The business value of the internet of things (IoT) isn’t just in how data from a certain device is used: the bigger prize lies in understanding how insights and intelligence can be derived by bringing together data from multiple sources to truly answer a business problem. And as the physical security industry switches from analogue to digital systems, so its utility is moving from forensic reactive surveillance into proactive intelligence that can be a critical part of real-time decision making. Here Rodrigue Zbinden, CEO at Morphean, discusses the value that cloud-based physical security, such as Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS), can unlock for your business.

Exploiting better picture quality pictures from video cameras

Today’s video cameras, for example, have the potential to function as much more than security devices. They deliver better picture quality than their predecessors, which enriches video data to the point that it can be used for much more than monitoring suspicious behaviour. They can be connected to powerful cloud computing platforms which enable that data to be combined with other sources and used to train machine learning algorithms to great effect.

Flexibility with Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS)

But adoption of cloud among physical security professionals is slow. One key challenge is the way in which the prevalent business models in the sector operate. Potential customers are used to ‘as a service’ models in which they pay for usage, avoiding large capital expenses by purchasing IT infrastructure out of their operating budget when they need it. In a Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS) world, this means offering customers the flexibility of adding or removing devices depending on their business needs, based around a single, regular licensing payment.

Business intelligence: the extra eyes in the cloud

Video cameras, or any other common physical security device are, by their very nature, ubiquitous at critical points of business infrastructure. This means that they are collecting vital data that can be turned to different purposes through analysis and combination with other sources of intelligence. And once management of the security network has been shifted to the cloud, new features can be made available depending on need and budget – it’s no longer a question of upgrading or replacing expensive on-site hardware to deliver more benefits.

Flexibility with Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS) brings benefits

A simple example of the potential of cloud-connected video cameras might be: analysing feeds in real-time to count the number of visitors in a retail store on a particular day. This data could then be cross-referenced with current promotional campaigns to gauge effectiveness, or used to give deep insights into customer behaviour patterns in-store, or to find out how many customers leave without making a purchase. The same platform might “learn” what in-store behaviours cause queue build-ups, and trigger earlier alerts to advise staff that more tills need to be opened.

Similarly, machine learning can be used to spot suspicious behaviour, or recognise the start of a violent altercation between visitors and staff. By combining facial recognition software with access control and HR records, cameras could be used to do away with traditional time sheets, or alert staff if an employee is in an unusual or restricted area. Building management could benefit, too, as cameras could be used to shut down climate controls or turn off lighting in empty rooms.

We’re only just scratching the surface of what AI and machine learning can do with data from security networks. As more companies experiment with the potential, more use cases for using video and physical security to deliver business intelligence will emerge.

New business models – the rise of Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS)

Cloud-based physical security also opens up the opportunity for new business models. Rather than having to plan a single investment in security equipment that will take care of future possibilities, enterprise can shift to a pay-for-use model, enabling video surveillance as a service (VSaaS). This will reduce the need for large capital investment and improve the ability to add or remove temporary sites, for example, into a single, centralised security network.

There are other benefits to the model too. The cloud provides tamper-free security, as video data is stored off-site and protected by strong encryption from the moment it is captured on the camera. In a survey of European businesses conducted on behalf of Morphean[i], improved cybersecurity was the number one reason for moving applications to the cloud. As privacy laws continue to evolve, simple device management allows cloud applications to be quickly and easily updated to maintain compliance with the latest regulations such as GDPR.

There’s no doubt that the future of physical security will be cloud-based VSaaS. For security installers, VSaaS is an opportunity to get closer to customers and bring their expertise to wider business functions. For end users it’s a way to make use of existing devices to create new forms of ROI. The efficiencies and potential improvements for the core function of protecting staff and assets will drive businesses to adopt these solutions in the same way that cloud applications have become commonplace in other areas, such as accounting. The differentiating factor will be what is done with security data once it’s in the cloud, because the potential there is limitless.

RODRIGUE ZBINDEN – CEO, Morphean SA

See also:

The internet of things and security

Cloud-based video monitoring brings benefits to cities

Cyber and physical security convergence

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The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect in May 2018. One year on, however, many organisations are simply not complying and nowhere is this more obvious than in relation to GDPR for CCTV systems.

CCTV has become part of the modern British landscape. The camera images protect businesses and homes while providing police forces and security organisations with a vital tool for both deterring and solving crime. Given the increasing focus on terrorism, especially in high profile buildings, travel hubs or many other potential targets, and the development of more refined technology, one wonders just how many cameras there are watching us anywhere and everywhere?

