Maintenance provides the key at Stevenage

The requirement to tackle anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in our towns and cities is being effectively fought utilising a mix of conventional means and array of high-tech electronic systems. Underlining this modern approach, the benefits to be gained from the operation of public space, CCTV surveillance systems are positively experienced on a daily basis, throughout the length and breadth of the UK.

Reflecting this modern approach and set up in 1998 in response to the Crime and Disorder Act, Stevenage Borough Council plays a leading role in the Stevenage Community Safety Partnership. Operating from the Stevenage Borough Council and North Hertfordshire District Council’s CCTV Control Centre, the council recently tendered a contract to supply an upgrade for their CCTV scheme. This was won by national installation company, Quadrant Video Systems. Consisting of 17 additional colour cameras and a Vigilant digital recording system, the scheme’s 139 cameras are recorded for a period of 28 days. Allied to providing fast access to evidential video material, regulatory requirements are upheld with the review and downloading of camera images being conducted in a separate video evidence suite, manned by a permanently assigned police officer.

To ensure the sophisticated surveillance system stayed in prime condition, Robert Holgate, CCTV Manager with Stevenage District Council then turned his attention to securing a practical solution, one that would help to extend the operational effectiveness of the town’s CCTV surveillance monitoring system.

Having identified the need to address the ongoing operational well being of the system, which covers Stevenage and the surrounding North Hertfordshire towns of Hitchin, Letchworth, Hertford, Baldock and Royston, Holgate decided to secure his objective through a well-managed and executed plan of scheduled maintenance.

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