Three types of image capture systems are generally available:-

• Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
• Digital Still Shot Cameras
• 35mm Still Shot Cameras

Purpose of any Image Capture Systems

• Identify the suspected criminal(s) visually for purposes of evidence.
• Provide a linked record of the date, time and place of any image.
• Visually confirm the nature of the crime which was committed.
• Visually connect the suspected criminal(s) with the crime.
• Provide evidence supporting detail relating to the circumstances.

Common Specification for all Image Capture Systems

• Provide good quality images.
• Operate under existing light levels within the premises.
• Designed to capture full frame shots of the heads and shoulders of all people whilst inside the premises.  This must be a full facial shot of the subject to the accepted standard for identification, Rotakin 120%R, as illustrated in the images to the right:
• A daily check must be maintained of playing back a recorded image to ensure the system continues to provide evidence quality images.  Additionally, all systems should be regularly maintained to ensure continuous quality of image capture and retention.
• All image systems and management processes must comply with the Data Protection Act (DPA) and any applicable British Security Industry Association (BSIA) codes of practice.
• Signage must be displayed in the customer area to advise that image capture systems are in operation (DPA).
• All systems must be operated by the correct procedures to ensure an evidence trail is recorded and can be retrieved for evidential purposes.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Specification

All CCTV systems should meet the following minimum standard:-

• In multi camera systems a recording rate of one frame per second per camera must be achieved.
• A monitor incorporated into the system to review images and recorded picture quality.
• An archive of 31 days recorded history should be maintained.
• Systems may be expanded to cover other parts of the retail premises but it is recommended that any such extension should not reduce the effective evidence capture during a raid situation.
• Where practical, personal attack buttons should be connected via the CCTV system to change any time-lapse recording to real time in the event of the button being pressed.

Where a video cassette recorder (VCR) is utilised as the recording medium, the following additional minimum standards apply:

• The video recording device should be located in a secure area or locked cabinet.
• Videotapes should be replaced after 12 passes through the VCR.

Digital Still Shot Cameras Specification

• The camera can be either manually or automatically triggered.
• Images from a time period before and after the event trigger are captured for later recovery and analysis.
• Facility to transfer images to secondary external storage for later use.
• Camera covers to be lockable or securely fixed to prevent unauthorised tampering of settings or removal of images.
• All image storage facilities should be encrypted to prevent modification or alteration.
• The camera must be able to be stopped immediately after an incident to protect the captured data.

• Staff can either manually or automatically activate the camera.
• The trigger mechanism should have the capacity to activate either individual shots or to run the entire film.
• Camera covers to be lockable or security fixed to prevent unauthorised tampering of settings or removal of images.
• The system should be tested on a regular basis to ensure that the film has not jammed – the recommended procedure is a weekly test that includes taking five or more shots with a log to register the frame numbers.