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Modernising Public Space CCTV for Thames Valley Police

BACKGROUND

Thames Valley Police (TVP) — the UK’s largest non-metropolitan force — recently undertook one of the most ambitious public space CCTV upgrades ever attempted in the UK. Faced with outdated infrastructure, rising costs, and fragmented control rooms operated by individual councils, TVP needed a unified, future-ready solution that could scale across three counties and serve over 2.4 million people.

Following a competitive tender process, CDS Integrated Security Systems was selected as the principal systems integrator to lead the design and delivery of this transformative programme.

The Challenge

TVP’s goal was to take direct ownership of public space CCTV, consolidating fragmented legacy systems into a single, police-run network that could be monitored centrally. The system needed to enhance video quality, improve real-time monitoring, and futureproof operational capability — all while delivering cost savings for participating local authorities.

This required the full replacement of ageing analogue infrastructure, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, and a solution that could evolve in line with future policing needs.

DELIVERY

CDS deployed Genetec Security Center as the central video management platform and delivered a full infrastructure upgrade at the Milton Keynes control room, transitioning to a modern IP backbone. A second Genetec workstation was installed at Slough Police Station, giving officers rapid access to video evidence and improving frontline response.

To enhance area coverage and analytics, CDS specified and introduced Hanwha Vision’s AI-enabled, multi-sensor 4K cameras, each capable of covering wide public spaces using a single device. This reduced installation complexity and infrastructure requirements while enabling powerful features such as object detection and forensic search.

Legacy cameras were reused where appropriate to maximise return on investment, and the system was designed to allow seamless expansion as the network grows.

PROJECT COMPLETION

The CDS-led upgrade has delivered:

Real-time system access for officers
Smarter workflows for reviewing and packaging evidence
AI-powered video search and monitoring
Cost savings for participating authorities
Improved responsiveness to incidents across the region

The new command suite is now handling between 300 and 500 incidents per month and has been praised by operators and officers alike for its ease of use and operational impact.

A Foundation for the Future

Phase two of the rollout is already underway, with CDS leading the transition of four additional control rooms in Oxfordshire into a new central hub at Abingdon Police Station.

This next step will further increase resilience, allowing both sites to act as failover centres and adding new layers of capability to the Thames Valley CCTV Partnership.

This project represents a new model for public space CCTV — one built on innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to community safety.

CDS is proud to be the integration partner behind this transformation and remains fully committed to supporting Thames Valley Police as the system continues to expand.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“Thanks to the team at Genetec and also CDS Integrated Security Systems, we have been able to provide a system that will develop and create greater opportunities to integrate systems to aid our frontline in tackling crime and bringing offenders to justice.

The systems we are using have greatly improved the evidence we are able to deliver. This will expand throughout our continued projects across the Thames Valley.”

— Jason Owen, CCTV Operations Manager, Thames Valley Police