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The ever-growing role of CCTV
Recent news items underline the growing role of CCTV in all sectors.
Head-cams for railway staff
It was announced yesterday that staff working on the National Express rail routes between Liverpool Street and Shenfield in Essex are to be equipped with head-cams that will provide footage similar to that of CCTV. As reported on the BBC website, and in more detail on the Transport Briefing website, the scheme is supported by the British Transport Police and is part of National Express' Safer Travel scheme, an was first introduced on the Colchester to Clacton route earlier in the year.
Live trial of CCTV on buses
The second story about CCTV concerns the news that a six-month live trial of CCTV on buses is to commence on 21 double-decker buses in north London. The images will be streamed live to Transport for London (TfL) staff and police and the trial aims to determine whether live images can help transport staff deal more effectively with disorder.
Boris Johnson said of the scheme: "I am determined to banish the sad minority of hoodlums and trouble makers that have blighted our buses. Having the facility to access live pictures from buses travelling around the capital will mean our bus controllers can play a far more effective role in sending police officers to sort out troublemakers.If this trial is successful then we will consider rolling out the system on other routes as part of our campaign to stamp out the casual disorder that led to a culture of fear on public transport." Andy Thompson, of London Buses, said: "While crime is low on London buses, we know there is more to do, which is why we are always looking at ways to improve safety, and our passengers' perception of safety, while they travel on our network."
CCTV helps police catch robbers at the scene of the crime
It's often the case CCTV is used after an incident to identify suspects and search for information. However, as this story shows, complete with video, sometimes CCTV can help with the immediate capture of criminals caught in the act.