Millions of cameras in the UK

Six years ago, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) estimated there were nearly 6m closed-circuit television cameras in the country. Many people dispute this figure and other research suggests it is more like 1.85m, but of course it is virtually impossible to clarify the figures with any degree of accuracy without checking every single property and street nationwide.

As far as London is concerned, an estimated 500,000 CCTV surveillance cameras operate in and around the capital and the London Underground Network has close to 15,600 CCTV operating cameras alone.

Whichever figure is nearer the truth, that is still a lot of cameras.

Protecting privacy

Understandably, this prevalence has also generated significant debate about balancing the use of surveillance with individuals’ right to privacy. However, across the UK and EU there are now stringent Regulations (GDPR) which cover of the use of CCTV, but just how good are organisations at complying with GDPR for CCTV systems?

GDPR and CCTV compliance failures

A recent investigation by my organisation revealed shocking levels of non-compliance with GDPR, especially where the use of CCTV was concerned. The reasons for this worrying discovery were multiple but mainly because the management responsible hadn’t bothered to read all the Regulations in enough detail, don’t think they apply to them, are too lazy to comply with them all or simply don’t understand them.

Since our streets and buildings bristle with CCTV everywhere, inside and outside, recording details and images of our comings and goings (it is believed the average Briton is captured on CCTV around 70 times per day), facilities, building and security managers or property owners obviously need to check their compliance with Regulations is up to scratch before someone complains and they face a hefty fine. And it WILL happen. Google has recently been fined €50m in France for data breaches, but the UK regulators are investigating much smaller cases as you read this, since they know our compliance here is frequently not up to standard.

GDPR advisory signage

Even though we accept we are on CCTV somewhere, when you are out and about yourself, do you really see or notice advisory signs about it, as much as you should? Which is what the Regulations order. And have you any idea where all these images are stored, or if they’re deleted after a short time, or perhaps shared with other unknown parties? Who really knows where you are going or what you are doing?

The answer is probably not. In my considered opinion the whole point of CCTV is security, and its deterrent factor in part, as well as recording the criminal activity to assist law enforcement bodies in detecting the perpetrators. Therefore, in the case of straightforward crime prevention, if trespassers or criminals don’t even realise they’re on camera, as is often the case due to signage failures, what sort of useless deterrent is that?

And, just how good are the images the cameras are supplying? If they’re grainy or blurred due to old or faulty equipment, that doesn’t help anyone except the trespassers or criminals.

Finally, don’t these companies or organisations, even public sector ones, realise they’re not complying with the GDP Regulations and can be penalised because of it? Sometimes to the tune of many thousands of pounds?

Key areas of non-compliance

One year on from the introduction of the new GDPR, the following are some of the key failures for GDPR and CCTV that came to light in our investigation of our nationwide client and contact database: In no particular order:

• Failure to fit appropriate signage or keep the information on it accurate
• Failure to carry out a GDPR risk assessment prior to CCTV deployment
• Leaving DVRs (digital video recorders) unlocked or unsecured so anyone, not just designated security personnel, has access to footage
• Failure to ensure the lenses of CCTV cameras are not appropriately directed or they’re masked so that inappropriate footage is not recorded, and, if the data is shared with other parties, for example to monitor specific individuals, then innocent people are blurred out, something easily managed with the right software
• Having CCTV monitors viewable by the public
• Failure to have trained staff to monitor the CCTV
• Leaving passwords and usernames as default settings or noted next to the equipment
• If the images are to be shared with other organisations, eg the police, TfL, or other security service providers, failure to manage this appropriately to conform to Regulations

Examples of non-compliance

This is an example of what was found on one site recently:

• DVR on reception desk with monitor on top, no one at reception – someone leaned over the desk top to look at the monitor to see if their taxi was at the front door!
• Username and password on a sticker attached to the monitor
• We walked outside to find all of the CCTV signage was so worn and old that the contact details had faded away and were illegible

In a second example, there was a case of the settings on the equipment not being right specifically, the date and time were incorrect and two systems on the same site had times set 17 seconds apart.

That might sound petty but there was a break- in and when the intruder was arrested police showed the CCTV footage in court and the defence barrister asked for all cameras to be played simultaneously.

As the intruder was seen on two systems at the same time (due to timer not being synced) the barrister said the evidence was inadmissible as it was clearly inaccurate since how could the intruder be in two places at once?

Case dismissed due to lack of evidence!

Don’t risk a fine

A new IT Governance report at the end of 2018 claimed only 29% of organisations were fully compliant with GDPR. Even though their client base is global, and not just UK and European, it is food for thought and a further evidence of the situation I have highlighted.

