CCTV surveillance systems can help coordinate responses to homelessness, new research suggests

Although CCTV surveillance systems are typically associated to security and law-enforcement, they can be used for a variety of other purposes, including helping people affected by homelessness.

According to a recent study conducted in the Australian city of Cairns, where homelessness occurs at twice the national rate, and supported by the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works and The Australian Research Council, CCTV surveillance systems can be used to coordinate genuinely supportive responses by local social services.

Researchers have linked surveillance of the homeless to efforts by public and other agencies to ensure city centres are attractive spaces for consumers, tourists and private investors. However, other researchers point out that responses to homelessness are diverse and multifaceted. Genuine attempts to help the homeless often exist alongside exclusionary practices. Despite this, little research has been done on how surveillance practices may interface with these more supportive initiatives.

Acting on these concerns, local police, council and social service personnel work together to manage the behaviour of people sleeping rough. They do this either through enforcement – move-ons, seizing alcohol, arrest, and so one – or through efforts to remove the homeless from public view, such as taking them to the police watch house or local sobering-up facility.

CCTV Surveillance systems play a key role in coordinating these activities. Information on the location and behaviour of homeless people is gleaned from council-operated CCTV cameras and foot patrols and passed on to police and other agencies.

CCTV Surveillance – The experts in deploying CCTV surveillance systems

If you too are looking for a more up to date system to rebuild your strategy and information management, then you should look to CCTV Surveillance for a state-of-the-art bespoke CCTV system.

We have years of experience in installing and maintaining CCTV systems both large and small, and will work closely with you to ensure that your system fits your needs and requirements while also being cost-effective. All of our surveillance products are fully compliant with the UK Police Requirements.

Our CCTV systems are integrated to work with a standard PC monitor via sophisticated CCTV software, and we offer seamless integration with time and attendance and access control systems, to give you the fullest picture of site comings and goings.

The CCTV software enables “live” footage to be viewed remotely from any or all connected CCTV cameras as events happen and without degradation of video quality, allowing you to monitor your premises when offsite.

Servers and individual cameras can be accessed quickly, and the multi-site viewing facility improves site management and event responses.

Remote management of your CCTV network via LAN, WAN, or the internet is also possible through the CCTV software. Historical footage can be viewed remotely, and DVR setup parameters can be configured.

If you want to find out more about our high-end surveillance and security solutions, our dedicated product team is ready to answer all of your questions.