cctv

[russdev]

I am looking through the cctv policies information on the wiki.

School Policies - EduGeek.net Wiki

In terms of CCTV maintenance logs what do people feel the correct maintenance should be for cctv cameras.

[maniac]

Not sure precisely what you mean, do you mean a manitenance schedule for CCTV like daily, weekly, monthly etc?

Mike

[russdev]

Well in the policies on wiki you have maintenance log sheet and as Tony has pointed out that if no log sheet then camera can't be used in court of law etc (well not with out a good defense lawyer getting coverage thrown into doubt etc).

So is maintenance simple as does it work and is it saving to hard drive correct etc or something else bit more complicated.

Russ

[mark]

Problem with ours was no one checked the things until after the event. If something wasn't working it was too late.

Basic maintenance would cover that. Saving effectively; all cams working; time/ date correct.

What does the law require?

[Johndouglass]

Regarding the legal requirements you can get a good idea of what is required for routine logging from the Data Protection site under simple systems at ico.gov.uk.
In most cases CCTV footage can be presented as supporting evidence. "Prosecution" level (CCTV on its own) evidence is much harder to get accepted. You should ensure that your maintenance programme includes wiping the housing windows or the lens if you do not have housings for your cameras. This applies particularly to outside cameras.
Use cleaning materials that won't smear or leave fluff on the glass. This should be done once every few months in general, but could require more frequent maintenance if they are in exposed places eg low down at an entrance barrier. - Cameras can only record what they see and you don't want them to be looking through a fog.
Regualar operational checks are a good thing and also make sure you include a check that operater knows how to backup and verify evidence. Many users of digital systems panick when thay have to back up evidence because they don't do it regularly and are possibly under stress when the actual need arises.