1 Nov 2013
BSIA’s event provided Scottish businesses with an insight into the impact of the economy on CCTV usage

A new event hosted by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has helped CCTV users in Scotland to navigate the latest regulatory and technological developments in the CCTV sector.

Held in Fife on 22nd October, the BSIA’s seminar and exhibition provided Scottish businesses, Police and local authorities with an expert insight into the latest changes in technology, standards and legislation, with presentations from a number of experts exploring issues such as Scotland’s strategy on public space surveillance, the impact of the economy on CCTV usage, the value of CCTV in Police operations and discussions on advancements in CCTV technology.

Delegates also benefited from a wide-ranging exhibition of state-of-the-art CCTV equipment, allowing anyone with an interest in surveillance technology to catch up on the latest trends in energy saving, lighting and remote monitoring.

David Wilkinson, Technical Manager at the BSIA, commented: “With the past year ushering in several changes for the UK’s CCTV sector, the BSIA’s seminar provided a valuable opportunity for those working with the technology on a day-to-day basis to catch up on the most recent changes affecting the design and deployment of surveillance systems. The event attracted a significant level of interest from end-users from a range of sectors, who were able to gain a valuable insight into the latest industry trends through the sharing of best practice.”

The event’s speaker line-up included Chief Superintendent Grant Manders, Police Scotland Head of Safer Communities, who said: “Police Scotland was delighted to be part of this event, where CCTV operators, service users such as the police, and industry representatives, welcomed the chance to look at best practice, new technology and possibilities for the future. CCTV is a pivotal aid to policing in the 21st Century, and is at its most successful when developed and operated in a strong partnership between the industry and operators. The turnout at the event demonstrated the commitment to work in such a partnership, and I’d like to thank the BSIA for pulling the event together.”

Abda Ali, CCTV General Manager at Forth Valley CCTV Management Group, also presented on the Scottish Landscape of public space CCTV from an end-user perspective, and added: “It’s great to see BSIA take an interest in the Scottish CCTV Landscape, from both private and public sectors. These events allow both parts of the industry to meet each other and hopefully build relationships for the future; we look forward to supporting future BSIA events in Scotland.”