The debate over restrictions regarding the wearing of hooded tops - 'hoodies' - and baseball caps continues to hit the headlines in the UK.  It has been reported that shopping centres, some schools and even the courts (through Anti Social Behaviour Orders) have been clamping down on this type of attire.  In one Scottish town (Paisley) shops have been displaying signs to highlight their 'hats off, hoods down' policy, frustrated by the fact that many shoplifters use these items to hide their identity.

Critics of these restrictions may say that such clothes are merely a fashion statement or that people's rights are being infringed but there are precedents, most notably the banning of the wearing of motorcycle helmets in banks.  From a CCTV perspective, provided it is handled correctly and in clearly defined areas, preventing individuals from wearing items which may be used to deliberately obscure their faces has obvious benefits for the evidential value of any images gathered.  We just need to ensure that in searching for more valuable and useable evidence we don't fall foul of the civil liberty trap and also where such bans are implemented that the CCTV systems employed are effective in identifying criminals, otherwise the case for such restrictions will be undermined.

Download PDF version Download PDF version

In case you missed it

Alamo enhances security with Alcatel-Lucent solutions
Alamo enhances security with Alcatel-Lucent solutions

Alamo Colleges in San Antonio, Texas supports more than 65,000 students and 7,000 staff. It's five campuses and smaller regional learning centres connect students and staff, expan...

When choosing an access solution, make total cost of ownership a key part of the calculation
When choosing an access solution, make total cost of ownership a key part of the calculation

Digital access control has well-known benefits over traditional security, of course, but also costs attached to each stage of its lifetime. However, these costs are not fixed. Many...

The Camp: Enhance security with ASSA ABLOY Aperio wireless locks
The Camp: Enhance security with ASSA ABLOY Aperio wireless locks

As a provider of future-oriented business education, The Camp sought an access control solution as forward-thinking as their courses. Their campus site near Aix-en-Provence is div...

Quick poll
What's the primary benefit of integrating access control with video surveillance?