CCTV Fitted to Police Bicycles

Story link: CCTV Fitted to Police Bicycles by Brian Turner

Tayside Police is trialling digital CCTV for cycle patrol officers. The system is fitted to a bicycle, enabling cycle patrol officers to record crimes in areas that cannot be covered by cameras fitted to patrol cars or conventional CCTV.

The system has been developed and supplied free-of-charge by Scottish Communications Security Technology.

Tayside Police may roll out the system to all 19 cycle patrol officers in the Perth division if the trial is successful and other police forces in Scotland are also taking an interest in the initiative.

A miniature camera is fitted to the bike’s handlebars and linked to a monitor and hard drive in the pannier of the bike. Images are stored on the hard drive and downloaded to a computer. If necessary, the camera can be removed and fitted onto officer equipment.

It is anticipated that the equipment will be useful at large events such as public processions and football matches.

Scottish Communications specialises in supplying CCTV systems for the police and local authorities throughout Scotland.