Improving Detection Standards with BS 8418:2010

Neil Jackson, Director at GB Monitoring, looks at how the new code of practice for remotely monitored CCTV systems which is designed to increase detection standards is expected to put pressure on non-compliant operators.

GB Monitoring has been a longstanding contributor to the development of industry standards and the company’s NSI ARC Gold remote video response centre (RVRC) was one of the first NSI ARC’s to gain BS 8418 approval.

BS 8418 is the Code of Practice used for the installation and remote monitoring of detector activated CCTV systems. It has recently undergone a review and the 2003 version will be replaced by the 2010 version.

There will be a “dual running” period of one year, which expires on 31st July 2011. This allows installers to use either version of the Code of Practice and is subject to availability of compliant manufactured equipment.

GB Monitoring Director Neil Jackson, who is a regular contributor to BSIA developments including this updated BS 8418 Code of Practice, commented: “I welcome the new standard as it will certainly improve detection standards.”

“It will also increase the divide between those working to BS 8418 and non-compliant remote monitoring providers. There are too many unreliable remote monitoring systems out there and the aim of the standard is to bring CCTV monitoring up to the mark. It’s a similar situation to the intruder alarm market 25 years ago, and the insurance companies are pushing to get compliance to a measurable standard.”

He added: “At GB Monitoring we are already implementing the new Code of Practice. It’s an important set of changes and demonstrates once again the high standards that are needed to secure a police response to any activation.”

For more information on our CCTV monitoring services from GB Monitoring contact Neil Jackson on 01775 823024.

Seeing the Bigger Picture

As many local councils are being forced to reduce their CCTV and monitoring budgets, GB Monitoring’s Operations Director, Tom Smith, explains why affected businesses need to implement their own security provisions.

Many councils across the UK are facing the prospect of having their manned CCTV monitoring stopped due to budget cuts. In many areas the CCTV cameras will stay in place and will still record but will not be used to prevent or deal with live incidents as they will be no longer monitored.

Tom Smith explained, “The use of CCTV cameras in conjunction with CCTV monitoring ensures the safety of businesses and the public alike. By removing monitoring, the cameras will only be consulted after an incident. The fundamental premise of monitored CCTV is that you can stop criminals before they attack rather than detecting crime after it has happened.”

One of the many ways that councils have tried to overcome the budget cuts is to reduce the number of hours that cameras are monitored and to focus the cameras on known trouble-spots, resulting in many areas and businesses being left unprotected.

“It is very likely that the removal of CCTV monitoring will lead to increased crime levels in those areas. Now is the time for businesses affected by the cuts to start implementing their own security measures to ensure that any increase in crime levels does not have devastating consequences for them.

Tom continued, “At GB Monitoring we offer remotely monitored CCTV as a cost effective method of providing live on-the-ground site protection around the clock, without the huge costs associated with providing 24 hour manned cover.”

“It works by connecting motion detectors to cameras, linked to a 24 hour remote monitoring control centre. Using high speed broadband and wireless 3G connections, the integrated cameras and motion sensors detect any movement onsite. If an alarm/detector is triggered, images from an associated camera are transmitted to a specialist Remote Video Response Centre (RVRC), 24 hours a day.”

“If the images indicate a problem, the trained operators will manage the incident by accessing a site plan and immediately issuing an audio warning to any intruder through onsite speakers. If necessary, operators will alert the emergency services who will provide a priority response as the incident has been visually confirmed.”

GB Monitoring offer a standard pricing model for detector activated CCTV monitoring which includes up to 16 cameras, reaction to site alarms, audio challenge, keyholder callout/police response, activity reporting and supports BS8418 compliant systems. All systems can be reviewed on an individual basis and amended accordingly, allowing customers to pay for their exact requirements.

For more information on our CCTV monitoring services from GB Monitoring contact Tom Smith on 01775 823024.