Atlas Security, Calibre Security and Intersec operate the CCTV service in St Francis Bay, all under contract to the SFPO NPC, who represent 1 590 levy-paying property owners.

It has come to our attention that there are questions surrounding various aspects of the CCTV Infrastructure and the processes that are in place, and also certain misconceptions not only of the capability of the technology but also of the legalities surrounding the use of the footage.

Between Atlas Security, Calibre Security, and the SRA, we would like to clarify that we are happy to assist with any concerns that anyone may have, as this project is for the security of the community and their families, meaning that people have every right to possess the knowledge of how the entire operation functions in various situations. We encourage anyone to contact us directly for informed answers and avoid believing rumours and fake news.

The following topics will be covered:
– The benefit of a joint venture between Calibre Security (Response) and Atlas Security (Monitoring) as service providers to the SRA
– Live (human) monitoring vs Live Analytical Monitoring (Event-based monitoring)
– Distribution of footage

The Joint Venture with two security providers is a strategic decision to ensure the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the project.

As a local company, Calibre have the ability to see exactly what Atlas sees, assisting them in making informed decisions. Understanding that Calibre have obligations to their alarm monitored clients’ as well, Atlas acts as a force enhancer to the monitoring of the SFB CCTV.  Calibre Security is a local business that lives the life of our local people, and them being backed by the world-class control room infrastructure and manpower (Over 90 Control Room staff members) of Atlas Security has proved to be a force that has seen incredible success from the very beginning of the project. We have no doubt that it will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Live (human) monitoring vs Live Analytical Monitoring (Event-based monitoring)
Technology has changed the dynamics of proactive monitoring in recent years. The reliable source of Live Monitoring back then was having a person stare at a screen for a prolonged period of time, as that was the only option. This method is/was unreliable, as research has proved that a human watching a screen can only monitor a maximum of 4 screens for a maximum time limit of roughly 12 minutes, after which fatigue sets in, and the operator will start to miss crucial events, deeming this method inefficient.

Analytical Cameras (often referred to as event-based monitoring) uses software that has the ability to analyse multiple video feeds within moments, identify a threat (based on the parameters set) and alert the operator to the threat, almost as fast as a simple blink of an eye.

The process we follow with event-based monitoring is:
– When an analytical trigger/event occurs on or by the camera – when the camera detects human movement for example – a live feed from the camera is automatically populated on the screens within our control centre.
– The operator reviews what is transpiring on the screen and has the ability to identify the cause of the trigger.
– Where the operator identifies a threat (in line with the policies and procedures written) as the cause for the trigger, they immediately inform Calibre Security (who also have the ability to review the same footage) and dispatch their Response to the scene, while providing them with all the information they will need in order to deal with the situation effectively on their arrival.
– Where the operator identifies that the cause of the trigger was non-threatening (in line with the policies and procedures written), the operator will close the feed.

Distribution of Footage
Atlas Security is the only entity with the ability to download and share the CCTV footage, due to various legal parameters, one of which is the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act.

The POPI Act prevents any sharing of sensitive information, which includes the record keeping of individuals in public spaces. No other entity is allowed to receive footage, without the express permission of all persons within said footage, even if that person is not visible in the footage, but can be tied to the footage in other ways, such as vehicle registration numbers, etc.

Notwithstanding the above point, we remind the community that, when a criminal act occurs, video footage forms part of the chain of evidence into the investigation and prosecution of such an event. In order to ensure we do not step onto the wrong side of the law in this regard, or jeopardize the possibility of a conviction, any and all video footage is only handed to the investigating officer of the SAPS on receipt of the necessary legal documentation which ensures continuity in the custody of evidence chain ensuring it remains admissible in court.

With that being said, the CCTV Infrastructure is by no means biased to be used by only Calibre Security clients, it is for the community as a whole. This means that should anyone be the victim of a crime, we will make the footage available to the investigating officer once a case is opened, as this process is a legal requirement.

The possibility of information sharing is currently being looked into. This will mean that information relating to suspicious activity could be shared with additional security role players within the community, should they wish to participate within the parameters of requirements, such as acceptance of liability, confidentiality, etc. which will be reduced to writing in the form of a binding legal agreement.

 

Should you have any questions relating to the CCTV Infrastructure, you are welcome to contact us through our website: https://www.atlas24.co.za/contact/