Contact: Adrian Baxter

Tel: 020 8583 2465

E-Mail: a[email address]

THE EXECUTIVE - 5^TH MAY 2009

PROMISE TEN: INTRODUCE CCTV TO MORE PARTS OF THE BOROUGH

Report by: Councillor Phil Andrews Lead Member for Community Safety

1.1. Members are asked to agree the following:

(i). That the full £1.5m capital budget required to deliver Promise 10 is provided from Council budgets.

(ii) That the £350k revenue budget to staff the new Promise 10 Control Room is provided from Council budgets including annual uplift.

2. BACKGROUND

2.1 In December 2008, the Community Safety Team submitted a bid for £1.5m Capital & £425k Revenue to deliver Promise Ten. This bid was successful. A strategic group and implementation team was formed with the aim of building and staffing a Community Safety CCTV Control Room and providing both fixed and portable CCTV cameras across the borough. It is proposed that these cameras will be sited at locations on an intelligence basis, according to data from a number of agencies. The system will be built with a view to allow expansion of systems and cameras, and to accommodate technological advances as they come on line. The system being built will not be a solely automated system, but will involve some human intervention regarding decision making in the utilization of such technologies. These may include Automatic Number Plate Reading and facial recognition systems as examples.

2.2 A partnership approach was adopted at the initial stages of this project. The system will integrate existing Hounslow & Felltham Community Safety assets in addition to the CCTV assets that are currently used for Parking and Traffic monitoring and enforcement. This will allow the operators to call on a comprehensive range of CCTV assets across the borough in the event of a major incident in addition to their own Promise ten assets provided as part of this project.

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3. GOVERNANCE

3.1. To deliver Promise ten, a strategic group and an implementation team have been formed:

Strategic group

Director of Community Services. (Chair). Mimi Kongsberg

Police Partnership Superintendent Clive Chalk

Head of Community Safety. Kirti Sisodia

Head of Public Realm. Suresh Kamath

Partnership Inspector Adrian Baxter

Implementation team

Police partnership superintendent (Chair) Clive Chalk

Head of Parking Services. Kevin Hagan hard elements

Head of Environmental Projects John Reynolds soft elements

Police Partnership Inspector Adrian Baxter Over view

Police Intelligence Unit Inspector Brian Lucas evidential requirements

3.2 The implementation team will report to the strategic group on a monthly basis and the chair of the strategic group will in turn report to the leader and the lead member for community safety. The Partnership Inspector will report to the community safety board on a quarterly basis.

The project is delivered using a Prince 2 methodology

4. TIMESCALES.

4.1 The original Promise Ten document noted that the project has a completion date of 31.3.2010. This bid detailed key milestones which included securing funding by mid December. Even though £770K has now been identified, that date has now slipped, as funding has yet to be guaranteed however, the implementation team has rescheduled key tasks on the delivery timeline (critical path) to ensure this deadline is still achievable. It should be noted, however, that this has removed any lag from the project delivery timetable and there remains little additional scope to further adjustments should additional delay be encountered i.e. any additional delay will result in late delivery.

5. CCTV CONTROL ROOM

5.1 The new Community Safety Control Room will be co-sited with the existing Traffic & Parking Enforcement CCTV Control Room.

5.2 In order to staff the CCTV control room specialist trained operators will be needed. The proposal is to pass the operational staffing of the Control Room to the Public Realm section of the Environment Department through a SLA. Public Realm already operates a number of CCTV facilities and has the relevant expertise in the day to day operational staffing of such facilities. The Community Safety Team will operate as the Client unit

6. STRUCTURE

6.1 Parking Services are already in the process of building a wireless network across the borough. Promise Ten can take advantage of this infrastructure to achieve a much more substantial system that would have been possible given the relatively modest capital budget in terms of project of this type. This will enable all cameras on the system to be controlled (pan tilt zoom) from the control room. This includes fixed and portable cameras. No cabling and associated on costs are required to maintain this system of control. Both systems use an encoded signal to prevent interception form outside parties.

6.2 Existing systems, such as Hounslow town centre CCTV cameras are already integrated into this system however will be upgraded as part of Promise ten.

7. CAMERAS

7.1. Parking Enforcement and Community Safety teams already operate a number of cameras that will work from this system. The images are recorded digitally and stored for 28 days. All images from all cameras pass through the Police Integrated Borough Operations unit (IBO). The Police are in a position to take control of any camera on the system should the need arise. However, it should be noted that the police operators are not dedicated CCTV operators but have a primary role of monitoring Hounslow Police response to emergency calls and ongoing investigations/operations.

7.2 A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is already in place regarding responsibilities, access, disclosure etc. as all operators are effectively data controllers. This will be reviewed by the implementation team during the life of this project and annually henceforth

8. FUTURE

8.1 Once the funding is agreed for Promise Ten, the Strategy Group will oversee the implementation team's programme to build the agreed CCTV control room and arrange staffing.