Don’t be one of the 60% and risk a fine. Take my advice and check your compliance and systems now.

Andrew Crowne-Spencer

UK CCTV Manager,

Clearway Services

www.clearwayservices.co.uk

See also:

Privacy by design – a security strategy for GDPR

GDPR and Data Protection in 2019

How PIAM can reduce GDPR compliance complexity

Best practice for CCTV Operations

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As a society we recognise the value of surveillance for counter-terrorism, but personal freedoms are an important construct and therefore the security industry and its clients need to work to best practice for the design and operation of CCTV systems.

Recent coverage in the press has featured the potential ubiquitous intrusion of surveillance cameras, citing examples of the use of CCTV in taxis and the use of automatic facial recognition technology.

The public may rightly be concerned with their use and risk of abuse. Four years ago a survey by the British Security Industry Association estimated that in an urban area on a busy day a person could have their image captured by around 300 cameras on 30 different systems. No one would doubt that figure has grown substantially in the last few years, increasing capability to capture, record and monitor activity, and retrieve evidence of actual incidents.

The Surveillance Camera Commissioner

Maintaining a balance between the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens on the one hand, and safeguarding them in the community on the other is at the heart of the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s (SCC’s) strategy. Businesses operating surveillance cameras capturing footage in the public domain should be working to best practice standards.

Compliance with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice issued by the Home Office in 2015 is a valuable symbol of trust in the public eye. The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice raises standards by enabling surveillance providers to benchmark themselves, encourage continual improvement, and ensure surveillance is robust and fit for purpose. This in turn helps secure public confidence.

The code sets out twelve guiding principles: a comprehensive structure that enables sound, transparent decision-making in regard to the use of surveillance cameras. Since being appointed, the SCC has created a series of tools to support the operators of public space surveillance camera equipment.

The self-assessment tools cover use of:

• CCTV
• automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)
• body-worn video (BWV)
• automated facial recognition technology (AFR)

The practical application of good guidance for public spaces can be found in the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice. www.gov.uk/government/publications/surveillance-camera-code-of-practice 

Management and operation of CCTV

British Standard Code of Practice BS 7958 outlines the principles and practice involved in the management and operation of CCTV. Amongst other things, the standard provides a framework for outlining the objectives in the use of a system as well as ensuring records of images are kept securely, with a clear policy regarding the release of information to statutory prosecuting bodies, including the police, and members of the public.

The standard can be used as a management framework for ensuring best practice in all aspects of management and operation of CCTV systems. It includes guidance on working conditions, appropriate use of equipment, the management of recorded information, and legal considerations including privacy and disclosure.

Businesses can gain NSI approval against the full provisions of BS 7958 if they are fully compliant. It is an assurance of professionally and competently run operations, symbolised by the award of the NSI medal and logo.

Businesses can also use contractors that hold NSI approval against specific Annexes to BS 7958. This includes fully trained and security screened contracted staff to work in a stadium’s CCTV control room or sub-contracting out the whole CCTV monitoring service to an external control room.

Whether outsourced or managed in-house, CCTV managed and operated in accordance with BS 7958 provides security managers with significant confidence that operations are fit for purpose.

Security installed and maintained

NSI recently upgraded its own code of practice (NCP 104 Issue 3) for the design, installation and maintenance of CCTV systems. The newly revised code of practice is based on BS EN 62676-4 and provides installers with a structured approach to determining user requirements through an appropriate risk assessment and site survey.

With modern digital camera systems providing high definition images, better accuracy in the recording and retrieval of information, and increasingly facial recognition, quality management and control systems must be in place. These ensure the correct use of CCTV recording and surveillance for the intended purpose, the security of recorded data and a guarantee that rights to privacy are protected and that the latest security software updates are applied to protect from cyber threats.

Together raising standards

Companies demonstrate commitment to good practice by the approvals they hold. NSI Gold approval includes certification to BS EN ISO 9001 for the company Quality Management System as well as adherence to the relevant product standards such as BS 7958 and/or NSI code of practice NCP 104.

NSI is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the UK’s sole National Accreditation Body, responsible for determining, in the public interest, the technical competence and integrity of organisations such as those offering certification services. UKAS accreditation signifies NSI operates its certification schemes and issues Certificates of Approval in accordance with International Standards for Accredited Certification of Quality Management Systems (ISO 17021) and Product Standards pertinent to security and fire safety such as BS 7958 for CCTV (ISO 17065).

