To receive the above report.

David Scott introduced the item and said a capital project that started in 2017 as part of the Delivering Services Differently programme to transition from the old analogue system to more advanced digital technology in 2019. Specialist consultants identified options for hardware and software solutions, and the proposal went back to market under a competitive tendering exercise. The contract was awarded to CDS Systems Limited following the tender process, and the system was replaced on a phased basis, including cameras, connectivity, and display screen equipment for 2018/19 year. The first phase was completed in March 2019, and minor improvement were completed in 2019/20. There was a mixture of hardwired and wi-fi wireless connections between cameras to reduce annual operating costs and increase resilience. Camera locations and lighting levels were improved for better images.

During COVID-19, the services continued to operate around the clock, with some amendments made to sustain the operation when team members were affected by the virus. Operators held a Security Industry Authority license for public space surveillance, and the borough was applying for a third-party accreditation scheme to demonstrate compliance. The team size was reduced to a Service Leader and eight full-time operatives that covered 24/7 monitoring and emergency out of hours services. The operators worked closely with Thames Valley Police (TVP) and supported crime prevention. Images recorded were held for 31 days and then deleted and overwritten. The funding came from the borough, future further investment could come from developers through Section 106 agreements, housing and residents’ associations, and parish councils, to provide for additional coverage.

Lessons learnt included further staffing reductions being unachievable and restoring fibre connections where needed, as it had greater capacity and resilience. Complete reliance on a wi-fi system was not possible as the technology was ineffective around high-rise buildings and cranes. Camera installation were subject to Operational Requirement and Data Privacy Impact Assessment, which were kept under review. Next steps included continuing to build resilience and ensure the system was used to its maximum effect; to provide public reassurance and prevent and detect crime with TVP; and, to work collaboratively with partners at large events such as happened for the royal wedding in 2018.

Councillor Baldwin asked how CCTV was a deterrent in crime, as the footage helped TVP convict the criminal after the event. David Scott said although footage was used retrospectively as evidence for unknown crimes committed at real time, staff were trained to recognise crime in real time and assisted TVP, Community Wardens and other teams. The system was used to track individuals shoplifting and monitor emerging crimes.

Councillor Cannon, Lead Member Public Protection and Parking, said the existence of CCTV and signage was a deterrent of crime and assisted in preventing crime. CCTV was monitored in real-time to assist in not just crime but public safety, such as in the night-time economy and aiding vulnerable people to safety. Councillor Baldwin said there was a reference to intimate knowledge of what was recorded on CCTV and asked how Councillor Cannon was aware of information of live events of vulnerable people. David Scott said the Lead Member was appraised of incidents in retrospect and not in real-time, and he may have been speaking from his experience as a police officer and knowledge of CCTV systems. Councillor Baldwin queried where the boundary of access of information was for the Lead Member. Councillor Bowden said it was inappropriate to discuss the details of the information shared between the control room and TVP in public. CCTV aided in intelligence gathering for alleged criminals and in reaction to offenses.

Councillor Haseler asked if Automatic Number Plate Recognition was installed, and the Panel was informed they were. Councillor Baldwin asked for reassurance that the resource would be maintained, and David Scott said the current budget was built based on the resource needs.

The Vice Chairman asked which parish council requested extra CCTV coverage, and the Panel was informed this was Wraysbury parish council. The Vice Chairman asked about the reliability of wireless connections, and the Panel was informed that a restricted frequency can be used where necessary to increase reliability. The Vice Chairman asked how much of the budget was used, and the Panel was informed that almost all the budget had been spent for the developments made. The Vice Chairman asked if trees were being cut down to allow wireless connection, and David Scott said they were being trimmed only, to help allow reliable transmission in some specific locations.

The Panel noted the item.