Frequently Asked Questions
What is CCTV?
Closed Circuit Television is a television system that operates on a closed loop basis. CCTV pictures are only available to those directly connected to the loop, consisting of fibre optic cable that transmits the picture from the camera to a monitor.
How long are recordings kept for?
28 days.
How are the Police notified of an incident?
A Police radio is situated in the CCTV Control room. An operator can notify the Police via the Police radio, the telephone or a TV monitor.
What type of incidents are captured on CCTV?
Incidents such as robbery, road traffic offences, theft, fly tipping, drug related incidents and any other anti social behaviour or suspicious activities.
What sort of technology is used in CCTV systems?
The CCTV system used by Hackney involves a linked system of cameras with full pan, tilt and zoom able to be operated remotely from the control room. The clarity of the pictures is excellent; the systems can work in pitch black darkness, bringing images up to daylight level. Features can include night vision, computer assisted operation and motion detection facilities which allows the operator to instruct the system to go on red alert when anything moves in view of the cameras.
Can CCTV reduce crime?
The government believes CCTV deters ‘opportunistic’ crime, where people take advantage of a situation on the spur of the moment. The cameras are also creating a vastly increased rate of conviction after crimes are detected. Anyone caught committing an offence on CCTV is likely to plead guilty, thus saving time on long and expensive trials.
More information
Telephone line for use Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm – 020 8356 2379
Andy Wells - CCTV Manager
Tel: 020 8356 2183
Email: andy.wells@hackney.gov.uk
24 hour telephone line - 020 8356 2323
Email – cctv.leader@hackney.gov.uk
Page updated: 3 Sep 2008