Companies who benchmark themselves against NSI approval schemes demonstrate commitment to the highest standards of competence in the delivery, monitoring, management and operation of CCTV and security services. NSI approval provides assurance to businesses that installers, operators and the management of CCTV systems and control rooms deliver consistent best practice in surveillance that can be shared effectively with law enforcement bodies in the UK’s fight against terrorism.

Richard Jenkins Chief Executive, NSI

www.nsi.org.uk

See also: Surveillance on public transport networks: too intrusive?

CCTV advances after high conviction rate for London riots

Facial recognition: cutting-edge technology

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Have you ever wondered how the provision of security in the UK will look in ten years’ time?

What will we have at our disposal in terms of technology?

How will the role of the security officer change?

In fact, will there even be such a role?

Future of security jobs

According to researchers at Oxford University and Deloitte, about 35% of current jobs are at high risk of computerisation over the next 20 years and high on the list (55th out of 366 roles) is that of the security officer.

This move to a more computerised approach to security will be driven by a number of factors: the pressure on security providers to reduce the cost of delivery in the face of increased labour charges; the potential for a shortage of available manpower for the industry post Brexit; as well as the desire for customers to adopt innovative technologies.

The shortage of manpower in Singapore has accelerated the need to embrace technology. In October 2014, the government there recognised a 25% manpower shortage in the security industry, representing over 10,000 unfilled roles.

Coupled with this were the levels of deployment and expectation placed on security officers that meant the best protection for either customer or officer could not always be provided. This was not through lack of ability or desire, but through the nature of what was expected. Officers are human and, as such, limited by human ability and, of course, subject to human error.

Monitoring a site

How can technology be used to monitor a site; to be everywhere at all times; to provide that definite failsafe link; to provide the smart information that would then be handled appropriately through human intervention?

One possible solution is a mobile command and control centre, equipped with advanced monitoring and wireless communication equipment managed by a team of specially trained security officers.

Wirelessly connected to a cluster of buildings, this system provides security surveillance to these buildings and responds immediately to any security incidents. The combined use of Wi-Fi and TVWS (TV white space) technology allows the team to receive information gained from CCTV as well as various sensors within a building, before providing the appropriate response. The use of a privately designed secured network using TVWS may also act as a defence against the increasing threat of cyber attack.

A patented provision of this kind to an organisation in Singapore that operates over a cluster of fourteen buildings has seen a security requirement for fifteen night-time officers reduced down to just two. The team are fully trained to use the advanced technologies, allowing them to have a specific knowledge of the organisation’s requirements and to swiftly respond to any incidents on site.

Further advances

Singapore’s Smart city provides a wealth of data from building sensors. Clearly, a number of these are in need of an immediate response. Fire, flood and temperature fluctuations can require swift action to limit any potential damage or disruption. A mobile command and control central equipped with the right communication equipment can become a platform to receive sensor information and respond appropriately. It also means that the homes and condition of vulnerable members of the community can be monitored.

Further advances to a mobile command and control centre include a roof-top UAV launch site and even a security patrolling robot. These are deployed to investigate the nature of any intrusion or incident. Images and information relayed back allow the on-board team to assess and then provide the correct response, while the whole incident is recorded.

The future of security for the UK?

Could this be the future of security in the UK? The solution could add value as well as delivering potentially very impressive cost savings. However, as in Singapore, we may find tradition and a reluctance to change still offer notable resistance.

When we consider that according to a survey conducted by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and Scottish electrical trade body SELECT,“40% of professionals who protect and manage buildings admit they are ‘unfamiliar’ with the term ‘internet of things’ and that 61% of those polled say they don’t have any plans to ‘evaluate and install connected technology’. the road to change may still be a long one. However, we aim to make that road to change a definite one in the shortest time!

Alan Chua Owner, and John Naughton MD,

Concorde Security Pte

www.concordesecurity.com

The post The future of security: the impact of computerisation appeared first on City Security Magazine.

Recent developments in security video management software frameworks are facilitating public-private collaboration to improve urban safety by taking advantage of cloud-based video monitoring services. Business owners can view live and recorded video footage from their laptop, tablet or smartphone 24/7. They can also selectively share camera feeds with law enforcement agencies, allowing officers to monitor video in real time during an incident. The live video feed then provides timely information to responding officers and simplifies ensuing investigations.

Collaborative security

This new, collaborative solution addresses key issues such as tight budgets, tensions between police and citizens, and economic development.

