BSIA - The British Security Industry Association

CCTV is money well spent, says BSIA

Friday, 15 January 2010 12:00 AM

Public spending on CCTV is worthwhile to secure public safety, is the response of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) to a recent online report highlighting concerns over the rise in the number of CCTV cameras controlled by local councils over the past decade.

In its report, published in December, Big Brother Watch - an offshoot of the Taxpayers' Alliance - questions the effectiveness of CCTV in deterring or solving crimes, an inaccurate assessment according to Pauline Norstrom, BSIA CCTV Section Chairman.

Pauline comments: "Thankfully the reality of CCTV in Britain is not the doom-laden picture that is painted by this report. Time and again the police take advantage of CCTV images to reconstruct events, identify offenders and make high-profile calls for public support in their enquiries."

"Such images are frequently called upon in the criminal justice system to help secure prosecutions. Three particular examples underlining the positive impact of CCTV in solving crimes are the Jamie Bulger case - one of the first times CCTV was used in a major investigation - the London bombings, where CCTV images helped to secure convictions for conspiracy to murder for those involved in a follow-up attack to the tragic events of 7/7, and the £53 million Tonbridge depot robbery."

"The report also argues that money currently spent on expanding CCTV networks would be better utilised by employing more police on the beat. A more realistic comparison would have taken into account the anticipated operational life of the CCTV system, thereby dramatically reducing the number of police officers that could be employed using the equivalent funds."

"The BSIA does not believe that the argument for CCTV goes hand-in-hand with advocating a 'big brother' culture, but does of course appreciate the need for effective checks and balances on CCTV to ensure that it is being used effectively. To this end the BSIA continues to play an active role in the promotion of CCTV best practice and has welcomed the Government's announcement of an interim CCTV Regulator."

"CCTV is a valuable weapon in the fight against crime and terrorism, something which is increasingly being recognised by governments and municipal authorities worldwide."

For more information on CCTV, visit www.bsia.co.uk/cctv

Editor's Notes
The British Security Industry Association is the trade association covering all aspects of the professional security industry in the UK. Its members provide over 70% of UK security products and services and adhere to strict quality standards. For more information see www.bsia.co.uk, email info@bsia.co.uk or telephone 0845 389 3889.

Press contact: Amanda Beesley on 0845 389 0755 a.beesley@bsia.co.uk
Kate Holland on 0845 389 0741 k.holland@bsia.co.uk

Disclaimer: Press releases published on this page are from key opinion formers who promote their organisation's activities by subscribing to a campaign site within politics.co.uk. politics.co.uk does not endorse, edit, or attempt to balance the opinions expressed on this page. The content of press releases are wholly the responsibility of the originating company or organisation.

Welsh Tory leader spent public money on iPod

Welsh Tory leader Nick Bourne is facing calls for his resignation after spending public money on an iPod.

Gove: I cannot allow more money to be spent

More money spent on prison food than school lunches

CCTV cameras installed in school toilets

Ten per cent of teachers have admitted to the presence of CCTV cameras in school toilets, according to a new report, with a quarter of teachers say they are worried about the presence of the cameras in their schools.

More money needed for equal pay, says Unison

A lack of money is the major barrier to achieving equal pay in the public sector, according to Unison general secretary Dave Prentis.

Expenses leak was not about the money says middleman

The man who passed on details of MP's expenses to the Telegraph from an unknown whistleblower has said that he did so for the public good, and not financial gain.

Public 'should scrutinise CCTV'

CCTV and Ripa have come to irritate civil libertarians

The public must be allowed to scrutinise the use of CCTV over concerns councils are abusing their surveillance powers, the body representing council leaders has said.

Councils 'hope for CCTV litter crackdown'

Littering motorists face increased punishment

Local authorities may use CCTV to identify those caught dropping litter on the roadside, a newspaper report suggests.

Police chief apologises for CCTV 'intrusion'

CCTV stigmatised communities, police chief admits

A police chief constable has said sorry after admitting concealed CCTV in mainly Muslim areas undermined community relations.

Millions spent on testing pupils

Opinion Formers

Press Releases

Closer engagement key to Government relations with industry, says BSIA

Address construction site security early on, advises BSIA

BSIA exhibits at exclusive Home Office Security & Policing event

BSIA members preview Intersec Dubai 2012

BSIA: Heating oil theft: how security systems can protect rural communities

BSIA launches official Training Providers' Section

BSIA hosts "thought-provoking" cross-Parliamentary discussion on policing

Keep construction machinery protected, warns BSIA

CCTV still crucial to community safety three months after UK riots, says BSIA

VIPs should act now to secure close protection for 2012, says BSIA

Twitter

Join the conversation at #opinion_formers

Related Opinion Former Press Releases

CCTV still crucial to community safety three months after UK riots, says BSIA

A shift in public perception of CCTV has been revealed by a recent survey conducted by a member of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).

Closer engagement key to Government relations with industry, says BSIA

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has welcomed the Government’s decision to introduce the role of a ‘Senior Responsible Owner’ (SRO) to manage the relationship between Government and the private security industry.

VIPs should act now to secure close protection for 2012, says BSIA

With less than nine months to go until the UK celebrates several high-profile events including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, time is fast running out for visiting VIPs and visiting dignitaries to secure Close Protection for their visit to the UK.

Special event coverage

Festival of Social Sciences: Celebrating the Social Sciences

Evidence-based policy should not be a radical concept. It needs to be celebrated.

Festival of Social Sciences: 2 languages: 2 brains, 2 minds, 2 cultures?

As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences, the Deafness Cognition And Language Research Centre (DCAL) hosted an event exploring the powerful benefits of bilingualism in spoken and sign languages, for hearing and deaf people alike - benefits that reach hearing and deaf people alike.

Opinion Former Events

20

22

07

22

30

27

NHF: Leaders’ Forum and Exhibition 2012

This flagship event is a forum for chief executives and chairs of the housing sector to network with each other and learn from a range of high-profile and inspirational speakers from media, political and housing backgrounds. It takes place in Park Plaza Victoria, London.

TACT: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): how to support affected children

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an incurable lifelong condition arising from brain damage caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The effects may include physical, mental, behavioural and learning disabilities. However, if diagnosed, the right strategies can transform the lives of those affected. This new Guardian Social Care Network half-day seminar in association with TACT Fostering and Adoption will explain the condition and show what can be done to help.

bpas: Abortion in the US: Popularity, Politics and Practice

We often hear of the ‘Americanisation’ of abortion politics in the UK, but unpicking the substantive threats to women’s reproductive rights in the US can be a challenge. The 2012 bpas public lecture will explore the current state of abortion politics in the US and, at a time when abortion appears increasingly politicised in the UK, reflect on what lessons can be drawn by those keen to protect women’s reproductive autonomy elsewhere.

Cogent SSC: UK Nuclear Skills Awards - 22nd March 2012

The UK Nuclear Awards is steadily becoming an anticipated annual event in the Nuclear calendar. The National Skills Academy for Nuclear and Cogent Sector Skills Council are preparing to hold their fourth collaborative Skills Awards Evening for the industry.

BSIA: Information Destruction Exhibition and Conference

This one-day event is targeted at professionals operating in the information destruction industry, and aims at keeping delegates updated on recent developments in their sector, providing an opportunity to network with fellow professionals, whilst offering access to an informative exhibition and a comprehensive conference programme.

Take the Gold Challenge for St Dunstan's

We provide lifelong support for blind and visually impaired ex-Service men and women. You can help give more blind heroes an independent future by taking the Gold Challenge