The Joint CCTV Executive of East Hertfordshire Council convened on Monday 24 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the operational performance of the CCTV partnership, the latest crime statistics, and the future strategic direction of the CCTV network. Decisions were made to enhance the current CCTV infrastructure and to implement new measures aimed at improving public safety.

Operational Performance of the CCTV Partnership

The Operations report HCCTV 24.6.24 was presented, highlighting the performance metrics of the CCTV network over the past year. The report detailed the number of incidents recorded, the types of crimes captured, and the overall effectiveness of the system in aiding law enforcement. Councillors discussed the need for upgrading certain cameras to high-definition to improve image quality and evidence collection. It was decided that a phased upgrade plan would be implemented, starting with the most critical areas identified in the report.

Crime Statistics

The Partnership Stats 2023-24 were reviewed, showing a detailed breakdown of crime rates and trends within the areas covered by the CCTV network. The statistics indicated a slight increase in anti-social behaviour and thefts, which prompted a discussion on the effectiveness of current surveillance measures. Councillor Paul Convery noted, While the data shows an uptick in certain crimes, it also underscores the importance of our CCTV system in both deterring and solving these incidents. The council agreed to increase patrols in high-crime areas and to explore additional funding for expanding the CCTV coverage.

Future Strategic Direction

The Officer Management Board Report outlined potential future developments for the CCTV network, including the integration of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance monitoring capabilities. The report suggested that these technologies could help in identifying suspicious activities in real-time and improve response times. Councillors were generally supportive of these innovations, but raised concerns about privacy and data protection. It was decided that a feasibility study would be conducted to assess the benefits and risks associated with these technologies before any implementation.

Public Engagement and Transparency

The council also discussed ways to improve public engagement and transparency regarding the CCTV operations. It was noted that while the CCTV system is crucial for public safety, it is equally important to maintain public trust. The council decided to hold a series of public consultations and to publish regular updates on the performance and developments of the CCTV network. This initiative aims to address any public concerns and to ensure that the community is well-informed about the measures being taken to enhance their safety.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet 24th-Jun-2024 19.00 Joint CCTV Executive and the Public reports pack 24th-Jun-2024 19.00 Joint CCTV Executive.