Crimebusting CCTV could offer further uses, says Telford council report
Telford council leisure and tourism services could use “evolving” CCTV technology to gather information about visitor behaviour and the highways department could use it to enhance traffic management, a report says.
Neighbourhood enforcement group manager Paul Fenn writes that Telford & Wrekin Council operates more than 400 cameras across 20 sites, monitored by staff and police-vetted volunteers.
He writes that the network is primarily aimed at tackling crime, and “in the coming year there is opportunity to provide direct links into Malinslee Police Station”.
His report, for the council's cabinet, adds that the “advanced nature of the system” creates opportunities to use it for other purposes.
“Results from the 2020 Telford and Wrekin residents survey illustrate that 77 per cent of respondents stated they either ‘strongly agree’ or ‘tend to agree’ that their neighbourhood is a safe place to live,” Mr Fenn writes.
“The council, working with West Mercia Police, has an effective partnership that is focussed on tackling all forms of crime to ensure our neighbourhoods are great places to live, work and visit.
“Closed circuit television is recognised for being one key component to enhance community safety while providing an evidence base across both the council and West Mercia Police. CCTV also provides a visible presence while providing reassurance to communities.”
He writes that, in 2018 and “in response to ageing assets and developments in technology”, council leader Shaun Davies and Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion “agreed to jointly fund £450,000 investment into a borough-wide project to upgrade and replace the local CCTV system”.
Evidence
Mr Fenn adds that “the all-new CCTV infrastructure provides live imagery and recording into the purpose-built control room in Oakengates” which “provides direct support and response when needed” as well as collating evidence and intelligence.
“The investment also includes 15 deployable cameras that can be utilised in hotspot locations to tackle anti-social behaviour and environmental crime,” he says.
Pre-existing standalone systems have also been integrated into the new network, Mr Fenn writes, including the Ice Rink and the Silver Swallow Bridge, where a criminal damage incident was spotted within the first week on the wider system.
“Since installation, there has been no repeat and criminal damage to the bridge has stopped,” he says.
“There are opportunities through the £2.5 million Safer and Stronger Communities programme to deliver further CCTV infrastructure improvements in priority areas such as Sutton Hill and Donnington.
“Due to the evolving pace of technology development and the advanced nature of the system installed across the borough, there is opportunity to provide support across council service areas to enhance service delivery and insight.
“This includes highways, for effective network management, and leisure/tourism for visitor insight and data capture.”
Telford & Wrekin Council’s 10-member cabinet will discuss the report when it meets on Thursday.
