Issue - meetings

To give consideration to the CCTV/UTC project update

Consideration was given to an update on the CCTV and UTC Project.

The Committee made the following observations regarding the review:

With regard to creating a single modern CCTV control facility, Members stressed the importance of having a back up system in case the facility failed.

The Committee noted that the Police Authority was happy with the proposals and that Cheshire East Council had worked with the Police Authority in setting up a secure server.

Members expressed concern that there would only be 9 operators to staff the control centre. It was agreed that further operators may be required and that national guidance on the number of screens per operator should be sought.

It was noted that the proposals would result in a saving for Cheshire East Council and the Police Authority.

It was noted that a refurbishment programme, changing the pan and tilt cameras to dome cameras was still to be investigated for the 2011/2012 budget and that the life expectancy of a camera was around 5 years.

The Committee welcomed the fact that the out of hour’s service was to be improved and that the control centre would be manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

RESOLVED

1. That the report be received

2. That an update on the project be emailed to the Committee asap

3. That the Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities be informed of the following observations:

·        That best practice guidance should be sought on the number of screens one operator could effectively manage.

·        The Committee welcomed that fact that the control room would be manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

·        The Committee welcomed the improved out of hours service.

·        The Committee welcomed the approval of the Police Authority.

·        There was a high degree of risk involved with the staffing levels proposed and therefore the levels should be increased.

·        The Committee welcomed the refurbishment programme for the cameras which was scheduled to take place in 2011.

·        The Committee expressed concerns regarding the back up plan for if the system failed.

·        The Committee acknowledged that the control room would be in Macclesfield

(Councillor E Alcock arrived at the meeting during consideration of the above item)