Using this solution enables cities to become more connected, “smart cities” without raising taxes. This works especially well for local authorities looking to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of services, whilst also actively maintaining or increasing levels of public safety.

Collaborative security and community policing also improve the dialogue between officers and the local community, which is especially important in the fragile social climate that exists in certain cities around the world today. Rather than responding to crime after it occurs, community policing encourages agencies to proactively develop solutions to the immediate underlying conditions contributing to public safety. As well as this, concerns regarding police misconduct have led to the adoption of new technologies (such as body-worn cameras) and techniques in public safety that focus on transparency.

Higher public safety

Finally, a centralised, collaborative security network resulting in a higher level of public safety results in the growth of small independent businesses, meaning that there is growth in the local economy.

A collaborative cloud-based video monitoring network is efficient, enhancing services to citizens without affecting budget; inclusive, fostering collaboration and community policing to rebuilt trust and transparency; and finally, creates safe and livable areas within a city which results in the growth of local businesses and thriving communities.

Pota Kanavaros, Product Marketing Manager, Genetec

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You only have to look at the poor quality of video evidence that has been presented to the public on televised crime watch programmes to realise that advances in CCTV technology are needed and, indeed, warranted.

In today’s highly charged socio-political climate, the necessity for quality-driven evidence-based systems is absolute. This applies equally to CCTV solutions that have come to form a critical element in the armoury of employers and agencies charged with safeguarding our safety and security.

CCTV as crime prediction

CCTV by necessity has had to become more than a means of deploying a visible deterrence or evidence gathering. It has had to become a tool of crime prediction. Unbelievable? You might think so, but it’s not impossible. For example, one method by which this is achieved is via reliable behavioural analysis software or video analytics (VA) – the development, deployment and suitability of which is entirely dependent upon the technology advances associated with digitising CCTV optical data, higher pixel densities, compression algorithms and HD picture rendition.

It is said that CCTV as a reliable solution resulting from the above advances is undergoing something of ‘a renaissance’ in terms of a ‘must have’. In fact the more accurate term would be ‘a revolution’! The migration from analogue to digital, especially in regard to storage, was, in its time, a major step change. However, the more recent advances in digitalisation, emergence of end-to-end IP CCTV solutions and availability of meta-data for scene analysis has resulted in an unparalleled leap forward. Furthermore, the introduction of Power over Ethernet (PoE) has resulted in solutions becoming more affordable to deploy.

This in turn means more units can be deployed than might otherwise be the case. The combination of these benefits alone has significantly contributed to the further mitigation of risk, through higher levels of deterrence, higher conviction rates and use of predictive data for crime prevention.

Remote Video Surveillance

One other area of significance that research and development in CCTV technology has influenced for the better is centralised Remote Video Surveillance (RVS). The effectiveness of a remotely managed service and its positive impact on a client’s operational costs has undergone its own evolution. The efficiencies that technology advances have introduced to the control room environment means that, operationally, more can be managed with significantly less resource. The result is a more cost-effective service.

The increased quality of surveillance information and automated event responses provides for better prioritisation and reaction to situations. The convergence of technologies and its data that IP has engendered opens client access to real time service outputs and performance measures.  As a consequence, client confidence in the delivery of remotely managed services is on the increase and is fast becoming viewed as representing true value for money.

So, who should own CCTV as part of their infrastructure?

Traditionally, the deployment of CCTV results from capital expenditure (CAPEX) and, as such, ownership at completion transfers to the buyer. Consequently, management of the system invariably falls to the buyer’s appointed personnel. For example, security (in-house or otherwise), estates, FM service providers or, more recently, IT departments.  Invariably thereafter, the system sits unchallenged, growing old, decreasing in beneficial use and becoming more expensive to maintain. This fact of depreciating value and the need to address current threats with current technology in a cost-effective manner are some of the drivers challenging the traditional views of ownership and management. In light of issues such as these, end-users are necessarily seeking alternative revenue streams to the CAPEX model and its accompanying limitations.

Consideration should be given to solutions aligned with revenue streams available through the operating expenditure (OPEX) model. These structures not only bring added commercial expediency in the form of ROI, but also guarantee the deployed technology remains up to date and current for the lifetime of the contract. Full ownership and responsibility of the CCTV solution and its 100% uptime, move away from the end-user (traditionally the buyer) to the service provider.

In conclusion, it is important for service providers to recognise the impact of ongoing research and development in the fields of CCTV technologies and service provisions. Equally to be fully cognisant of the importance of providing value for money without compromising the security and welfare of the client’s staff, assets and the general public. In turn this means endorsing and investing in technology advances within this industry and delivering best of breed IP-ready products and facilitating the road to change in respect of system ownership, its management and complementary deliverables.