9. CAMERA POSITIONING

9.1 To ensure that this system is built on an intelligence supported basis, a number of data sources were examined. These indicated the hotspots in the borough that could be supported by the introduction of a monitored CCTV system. They also indicated the most appropriate roll out of the cameras. See paragraph 11.0 below.

9.2 This system will also have a number of cameras that are portable. They will be powered from lampposts throughout the borough. This will provide the Council with the capacity to deal with temporary hotspots as they develop as well as respond to one off incidents that raise disproportionate concern for residents. (e.g. a serious assault in an unusual location). This aspect will be a key element to not only deliver Promise Ten, but to enable the Council to be proactive in the use of CCTV when tackling crime and disorder as well as addressing residents' fears and perceptions of crime.

10. SOFTWARE

10.2 Each of the above options will be evaluated by the Promise Ten Strategic Group to weigh the cost/benefit equation of deployment on any particular site as well as generally assessing the cost effectiveness of the project in terms of reducing crime and disorder and enabling residents and others in the borough to feel safer.

11. ROLL OUT OF CAMERAS

11.1 A number of data sources have been interrogated to establish where the cameras should be sited and which area has the greatest need and therefore priority. The data sources searched were:

11.2 A matrix grid was compiled, (attached as Appendix 1), detailing the findings of this process.. From this analysis the camera & infrastructure delivery is broken into five strategic phases (Project Phases 2 - 6, Project Phase 1 is the Control Room).

Phase 2 - Hounslow town centre

Upgrading of existing CCTV assets which have reached the end of their operational life.

Phase 3 - Feltham town centre

Additional CCTV assets in known Public Order hotspots, centered around the town center and mainline rail station

Phase 4 - Chiswick town centre

CCTV introduced into the Chiswick Common area, A4 underpasses, Turnham Green Terrance and High Road

Phase 5 - Brentford town centre and Hounslow west

CCTV deployed in know hotspots in Brentford High Street and surrounding area, Brentford FC stadium area in addition to Hounslow West Tube Station and surrounding area.

Phase 6 - Heston, Hanworth Bedfont

CCTV deployed in known hotspots including the Mount in Hanworth, Vicarage Farm Road, area around Heston War Memorial and Bedfont Lane / Staines Road.

12.0 MAINTAINCE

12.1 The maintenance of the new system will be managed by Public Realm who have a number of CCTV systems deployed. This will allow the section to procure a larger preventative maintenance service, availing of any economies of scale that are available, in addition to a common approach to servicing, maintenance and record keeping across the councils CCTV systems.

13. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS.

13.1 Promise Ten was allocated both capital and revenue budgets, with a programmed delivery date of 31.3.10. The break down of this allocation of funding is:

Capital: £1.5million to build a control room and provide cameras.

Revenue: £350k staffing costs for year one, with an ongoing commitment thereafter.

£75K maintenance from beginning year two, with an ongoing commitment thereafter.

13.2 It is important that for Promise Ten to be effectively delivered that there is a commitment by Members for both the capital and ongoing revenue aspects. For both revenue spends, a percentage increase will need to be factored in for year on year inflation. (the councils currently annual budgetary uplift is 2.5%)

13.3 All of the allocated funding need not be made available in quarter one of the 2009 financial year. A cash flow projection (attached as appendix 2) illustrates that following an initial allocation of capital expenditure in the sum of £150K in quarter one of 2009, incremental funding will be needed only as the project rolls out.

14. COMMENTS OF DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

14.1 At its meeting on 3 March 2009, the Council approved capital expenditure of £770,000 towards the costs of CCTV. The revenue costs of this project will constitute a call against the growth provision of £7M approved as part of the Council's 2009-10 Revenue Budget. This project forms part of the Council's Top Ten promises, and approval to a drawing of £730,000 to meet the revenue contribution to capital costs and a drawing of £350,000 to meet the revenue costs arising in 2009-10 is sought in this report. Further revenue provision of £75,000 will be required in the budget for 2010-11 to meet the maintenance costs arising in that year.

14.2 Obviously, if the actual costs come in below this amount, it will release more resources for other growth items.

15. COMMENTS OF THE BOROUGH SOLICITOR

15.1 The Borough Solicitor has been consulted in the drafting of this report and his comments have been incorporated accordingly. A PESTELO assessment is attached at appendix 3.

16. EQUALITIES IMPACT ANALYSIS

161 Consultation has taken place over the past two years through established public meetings, area committees, and ward panels. There is an overwhelming desire and support for community safety CCTV in the borough. However, to ensure that no individuals or groups feel that they will be subjected to greater surveillance than any other, it is proposed that the standing operational procedures being utilised by the two existing control rooms in the borough will be replicated for the borough wide scheme. Additionally, it is proposed that there will be information sharing protocols in place, as well as clearly visible signage across the borough to advise and reassure all residents and visitors that there is monitored CCTV operating in the borough.

