CCTV Surveillance Vehicles
From CCTV Information
CCTV Surveillance vehicles are amongst the most versatile and cost-effective solutions to a vast range of surveillance problems and yet their use to date has been restricted in the main to Police Authorities.
The focus on tackling Crime and Disorder issues and the increased enforcement roles of Local Authorities created by deregulation of traffic and environmental offences creates differing surveillance issues for the newly empowered enforcement agencies.
A CCTV Surveillance Vehicle is not the panacea to all surveillance issues but the versatility and freedom in deployment provides solutions, which can not be addressed by fixed installations.
What is a CCTV Surveillance Vehicle?
CCTV Surveillance Vehicles are not available "off the shelf" they are usually designed and manufactured to meet a customer's surveillance specification.
A CCTV Surveillance vehicle can be equipped with a range of cameras and recording equipment, which produces evidential quality images comparable with those produced by a central control room and fixed installations. The specification and range of equipment depends on the end users surveillance issues but can include a mix of fixed & PTZ cameras, digital or analogue recording, ANPR systems with on site editing & playback facilities.
Units are usually designed with a combination of power supplies that cater for silent, covert surveillance with up to 24-hour capacity or continuous surveillance utilising the vehicle's power sources.
Surveillance vehicles can be deployed to monitor incidents in static locations or on the move, up to 70 mph.
Particular attention is given to the safety and comfort of operators who are often exposed to potentially volatile surveillance situations.
Who would use a CCTV Surveillance Vehicle?
CCTV Surveillance vehicles are often purchased for specific tasks but are most cost effective when utilised by Local Authorities and Enforcement Agencies to cover a range of surveillance issues including:-
Anti Social Behaviour
The mobility of the units allows monitoring to be deployed anywhere and when required allows the operator to follow incidents as they develop..
When used as "high profile" overt units, they not only deter anti social behaviour but also provide a visible sign to residents and victims of A.S.B that the authorities are tackling the issue.
Crime Prevention & Prosecution
Fixed CCTV installations in town centres and housing estates have proved beneficial in reducing crime & the fear of crime but all too often the crime is displaced into areas not covered. Mobile CCTV units can be used in conjunction with fixed installations adding an extra dimension to a CCTV scheme.
The mobility of the units allows targeted surveillance of suspects or premises outside the scope of static installations.
Traffic Enforcement
The new Transport Management Bill deregulates several offences and presents local authorities with new enforcement challenges:-
Bus Lane Enforcement
This requires evidence that an offence occurred with details of the date, time and extent of the infringement together with details of the vehicle involved. CCTV has proved to be the most effective means of monitoring this activity but the installation and transmission costs are high and unlike speeding offences monitoring must be live and cannot be reviewed retrospectively. Mobile Surveillance units are a cost-effective solution and versatile solution.
Enforcement of On Street Parking Offences
This will transfer to Local Authorities and while there is no substitute for Traffic Wardens in Town Centres a Mobile Surveillance Vehicle is most effective in areas where parking only occurs at specific times.
Environmental Enforcement
Legislation is in place for prosecutions to be brought for a range of offences including litter. Enforcement is far more manageable in public spaces when the enforcement officers are backed up by instantly accessible CCTV evidence. A high profile CCTV Surveillance Vehicle parked in a Town Centre not only assists prosecution but also sends a clear message that the problems of Litter are being addressed.
Fly Tipping
Known fly tipping locations can be monitored from a distance with evidence of the offence and identification of vehicles and offenders gathered to be used in prosecution.
Trading Standards
CCTV Surveillance vehicles are often used to gather evidence of underage trading of alcohol etc. Parked some distance from a trading premise the PTZ cameras can monitor underage customers entering & leaving the premises and provide vital evidence for prosecutions.
Emergency Planning
A CCTV Surveillance vehicle makes a perfect forward base for Emergency Planning Officers to monitor & control incidents.
If you are considering the purchase of a CCTV Surveillance vehicle for a specific task but have concerns over costs and potential returns from the investment I would recommend consultations with colleagues who may benefit from shared ownership.
The shared use of CCTV Surveillance Vehicles across a range of disciplines often acts as a catalyst for joint intelligence and closer working relationships.
Planning CCTV Surveillance Vehicles
A CCTV Surveillance vehicle can be as simple or complex as the operation demands.
A single fixed or manually operated camera, recording on a simple VCR may be sufficient for the most basic surveillance, but there are no technical or capacity limitations to a surveillance vehicle and they can be designed to replicate any features found on fixed installations or central control rooms.
When considering a surveillance vehicle you must consider:-
Proposed Utilisation
It is vital to determine the full range of surveillance required from the unit. Establish the full surveillance requirements of the unit and explore any opportunity for multi-agency sharing of the resource. The cost of building additional features into the original specification is minimal compared with cost of modifications at a later date.
What Style of Vehicle is Required?