Arthur Agnew

Securitas UK

www.securitas.uk.com

The post Modern advances in CCTV technology appeared first on City Security Magazine.

The way we walk – our gait – is unique to us all and gait recognition has proved to be a useful device in the forensic toolbox.

We are all individuals in the way we walk and each person moves in a unique way, making it possible to recognise a person by their gait: the style or manner in which a person walks or runs. Law enforcement around the world is finding this a helpful addition in identifying perpetrators. Forensic Gait Analysis – the identification of a person by their gait or by features of their gait – was first admitted as evidence in 2000 in the matter of R v Saunders at the Old Bailey, Central Criminal Court, London. Even though the perpetrator wore two pairs of trousers, mask and gloves, he could not disguise the way he walked.

Gait analysis in Identifying perpetrators

Gait analysis evidence has value for evidential and investigative uses. In the notorious case dubbed by the media as ‘The Night Stalker’, gait analysis was used in the investigation by helping to find the perpetrator. This was one of the UK’s most high profile and longstanding, unsolved cases of serial gerontophile rape, burglary and indecent assault. Here, the gait analysis information was of considerable benefit in helping to find and to arrest the offender. One recurring feature in the CCTV clips of the perpetrator was his heavily disguised face.

But the UK is only one of a number of countries waking up to the benefits that gait recognition can provide in the fight against crime. The first case in Canada where gait analysis evidence was used was in R v Aitken. A man was shot multiple times outside his apartment building. The incident was captured on security CCTV, which showed a male with a concealed face arriving at the building carrying something, which appeared to be covered by a towel. Forensic gait analysis evidence showed the defendant demonstrated gait characteristics bearing a very strong similarity to the images of the perpetrator and the same person had earlier been surveying the premises. The jury accepted the evidence and the defendant was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. The BC Court of Appeal dismissed the defence appeal in 2012 and the Supreme Court of Canada denied leave to appeal in 2013.

Body movements

The process of walking is a complicated activity, which generally begins with the movement of the pelvis. Our arms move to help counterbalance the distribution of weight from side to side and maintain the head pointing in the direction of travel. When an individual’s foot makes contact with the ground, force travels into the foot up through the lower limb and spine to the person’s head. How the body deals with those forces, biomechanics, affects how an individual moves. Gait analysis is the detailed study of the positioning and movement of the way in which an individual walks through the various stages of the walking cycle. The movement of a person’s body is unique to each and this ‘signature’ of a person’s walk contributes to the forensic toolbox.

• Gait analysis can be used in a wide range of areas including: Identification of a person or persons at a crime scene
• Identification of a person pre or post-event
• Identification of masked persons
• Verification of alibis by a person’s presence/absence at a location
• Comparing the effects of drugs/alcohol on gait
• Eliminating suspects
• Locating and tracking persons of interest
• Providing information where other forms of ID are not suitable or available
• Reducing the time needed to analyse video
• Suspicion to arrest

It may be a qualitative analysis or quantitative analysis that is carried out, or both, depending upon what video material is available. For example, a front view of an individual caught on CCTV could be compared to the front view footage of a known suspect and the angle of view can be important depending upon what one is looking for. Analysis can then be performed for both the similar and dissimilar features of gait. Analysing the way people walk is very much a tool of identification.

The technique may also be useful in confirming the links between series of crimes – there have been a number of cases of this. Incident CCTV footage of the perpetrators was compared to the footage of suspects and it was determined that the same individuals were responsible for the chain of crimes.

Some perpetrators have tried to hide or disguise their walk, for example by wearing different clothing, but such efforts have often been unsuccessful. This is illustrated by a case where the cigarette being held by the perpetrator activated a security camera, with a thermal imaging sensor. Although it was poor quality video footage, it remained suitable for gait analysis. Even with the individual wearing baggy clothing, he could not hide the unusualness of his leg muscles and upper body posture.

There have been several cases of suspects admitting their guilt based on the forensic gait analysis evidence presented to them, resulting in considerable savings on investigation and court costs. What investigators need is a swift response, as to whether gait recognition can be useful or not in the identification process, whether it be to help prevent an incident, or post-event.

