Case Study - NSL

Overview

Assaults on Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) can be detrimental in a number of ways - the CEO can be off the street if assaulted, the local authority and the local area could be portrayed negatively in the press, and public confidence in the service could suffer. Local Authorities take responsibility for health and safety extremely seriously and a number were interested in developing a way of reducing the level of verbal and physical abuse against CEOs.

The Challenge

An 'off the shelf' product did not exist and therefore NSL developed a new solution. The equipment was required to be both robust to withstand daily usage but also comfortable and practical for use by a CEO, without hampering them from undertaking their normal enforcement duties. And it needed to last for a full 10 hour shift.

More important was the need to ensure that data was encrypted and stored in a way that met the needs of the Data Protection Act. NSL worked with the Information Commissioner to create the necessary protocols.

The Solution

After trialling a number of prototypes the final product has a robust casing with external ports for charging and downloading of images, long-lasting but not unduly heavy batteries, and encrypted imagery processing.  The camera itself is attached to a headband which is both lightweight and easy to clean and importantly still allows the CEO to wear a cap. As an overt device it not only collects data but acts as a visual deterrent to anti-social behaviour.

Importantly both the camera and storage system  - the Sentinel solution - encrypt the data and the captured visual recordings of the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) provide both indisputable evidence when the PCN issue is being challenged, and evidential proof should a situation deteriorate.

The Result

Where deployed the Sentinel solution has resulted in up to a 33% reduction in abuse of CEO's.

Interestingly this solution has resulted in some additional benefits. The Sentinel solution is now being considered by a number of local authorities on contracts where Civil Enforcement Officers also enforce environmental crime.

Next steps

NSL has been very active in working with the Information Commissioner in developing an Approved Code of Practice and externally accredited training packages to further support clients wishing to introduce the Sentinel solution.

Enfield in London has become the latest council to introduce Sentinel to their civil enforcement team, and has immediately benefited with the first conviction in London for criminal damage to a parking enforcement camera.

If you would like to discuss how the Sentinel solution could benefit your company please contact us