28 May 2008

Nordics hold greater confidence in CCTV

Eleanor Dallaway

Video surveillance is more accepted in Scandinavia due to a greater public trust in those in charge of those systems, according to Jukka Riivari, CEO of Finnish surveillance company, Mirasys.

“If the public are concerned about the possible misuse and abuse of data, they will of course be reluctant for their government to adopt such technology,” Riivari argued at IFSEC 2008, when asked about cultural opinions on CCTV.

“Attitudes towards video surveillance are largely based on whether or not it’s perceived to be useful, and whether or not there have been instances where it has been proven worthy and necessary”, he said.

“In Finland, we’re the reverse of the UK – we’re happy with video surveillance, but uncomfortable with real-time security”. Riivari believes that legislation in Finland surrounding the rules and systems for those managing and in charge of video surveillance is much tougher than elsewhere in Europe. “This gains the trust of the public”, he adds.

“In Scandinavia generally, there is most trust in the purpose of video surveillance.

“The UK is by far the largest market for video surveillance, and maybe this explains the British reluctance”, Riivari continued. “The industry needs to earn the trust of the British people; it needs to prove that it’s making our streets safer.

“The Finnish perceive CCTV to be neutral and objective. They trust it to remain unbiased and reveal the truth”, but to reap this benefit, “trust in the court system is needed”.

Riivari spoke of an incident where Mirasys video surveillance caught the perpetrator who committed a bank robbery and executed two police officers in one night. “Video surveillance doesn’t prevent crime, but it does make for safer areas.” he said on reflection.

Generation gaps, in addition to geographical whereabouts, will also affect opinions on CCTV, Riivari said. “Younger people are more receptive to the technology and don’t mind having cameras in their school – to them, it’s just like ‘Big Brother’ the TV show. Older people are more reluctant however”.

Riivari emphasised his belief in the right to be told when you’re being watched. “It’s very important – there should be signs outlining surveillance areas so that people are aware, that’s their right”, he concluded.

At the NEC Birmingham, home to the IFSEC show, there were large signs at the entrance to each hall advising delegates that CCTV would be watching them.

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