Moving forwards

Gait analysis has already been used in numerous cases and in different legal systems.   It is possible to swiftly conduct analyses and gait comparisons and as technology becomes more routinely used, as it already is in some countries, it means that analysing electronic submissions can be very quick. When considering such cases as ‘The Night Stalker’ serial rapist case, the gait recognition used provides discernible benefits to public safety. In that matter there were over 200 offences, taking place over seventeen years. When the gait recognition analysis was utilised, it helped locate the perpetrator in a few months. Confirmation that early deployment of the gait analysis tool can significantly reduce the huge number of man-hours and associated costs by helping to find perpetrators.

With greater understanding of the deployment of gait recognition as a forensic tool, it is becoming a facility that is routinely used by security service providers and law enforcement agencies. As digital and real time footage become more ubiquitous and awareness increases that forensic gait analysis is often of use, where activity and offences are captured on CCTV, this will be of increasing assistance to investigations.

Gait recognition has repeatedly proven to be useful and will continue to be so, but the most valuable use could be in finding and recognising perpetrators, including at border and perimeter controls, before events occur. ‘The Night Stalker’ and many other cases have already proved what gait recognition brings to the table. In such uncertain times, we need to be alive to what works and has proved to be effective.

Haydn Kelly

Consultant Podiatrist and Podiatric Surgeon. Dean of Podiatric Surgery

Examiner for the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine at the Royal College of Physicians, London and a Fellow of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

www.gaitforensics.com

Read more articles on Security Technology

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The aftermath of widespread disorder over four days in August 2011 – the worst riots that Britain had experienced in many years – created a significant role for the police seeking to ensure that those who had participated in criminal events were dealt with appropriately, and brought swiftly to justice.

Operation Withern

Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Greany was the officer tasked with leading Operation Withern, the MPS operation to bring the rioters to justice.

Speaking of the police role following the riots he said, “We had to make it right for the victims and making it right for them meant arresting the people who did it. We couldn’t put the victims TVs back, we couldn’t rebuild their homes. What we could do is give them a sense of justice.”

A mammoth task

Undoubtedly an operation of a size and complexity rarely seen before, it was a huge managerial task. Ensuring that his team was able to provide the right mix of skills and experience was a critical element for DCS Greany in ensuring its success. “There were some hard negotiations to be had and some difficult discussions to be undertaken. But there’s no doubt about it: every borough in London, and every specialist unit, including serious crime and counter-terrorism, pulled together to make Operation Withern work. It is a fine example of the Met pulling together as one.”

For those of us outside the investigation, the conclusion is likely to be that the Withern team may have come under extreme political pressure. However DCS Greany says that this was not the case, and that his team was able to focus fully on their task. “We were always very clear that our role was to follow the evidence, arrest offenders and get convictions and, political pressure or not, that didn’t influence us one bit in how we set out the investigation.”

Tools used to bring about justice

The very visible nature of the riots meant that much of the disorder was likely to have been captured on CCTV, with forensic evidence also being another important source of evidence for the Withern team. The quantity of the footage retrieved brought its own problems however. Innovative bespoke arrangements were put in place to ensure that the huge amount of footage could be viewed by the team and used effectively in the prosecution process.

There was also the issue of processing criminal cases to ensure they passed quickly and successfully through the court system. This was an important aspect of ensuring that justice could be seen to be done, and done so quickly. DCS Greany was aware that successfully tackling this aspect would be key to establishing public confidence in the police to bring the offenders to justice.

It was, however, important to avoid overcrowding and a potential slow-down of the courts and prisons under a sudden influx of offenders in the aftermath of the riots. Arrests following the riots were therefore planned in phases, with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the courts and prisons, ensuring the system could run smoothly whilst accommodating the massive extra demand on the criminal justice service. Running this streamlined system helped Operation Withern to ensure an effective working relationship with the CPS throughout the investigation.

News and social media

A reported increase in the use of social media for criminal purposes during the riots was an aspect which attracted a great deal of public debate, and was highlighted significantly in the media. As a result of this it became clear that it would be necessary for Withern to take this into account during its investigations, particularly as it was reported that criminals had used systems such as Blackberry Messenger to help avoid the police and organise violent and criminal acts.

The public and the news media were also extremely helpful in providing information that was vitally needed by the police, and DCS Greany gratefully acknowledges this fact, highlighting instances when members of the public made difficult decisions such as telling police when they knew a family member or friend had been involved in the riots. The fact that the public did this is a testimony to how wrong many people felt the rioters were. According to DCS Greany, “People did the right thing; people knew it was right to tell us who was involved, many mainstream newspapers allowed us to fill their pages with witness appeals and suspect images, it was a symbiotic process.”