A CCTV Surveillance Vehicle can be as simple as a fixed or manually operated camera recording through a simple VCR added to a standard van or as complex as a vehicle which can accommodate several operators handling numerous fully functional cameras, including remote camera systems with full Digital recording and editing facilities.
Power Supplies
There are two main options, battery and generator.
Each of these must be designed to deliver stable voltage(s) over a defined operating period.
Operational and environmental considerations must be included in your specification.
It would always be recommended that separate batteries be utilised instead of the vehicle's main battery to stabilise the power supply and eliminate peaks created in vehicle systems. Charging can be achieved through split charging systems utilising the vehicle's alternator or a mains charging system. The most efficient and effective system combines both of these options.
Generators provide a range of voltages over extensive periods but have environmental issues including noise and exhaust emissions that can detract from the surveillance operations and create fuel storage problems.
Surveillance Equipment.
A full range of cameras can be specified although attention should be given to the operating environment.
In addition to the cameras' surveillance specifications consideration must be given to:-
- voltage and consumption
- covert or overt surveillance
- mounting (fixed or mast mounted)
- environmental protection.
- potential to withstand vandalism.
Camera Mounting
Traditionally surveillance vehicles were designed with telescopic masts that allowed the camera to be deployed at any height up to six metres.
There are several options for telescopic masts, which include:-
| hydraulic masts which are bolted to the van floor and extend through the van roof, | 
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| detachable hydraulic mast which can be removed and stored inside the vehicle. | 
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| pneumatic mast which can be installed directly onto the van roof and reduce weight and eliminate the internal obstructions associated with traditional masts
Experience has shown that extending masts are problematic in operation due to the lack of vehicle stability and are susceptible to operator damage. | 
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| The popular choice is for fixed cameras which provide surveillance in excess of 3 metres (due to the height of the vehicle they
are mounted on) but do not suffer operator damage, provide stable images and can capture images "on the move". | 
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Image Storage
Both digital & VCR recording units are available which have been specifically designed for use in vehicles. This application calls for a rugged construction with anti vibration mountings and flexible voltage supplies.
In common with fixed installations digital produces the better quality images, has greater storage capacity and is compatible with a full range of I.T. systems. However a VCR is still a viable option particularly where multi agency surveillance is required for example working within a Crime & Disorder Partnership with the Police. Any Data Protection issues are simplified with ownership of the data belonging to the agency that made the recording and own the original tape.
Staff Accommodation
The safety & comfort of the operatives is paramount.
Most surveillance activities particularly in relation to anti-social behaviour or enforcement will inevitably place the operative in a potentially hostile environment.
Doors should be locked whilst surveillance operations are in progress however it is essential that operatives can access the driver's seat from the rear saloon without the need to leave the vehicle.
The use of proximity cameras around the vehicle allows the operatives to maintain a clear image of the activities in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. These cameras should be discreet and must be protected from vandalism.
They can also be used as traditional surveillance cameras providing an overview of the surveillance area.
Seating in the rear surveillance should meet Public Service Vehicle Regulations. M1 Tested seating and mountings should always be specified. Swivel seats must only be locked in the forward or rear facing positions when the vehicle is moving
The specification must also give consideration to the following:-
- Heating & ventilation
- Lighting
- Gross vehicle mass & weight distribution.
- Security of the surveillance equipment
- Health & Safety
- Road Transport Legislation.
Suppliers & Subcontractors
The build processes will inevitably involve a number of suppliers and contractors.
Commercial Vehicle Dealerships will have contacts with local body converters but it is unlikely that these will have experience with any specialist security or surveillance vehicle conversions. Ideally a conversion company who specialise in Police & Security Vehicles who will have secure areas of the workshops should be utilised.
A CCTV contractor with experience with automotive installations will be familiar with van interior layouts and the precautions required to minimise the effects of the vehicle electronics on the surveillance equipment.
Consideration must be given to the logistics of moving the vehicle between subcontractors' workshops or arrangements made for sub-contractors to work in each others workshops.
The role of a Consultant
A specialist consultant will co-ordinate the whole procurement process:-
- Introductory meetings & presentation to explore the scope of the project including options for design & specification.
- Produce a full design and specification to the customers' requirements
- Assist with the tendering and procurement process.
- Provide complete build management service to co-ordinate the activities of the Vehicle Dealership, CCTV Supplier / Installer, and body converter.
- Provide a full warranty schedule identifying the separate agencies' responsibilities.
- Commission the vehicle.
- Provide full training
The role of the Consultant is to co-ordinate the activities of the sub contractors
- Consultant (pink)
- Vehicle Dealership (white)
- Body Converter (blue)
- CCTV Installers (yellow)
Build Management is all about sequencing their activities
Please contact us if you would like to discuss the design of CCTV Surveillance Vehicles .
See also the CCTV Surveillance Vehicles equipment article.