CCTV control room expands to help tackle crime

The council’s control centre monitors Swale’s public space CCTV cameras and works closely with police

Swale Borough Council’s CCTV control centre is expanding to become a national safety hub, the local authority has announced.

The centre monitors Swale’s public space CCTV cameras all year round and works closely with Kent Police to tackle crime and keep residents safe.

Swale has now partnered with Gravesham Borough Council and Folkestone Town Council to monitor their Public Space CCTV cameras.

It said its control centre could provide the councils with cost-saving solutions, whilst ensuring their public space CCTV was actively monitored.

In addition to the public space CCTV cameras, the control centre also monitors for local parish councils, alongside a number of commercial cameras for private contractual agreements.

There are currently more than 70 businesses signed up to the scheme, which uses a network of CCTV and instant communication to tackle thefts and other anti-social behaviour.

The council said it was also exploring monitoring other area’s CCTV networks, growing the network of cameras, and making tracking criminal’s movements over council borders more efficient and effective.

Councillor Richard Palmer said: “We have assisted the police numerous times to bring people to justice, and help business stay safe, which is a testament to how capable and effective our control centre is.

“Growing the network of CCTV control centre monitors not only funds improvements to our service, but also allows us to help Kent Police monitor, track and catch the people harming our community – even if they leave Swale.”