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Met’s upwardly mobile cameras can give a 360-degree view of crowds
Mark Blunden11.05.09
The Met is using new CCTV cameras that “climb” up and down lamp-posts to provide a 360-degree view of crowds.
At least £200,000 has been spent on the Sherpas, which are being used at protests and football matches. The force claims they will cover areas that static cameras cannot see.
Norton Integrated Systems, which invented the Sherpa, said the Met had bought eight and was due to take delivery of another this week. Scotland Yard says it has seven.
Civil liberties campaigners say they are a further example of police “intimidating” legitimate protesters. Some 25 councils in and around London have invested in the systems, which cost £18,000 to £25,000 each.
Remotely operated, they are designed for “rapid deployment” and can be attached to a lamp-post or suitable pole in 10 minutes. They can wirelessly transmit colour or night-vision footage to a computer screen.
Permission must be sought from the local authority before the cameras can be used.
The Met already faces criticism over the number of Forward Intelligence Team photographers at protests. Human rights lawyer Matt Foot said: “To have this additional equipment is unnecessary and intimidating.”
Reader views (4)
Steve, what using camera like this allows is for CCTV to be placed were it is needed rather than the current blanket use. So in fac tit will help CCTV to be relevant again thus allowing for blanket use to be reduced.
BUt I am sure you will knock that if the Police are even given a chance to prove themselves
- Not Exactly A Looney Lefty!, The real world
I see the Civil Liberties have reared their ugly head again....who funds this organisation that I dont want speaking for me !...what about the illegitimate protesters that it could route out....the muppets.
- Rosie, watford
"Pro active innovation" Martin?? Would you be at the front of the queue for example for a bio ID implant that could be remotely read by a robotic police scanner surveying crowds? Linked into a database with all your personal details a mouse click away, cos that's where these "innovations" are heading. More real policing less hi tech snooping would be nice
- Steve, Hereford
It's fashionable these days to slag off the police. Someone will find some reason to moan about this pro-active innovation.
- Martin, Teddington
