Delivering public space CCTV via mobile applications, from emergency response through to dealing with antisocial behavior, has always been technically challenging. Hackney Council’s Civil Protection Service Manager, Andy Wells, recently saw an opportunity to introduce two existing suppliers to each other, to collaborate in developing an industry first mobile CCTV solution – and one that would provide significant advantages over traditional CCTV fit outs.
Commenting on the development of the new mobile CCTV solution, Adrian Kirk, Director at
360 Vision Technology said: “360 Vision’s ruggedized Predator PTZ camera is used widely in public space surveillance due to its IK10 certification, for shock impact and vibration. This makes it a safe, ‘fit for purpose’ solution for deployment to camera columns in an urban environment. ‘Rugged at the roadside’ is a phrase being widely used these days.
“The Predator’s IK10 certification and heavily engineered gearing in its pan and tilt mechanism make it a great choice for mobile applications. At Andy’s suggestion, we partnered with Woodway Engineering, who is another great British manufacturing business, that specialise in roof-mounted pneumatic mast systems.”
Initially the system was designed to deploy lighting solutions for emergency services and other applications, but it has now been adapted to provide a vehicle roof mounted pneumatic CCTV mast system. Unlike traditional CCTV van conversions, it doesn’t require the vehicle to be permanently adapted, with large areas within a van’s space being taken up by the mast rig set up – which causes permanent damage to the vehicle’s structure.
This new approach allows the system to be removed and reinstalled onto a new vehicle, providing a better return on investment, by minimising costs associated with the initial installation, as well as costs associated with the host vehicle. Debbie Taylor, Director of Woodway Engineering commented: “Collaborating with another UK manufacturer to deliver a versatile CCTV solution that can save costs and increase return on investment over current methods of fitting out a vehicle for mobile CCTV applications is exactly the type of innovative British design and manufacturing business we are all about. We are grateful to Hackney Council for their input and hope they get great results in helping to protect the public in Hackney.”
Andy Wells at Hackney Council concluded by saying: “When we saw the Woodway mast at the Emergency Services Show, we recognised the innovative and meticulous engineering approach Woodway use – we also saw a good fit for 360 Vision’s approach to making cameras.
“Hackney Council have 360 Vision Technology Predators deployed which are now coming up to 8 years old and still providing great service; yielding a great return on investment. Combined with the Woodway system, we have a very capable mobile CCTV Van which is being used across multiple operations, from Forward Command Point at major incidents, to ASB patrols. It is helping us to ensure that Hackney is one of the best protected places to live in London.”