Redressing the balance

There can be no doubt that the 2011 riots had a very negative effect on many people’s lives, but Operation Withern has helped to ensure that the balance can be redressed, and from the difficult days which the riots brought, communities are now able to continue the slow process of recovery.

Based on an article from Police Professional

The post Operation Withern: Bringing London’s rioters to justice appeared first on City Security Magazine.

Following the London riots in 2011, the Metropolitan Police set up Operation Withern to investigate and bring to justice those involved. More than a year on, Eugene O’Mahony and Andrea Berkoff from City Security magazine met up with Detective Superintendent William Lyle who has been heading up the operation, at his office in Empress State Building. With over 4730 arrested and an impressive 82% success rate for conviction, we were keen to hear about the best practice and innovation emerging from this project.

A major investigation

There were 4170 offences committed during the disturbances, so this was always going to be a major investigation. At its peak, the team totalled 633 officers and staff, which included serving and retired police officers. The team also had 100 volunteers coming forward to assist. Still going strong with 25-30 arrests per week, there are more than 167 officers still on board. The most time-consuming task has been viewing and producing evidence packs from over 200,000 hours of CCTV footage, recovered from shops, local authorities, buses and mobile phones.

Officers have been spending 8 to 10 hours per day viewing the footage. “The identification process is not easy, it takes a long time; we need clear images, which can involve several hundred hours viewing to find all the offences committed by an individual,” Det Supt Lyle told us.

The CCTV examination process

At the beginning of the operation, all 200,000 hours were viewed and where an offence was committed, the individual involved would then be given a unique reference number. Prioritising the most serious offences, another member of the team then went back through all the footage to look for that individual and put an evidence pack together. “Some people were very chaotic on the day, going from shop to shop, stealing, setting light to cars, throwing bricks at police officers.”

Once an evidence pack has been produced, the next stage is identification. The images of individuals involved are sent both internally to the police and externally to a variety of sources, such as TV and other media outlets. A key learning point from the operation is that the identification process needs to be carefully managed. The Met Police has developed a new role known as Identification Officer. This individual oversees the process of viewing and identifying and when piloted, resulted in a 500% improvement in the numbers identified.

Bringing in the Super Recogniser

Another emerging specialist area for the police is the Super Recogniser. These are officers with exceptional memories for the faces they have met during their service. PC Gary Collins, who won Police Officer of the Year for his efforts, has identified 180 rioters. About 2% of the population are thought to be super recognisers. They need time to build up knowledge of an area. PC Collins spent 11 years on the beat prior to taking part in Operation Withern.

Once an offender has been identified, they can then be arrested by a team from Operation Withern.

Making the most of super recognisers with CCTV is not the only area where the Met has made advances following this operation. Det Supt Lyle believes “we have moved so far forward, making improvements in securing evidence and putting it in the best format for court”. There are now 23 specialist teams across the Met, covering every borough, with a central management team that will ensure a consistent approach across the force. “For any crime involving CCTV, we will send a specialist officer, who knows how to secure the best evidence.” Advances have also been made in the court service: previously only 2 courts had specialist facilities for viewing CCTV, now most areas will have a CCTV court.

Det Supt Lyle credits DCI Mick Neville of the Met Police for many of the major developments with CCTV, “he has been banging this drum for years, you have got to treat CCTV as specialist evidence, in the same way as finger prints or DNA”. It is clear that the Metropolitan Police is developing specialist skills for capturing, reviewing and using CCTV images as evidence. They are working with Skills for Security to develop enhanced training for CCTV operators.

Another key component of the success of the operation has been the use of volunteers. Well over 100 members of the public came forward to assist and 60 were trained to be CCTV viewers. They have helped put evidence packages together.

What is now known about the offenders?

In the early stages, a proportion of those arrested were people who were swept along by events, wore no masks or gloves and the police were able to arrest them reasonably quickly. Another group were more difficult: the organised, experienced criminals who saw this as an opportunity to make money. It is this group that have taken longer to identify and convict. Of 80 people reviewed in September this year, 77.5% had previous convictions, 43.8% previous for violent crime and 40% were linked to gangs.

As a result of Operation Withern, the Met Police is creating a manual of best practice for large-scale public disorder investigation, although there is the fervent hope that we never see disorder like this again. The 5-stage approach that Det Supt Lyle has developed will be used as a basis for this. This will ensure that the significant innovation from this massive operation can be used in the future. The developing approach to the use of CCTV as evidence will be something that City Security magazine will be keeping a close a eye on.

Andrea Berkoff

For more articles on police initiatives and partnerships, see Police & Partnerships and further articles on CCTV, see CCTV systems

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