CCTV Conference 2009
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CCTV experts arrive in Newcastle
Newcastle played host to one of the largest conferences on CCTV in the country on the 17 November. Professionals from all over the country will visit the city to hear from leading experts and key players in the industry on how they can best use their CCTV systems to make the streets safer, reduce the fear of crime and detect serious offences.
With the UK recognised as one of the heaviest users of CCTV for crime deterrence, investigation and community safety monitoring the conference has attracted a national audience. Co-hosted by Safe Newcastle, the local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, and Global MSC Security, the conference follows on from the success of last year’s conference in the North East which was a major success.
Speaking at the conference will be top expert Garry Parkins from the National Policing Improvement Agency, co-author of the National CCTV Strategy. Dr Mike Carter, Director of Executive Education at University of Exeter and many more specialists in the industry.
The CCTV industry in the UK has experienced continued growth in recent years. In 2004 it was worth an estimated £568 million and this is expected to rise to an estimated £700 million in 2009. It is thought that there are over 1.5 million CCTV cameras in operation in Britain, although certain studies show this figure to be higher; some estimates reaching 4.2 million cameras.
Safe Newcastle has long since championed the use of CCTV as a tool to reduce local crime and anti-social behaviour and increase community safety.
Paul Angus, Community Safety Officer with Safe Newcastle who has responsibility for CCTV says “Following on from the success of last year’s conference with Global MSC Security, we are delighted to continue this partnership and bring the third conference to the city. It’s great to see so many of our colleagues from across the county make the trip to Newcastle to learn about our experiences and strategic use of CCTV and hear from some of the country’s foremost experts.
“Over the last few years we have successfully used alternative forms of CCTV throughout the city. Re-deployable CCTV cameras are located on street furniture and used in areas that require CCTV as a short term measure to tackle hotspot areas. At present we have 30 cameras in operation across the city which can be installed very quickly when a problem has been identified. These cameras are very successful and have become popular amongst local people.
“Safe Newcastle is keen to foster closer links with the business community because we realise that crime and anti-social behaviour can be detrimental to them and their experiences and problems are often unique.
“This conference gives us the ideal platform to do this. It also allows us to share best practice with other areas and find out how national developments in CCTV will further benefit Safe Newcastle”.
Global MSC Security is a Bristol-based independent, multi-security and CCTV consultancy service which has been working in the industry since 1999. Director Derek Maltby added “We are delighted to be working with Safe Newcastle and to bring the Conference to Newcastle for the third year running. We’ve had a great response and delegates will be joining us from all over the country.
Over 40 exhibitors were in attendance showcasing the latest technology and gizmos used in surveillance operations.
The conference entitled “Risk & Reward- Getting the balance right by driving efficiency” took place on Tuesday 17 November 2009 at The Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel.
For more information about Safe Newcastle visit the website at www.safenewcastle.org.uk or phone 0191 277 7832
