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Rhondda Cynon Taff Rapid Deployment Cameras

BACKGROUND

Rhondda Cynon Taff (RCT) houses over 240,000 residents and is situated in the heart of the South Wales Valleys. Recently, the county upgraded its security scheme, now boasting one of the most sophisticated CCTV systems in the UK.

Committed to safeguarding its residents and visitors, the Council continuously enhances its CCTV coverage, employing re-deployable cameras to address the dynamic nature of criminal activity. These re-deployable units are affixed to lighting columns or lampposts and connected to a power source.

The Council's Safety Partnership Team collaborates with partners to evaluate information and determine the need for redeploying units to specific locations. The existing system faced challenges with integration into the central system and delivered poor-quality images due to the limitations of the 3G network.

Partially funded by the Safer Streets Initiative, the Council aimed to augment and modernise their re-deployable units.

PROJECT INITIATION

CDS, the incumbent supplier for RCT Council, has a longstanding partnership with the team, including involvement in the design and installation of the recent scheme upgrade.

The project required the addition of seven new units to the Council's re-deployable CCTV assets, significantly expanding their coverage.

In response to the Council's ongoing safety needs, CDS was tasked with developing a tailored solution to deliver cost savings, enhance operational flexibility, and improve performance.

DELIVERY

Leveraging technology and protocols from previous projects, CDS integrated the Bosch TTZ Dome camera into a bespoke 4G mobile phone router. This router establishes a VPN connection from the camera to the NVR in Sardis House and the Control Room in Tonypandy.

The entire unit is securely fastened to the column using stainless steel adjustable metal straps, with a weather-proof 16-amp socket providing connectivity. Upon booting up, the router initiates communication with the control room.

With end-to-end security, the camera seamlessly integrates into the CCTV system, delivering high-quality images with minimal latency over a 4G signal. Enhancements include improved nighttime picture quality, 30x optical zoom, and manoeuvrability.

PROJECT COMPLETION

The purpose-developed Bosch units are operational, enabling the Council to expand coverage to crime hotspots. Recognising the importance of community safety, CDS promptly responds to the Council's requests to relocate units to newly identified hotspots.

Previously responsible for in-house redeployment, the Safer Community Team now saves significant time and resources, allowing them to focus on critical areas. The integrated system provides vastly improved picture quality, furnishing precise and reliable evidence for law enforcement purposes.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“RCT council work closely with South Wales Police and other agencies to provide a safer community. In addition to the existing public space surveillance systems the Council provides a re-deployable CCTV solution for problematic Hot Spot areas. CDS have delivered a suitable cost effective solution that integrates seamlessly into the existing operating system. They provide an excellent re-deployment service very often at short notice, sending first-class quality images to the operations team..”

Wayne Bluck. Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council.