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Promise10 - Capital Cash Flow Model

Assumptions

Delivery of Promise Ten is required by 31^st March 2010. Commitment to each phase is made no later that the first day of the relevant period i.e. commitment of Phase 1 no later than 1^st April 2009, commitment to Phase 6 no later than 1^st January 2010 etc. Delay in commitment will result in, at minimum, a corresponding delay in delivery. However, it is possible that the delay in delivery may be greater than the delay in commitment, if delivery overlaps with other phases or contractor assets are assigned to other projects and are unavailable for a period.

The cash flow model is indicative only. Actual cash flow will be dependent on the precise nature of each phase, exact order dates, FAT, SAT & UAT dates in addition actual to invoicing & payment dates.

Phase Key

Phase 1 - Strategic Control Room

Phase 2 - Hounslow town centre

Phase 3 - Feltham town centre

Phase 4 - Chiswick town centre

Phase 5 - Brentford town centre and Hounslow west

Phase 6 - Heston, Hanworth Bedfont

Although data analysis has identified these hotspots in the order of priority given, it will be the decision of the strategic group to agree this process.

Revenue spend

Staffing: The costs for staffing should not kick in until phase 3 which is the beginning of Q4/09. This is because Hounslow and Feltham town centres already have dedicated control rooms. We will upgrade and expand these cameras systems and link them to our community safety cctv control room. All other phases have no dedicated control rooms.

Maintenance: The maintenance costs will not be required until one year after the control room is completed and the cameras put in place. We estimate that this will not be until Q3/10. The maintenance costs are currently estimated and have a % increase built in for year on year inflation.

Appendix 3

PESTELO factors

Consideration has been given to all areas of crime and community safety with regard to PESTELO (Political, Environmental, Social, Technological, Economic, Legal, and Organisational) factors that may directly affect the introduction of a borough wide monitored CCTV system. The factors listed below are currently the most prominent and may change as the project rolls out

Political

It is hoped that local councillors will demonstrate their support to deliver Promise Ten as this will go a long way to reassure the public as to the validity and benefits of a borough wide CCTV operation.

Environmental

Fixed cameras will be mounted on purpose built poles or affixed to buildings in the area they are required. No extra cabling will be required as the system is wireless. The cameras will be structurally sound to withstand the elements. The new cameras are big enough to be visible but not so large as to be an eyesore. Legal requirements will be adhered to with regard to the use of the cameras.

Social

The vast majority of the residents of Hounslow are used to seeing CCTV cameras in a variety of locations across the borough and following presentation at the initial stages of this project, most are very supportive of the idea. To mitigate against individuals/groups that are not in favour of CCTV systems, consideration will be given to clearly marking the cameras as `community safety cameras', and have a contact number available for these wishing to enquire as to ownership and purpose. This will also ensure compliance with the CCTV Code of Practice issued by the Information Commissioner.

There is already signage in the borough regarding the use of CCTV, but this situation will be reviewed to ensure that coverage complies with the CCTV Code of Practice.

Technological

Technology for both the cameras and the control room move at a rapid pace. The concept of the wireless system proposed is currently cutting edge. However, the Control Room will need to be built with the potential to embrace new developments and challenges as they emerge.

Economic

Funding has to be secured for the life of the project if it is to be professionally built. To this end, the cash flow diagram contained within this document provides for incremental injections of both capital and revenue funds as they are needed.

Legal

All of the cameras currently proposed for this system are for community safety purposes, and are overtly positioned. They will be looking at general crime related and community safety matters and signage will be prominently posted stating that there is CCTV operating in the area in compliance the Information Commissioner's Code of Practice on CCTV. A procedure document will be drawn up setting out all legislative and practice issues and all those working within the area will be appropriately trained. Should through the use of the CCTV system specific matters of a criminal nature become apparent, advice will be sought as to any statutory provisions that might come into play. It will be made clear that the use of CCTV for covert purposes will only be permissible if authorised under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 in accordance with the Council's procedure.

As any CCTV system could potentially be an infringement of the Article 8 Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) right to respect for private life, the home and correspondence, care will be taken to ensure that the CCTV is operating in accordance with the law, is justified and is proportionate. A separate impact assessment will be carried out in relation to each hotspot area where it is proposed that cameras are to be located to meet these HRA criteria. As this is going to be a large scale system that is likely to give rise to significant privacy concerns, the ICO privacy impact assessment handbook will be used as a guide when completing these impact assessments.

Images of people are covered by the Data Protection Act 1998 as is the information about people which is derived from the images e.g. vehicle registration numbers. The data protection aspects have been fully considered and will be complied with.

Under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 it is a criminal offence for staff to be contracted as public space surveillance CCTV operators without holding a SIA license. This is already in place for the Hounslow and Feltham town centre operators and will be a requirement for those staffing the community safety CCTV control room.

Organisational

The Council and the Police will work closely in building and utilising the CCTV system and will continue to liaise if and when the system is expanded or the technical aspects are altered. This close cooperation will be required to remain in place to ensure that the residents of Hounslow remain confident in the use and effects of CCTV in the borough.