Public Space Surveillance - Closed Circuit Television

Introduction

The Security Industry Act 2001 establishing the Security Industry Authority - the SIA has made it compulsory for all CCTV operators to hold a Security Industry Authority (SIA) Licence if their roles involve Public Space Surveillance (PSS CCTV).

This led to the introduction of a modular (SIA) training course combined to form a programme suited to the occupational needs of a CCTV operator - designed to introduce learners to the CCTV control room environment and relevant legislations.

A good understanding of the legislations and codes of practice is important given that the CCTV operators' main task is to monitor the activities of members of the public in a private or public space or identifying a person - for the purpose of preventing and deterring crime by way of recording evidence for use in a court of law. To be able to carryout this role you'll need a SIA licence for CCTV operators.

Most CCTV control rooms are owned by the Police and Local Authorities monitoring activities in crime black spots and the town-centres. The Local Authority control rooms are concerned with preventing crime and disorder; including prevent disorder, Antisocial Behaviours and Public Order Offences, dealing with incidents such as Intimidating groups, Nuisance neighbour's, Litter, dumped rubbish, Graffiti/vandalism, Intimidation or harassment, Racial harassment, Noisy behaviour, Abandoned and/or untaxed vehicles, drug dealing, Alcohol, tobacco or fireworks being sold to children, Drinking on the street etc.

Nowadays CCTV images can be accessed remotely online without the need to be in front of the cctv monitor. Remote Video Response Centres utilise this technology to deter criminals by transmitting audio messages from the monitoring centre to the location where the crime is taking place - providing some of the benefits of manned on-site presence.

Role of a Data Controller

All CCTV images are held in their respective schemes by a Data Controller whose main responsibility is to adhere to the CCTV code of practice for recording, processing and disclosure of CCTV images. The data controller is responsible for dealing with disclosure requests by "data subjects" and follows a process of identifying the data subject before images could be disclosed. The data controller reserves the right not to comply with any requests where pre-conditions have not been met; and cannot disclose images where such disclosure could prejudice prevention and detection of crime; apprehension and prosecution of offenders. Otherwise CCTV images cannot be held for more than 31 days and any requests for disclosure by data subjects must be dealt with by the data controller within 40 days of the request. The CCTV operator serves as a customer service link between members of the public and the data controller by carrying out liaison roles with other key partners in the security industry i.e. Police; thus the Call Centre role of a CCTV control room in the prevention and detecting of crime.

It is therefore imperative that an aspiring CCTV operator completely understands their future roles and responsibilities as informed by public expectations. It is public confidence that will continue to sustain CCTV surveillance in places where public have free access and SIA CCTV licence badge should literally serve as a public statement and declaration that the holder of a CCTV license understands the CCTV code of practice and has the required level of skills and professionalism in this public role of CCTV monitoring as is the aim of the Security Industry Authority - "the SIA".

How to obtain a SIA CCTV licence and become a CCTV operator

If you have been able to read the above article on CCTV you are on course to becoming a SIA licence holder for PSS CCTV operations.

To get SIA licence for CCTV operators you must attend a SIA approved training course for CCTV and obtain a level 2 qualification. This entry level qualification aims to introduce you to the world of Public Space Surveillance CCTV operations. The need for continuous development through training and experience cannot be over emphasized given that CCTV technology like other electronic systems is changing fast; and over time CCTV code of practice may need to be updated as a result, to ensure that quality and evidential value of images are maintained.

The SIA CCTV course is composed of 2 mandatory units:

• Unit 1 - Knowledge and skills based course covering:
  • The Roles and Responsibilities of the CCTV Operator and Other CCTV Staff
  • Codes of Practice, Operational Procedures and Guidelines
  • CCTV Equipment and its Operation
  • Control Room Communications and Access Control
  • Legislation
  • Dealing with Incidents
  • CCTV Surveillance Techniques
  • Fire and Emergency Procedures
  • Health and Safety at Work

Unit 2 - Practical Assessment

CCTV training is required by the SIA for CCTV licence. This CCTV training course is SIA approved covering roles and responsibilities of a CCTV operator (part 1) and practical assessement portfollio (part 2)covering the practical tasks of a CCTV operator including procedures for monitoring, processing, storing and disclosing CCTV images while maintaining the evidential value of all documentary evidence including CCTV recorded images by way of implementing Audit Trail.