Call out for Salisbury CCTV volunteers
Helpers needed to monitor and operate the city's surveillance system
The CCTV system in Salisbury is jointly funded by the City Council and Salisbury BID.
The cameras were installed in July 2017, and have been in full operation since September 2018 when the system was passed from Wiltshire Council to Salisbury City Council.
A team of volunteers monitor the CCTV system, at key times, in the communications hub inside the CCTV control room at Bourne Hill.
The new camera system proved invaluable during the Salisbury Novichok poisonings incident in 2018. Footage from the state-of-the-art digital CCTV system was used to identify two men believed to be Russian assassins that targeted Sergei and Yulia Skripal.
Without the CCTV footage it's possible these men would have remained undetected. Previously the old outdated CCTV system in Salisbury had been out of action and switched off. Something of a controversial decision that led to claims the city was an easy target for anti-social behaviour and criminals.
Recently two of Salisbury's CCTV cameras were relocated to increase coverage in so called 'blind spot' areas. relocated two pan, tilt and zoom cameras (PTZ) to the Salisbury Market Place and junction of Barnard Street and Trinity Street.
MORE CCTV VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Richard Goodman, CCTV Manager, said:
“We have recruited and trained four groups of volunteers, and they are doing a great job."
“We are gradually increasing our team and we have three places on a CCTV Operators course in October which need filling."
“If you have good communication skills, are able to work to a high standard under pressure and are committed to Salisbury’s security and public safety, then we’d love to hear from you.”
This is a substantial role which takes a high degree of commitment as there is a lot to learn but is extremely important and rewarding.
Volunteers must be able to commit to 16 hours a month and will be trained to a professional standard and work within a strict code of practice.
SALISBURY CCTV: HOW TO VOLUNTEER
To enquire about volunteering as a CCTV Operator and for further information, please contact Richard Goodman on 07849088205 or email rgoodman@salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk