To receive an update on CCTV systems.

David Scott, Head of Communities, gave an update on CCTV around Windsor. The town centre and the areas centred around the night time economy had good coverage. The CCTV control room team worked closely with Thames Valley Police and incidents were tracked on a daily basis, this helped both deter and detect crimes. RBWM was able to mobilise other teams to respond to incidents with the control room team covering the CCTV around the town 24/7. In many incidents, arrests and sanctions were successfully pursued by TVP. Considering camera coverage, there were 132 cameras across the whole borough and there were also a number of cameras in car parks, covering both different floors and the access stairwells. In 2018/19, the system was upgraded from analogue to a digital based system. This improved the resolution, zoom capacity and the ability to work in different lighting levels. Cameras were deployed in a range of different places and heights, they were strategically placed so that individuals of concern could be tracked. The control room was based in Tinkers Lane, with up to four work stations available.

Considering incidents, there had been around 1,500 incidents in the Windsor area in 2021. There had been 174 arrests which had been as a result of CCTV coverage. The system was being used to both deter and detect crime by proving reassurance to residents. RBWM was looking at areas where there was poor or no coverage and how this could be improved. There had been a shift away from each camera having its own direct line, with regional hubs now connecting cameras to the control room.

Councillor Davey commented on the number of incidents and arrests, he asked if there was any data on those who were found guilty and were fined. He asked if the nature of the incidents could be shared.

David Scott said that he did not have the data on the number that were charged once arrested. He would be able to ask the team for further analysis of the nature of incidents and share this with Members of the Forum.

ACTION – David Scott to share analysis on the nature of the 1,500 incidents which had been recorded in Windsor in 2021.

Councillor Davey said that when the new CCTV system was first brought in, there were some issues with trees blocking the wireless signals. He asked if this had now been rectified.

David Scott said that not all cameras were connected wirelessly. Some of the disruption was due to conflict with the wireless range, this had been rectified. Trees continued to be a challenge but work was ongoing to ensure that the signal was not affected.

Councillor Davey said that he had recently attended an RBWM Youth Council meeting where they discussed a report that had been submitted on night time safety and safety for women and girls.

David Scott confirmed that he had seen the report, he was attending a Thames Valley wide launch event later in the week. There was a goal in the Corporate Plan around how safe women and girls felt in the borough, there was a range of initiatives in place to support this goal.