It is pleasing to see that CCTV business in the UK is continuing to prosper.
According to a BSIA (British Security Industry Association) research initiative, whose results have just been released, 85% of respondents stated that their business had experienced an increase in the past 12 months. Encouragingly, this is a trend which seems likely to continue with 85% also expecting business to increase over the next year.
The positive news regarding CCTV from the survey - conducted amongst BSIA CCTV Section members - underlines the technology's pivotal role in the fight against criminality and terrorism. The London bombings brought into sharp focus the key benefits of CCTV images in the identification and arrest of suspects and, crucially, has provided the impetus for more investment, with the BSIA research reporting that 45% of respondents received more requests for new or updated CCTV systems after 7/7.
What also stood out from the research is the growing appreciation of the latest standards and guidance. When it comes to the Code of Practice for Digital Video Evidence, for example, 90% of respondents were aware or reasonable aware and for BS8418, the British Standard for detector-activated, remotely monitored CCTV, the figure was 95%.