictures and information of evidentiary value
o
Any data utilised to support a surveillance camera system that compares against a reference database for
matching purposes must be accurate and up to date


Operational Issues
The operational issues include the system's day-to-day functioning, such as who monitors the system, where,
and how they should respond in the case of an action.
The majority of large CCTV installations will include an operated control centre where events are
monitored. On the other hand, some smaller CCTV systems are primarily intended to record video, which
may then be examined in the case of an issue.

o
o
o
Who Monitors the CCTV Screens?
Where Is the CCTV Control Room Located?
The most common options for people who will be responsible for monitoring the CCTV screens are:
● Dedicated personnel whose sole responsibility is to operate the system and respond to events
● Casual operation by personnel, as a secondary function to their main role, such as a receptionist
● Some systems are designed only for recording and post-event investigation, in which case nobody would be
required to monitor the activities live
Moreover, think about if and to what extent training for staff members is necessary. The majority of CCTV
operators in public areas are now required to hold SIA (Security Industry Authority) licenses, and they
must demonstrate that they have received the necessary training in order to do so.

o
System Requirements
o
o

Alert Function




Display
Maintenance
Resources to Operate the System
Many systems include a customisable automated alert mechanism, activated when a specific event
occurs. Combining CCTV with other protective security equipment may be beneficial, such as an
intrusion detection system, which detects an event, such as opening a door and then activates the CCTV.
Alternatively, if the CCTV system has an in-built video motion detection (VMD) capacity or a more
sophisticated Video-Based Detection System (VBDS) capability, often known as "Intelligent Video," the
incident may be noticed by the CCTV system itself.
A choice should be made about what sort of behaviour should trigger an alert and then about the format of that
alert, for example:


Skills and Qualities
To become a CCTV Operator, you must have the following qualities:

o
Be honest, responsible, trustworthy, and vigilant
o
Have good observational skills
o
Excellent communication abilities, particularly the ability to speak clearly
o
The ability to remain calm in emergencies
o
Common sense, curiosity, and a pragmatic attitude
o
The ability to preserve detailed written records
o
Practical camera and recording equipment operating abilities
o
An interest in law
o
The ability to work effectively on your own and in a team
o
The capacity to focus throughout a day shift or night-shift
o
Maintaining confidentiality of information
o
Some IT and keyboarding abilities
o
Strong eyesight and hearing ability


Site Map or Site Layout
The CCTV operator must be able to locate the specific position through the camera feeds and be
intelligent enough to assess whether the actions threaten the organisation’s safety and security.
The following tools are available to help you learn more about your site:

o
Identify the camera’s Location
o
Recognise the flaws (No coverage)
o
Patrols for site familiarisation
o
Rehearsals for emergency or crisis reaction


It is advised to mark each camera with its ID number if the company is large and there are several
cameras installed because this makes it easier to find the camera on the organisation map.
To ensure the mobile patrol officer pays attention to regions you cannot monitor from the control centre if the
camera goes dark (blackout) or does not cover the area, you should speak with them.



Visual Detection Techniques
Many modern CCTV systems can detect motion, heat, and even crossing a security zone, but only people can
decide on a complex circumstance better than any technology.
The main talent of the CCTV operator is detecting safety and security incidents, which may be developed
by doing the following tasks:

o
Can you see the difference in the video stream since your last viewing? In case of any change, rewind and have
a closer look at the video stream to decide whether any action is necessary.
o
Are you familiar with the appearance of security and safety threats? Consider all materials, equipment,
weapons, vehicles, people, and environmental variables.
o
Recognise the image of the thing that does not belong in that region.
o
Determine the site’s typical and abnormal circumstances.
o
Repeatedly monitor people’s activities to see if they are suspects.
o
Use the following techniques to ascertain people’s behaviour:

Examine

Individuality

Concentration

Assess


Decide