australian cpted consultants
Public Space CCTV
Using surveillance as a real time tool for increasing people’s sense of safety, as well as delivering strengthened outcomes for police in identifying offenders and victims.
CCTV and technical (mechanical) surveillance has been available to local government for nearly 20 years. Recent research findings and development of toolkits and resources has placed increased responsibility on local government to develop and manage stronger compliance and governance approaches that focus on CCTV and surveillance from an organisational leadership approach, rather than focusing on cameras as an operational input.
Quality CCTV policy and guidelines serve the community well and we have been project leaders with many Councils establishing, evaluating and facilitating strategic approaches for all stakeholders
Juggling community expectations for what CCTV can, and can’t deliver is central to local government establishing and maintaining systems that serve stakeholders well. Local governments usually own and manage a system, while the system itself is only available to police. This means that local police and government need to form strong relationships so that each party understands it role in using this form of surveillance and public safety.
Other strategies, such as Liquor Accords, safe taxi ranks, alcohol and drug policy as well as use of CPTED all contribute to supporting Community Safety practitioners to identify ways to strengthen Council Plan priorities and outcomes.
HOW CAN WE SUPPORT YOUR COUNCIL WITH PUBLIC SPACE CCTV?
There are several time points when having specialist advice can be really valuable:
Feasibility studies – is CCTV an appropriate and value adding option for a place based response?
CPTED assessments to consider the possible value of introduction of CCTV (see Safer Environmental Design section)
Council requests for discussion papers, literature reviews and presentation on ‘what is CCTV really about and is it worth the investment and ongoing cost to Council?’
Evaluation of place based strategies, that may or may not include CCTV at this time
Supporting the community safety team as it prepares for Community Crime Prevention Infrastructure funding grant application