An improved systematic management model for CCTV footage in police criminal investigations :

Abstract

Criminal investigations have faced a lot of challenges arising from a lot of uncertainties and misconducts though CCTV footages have come along and curbed down few more challenges. Investigations with CCTV footages is still having a lot of challenges being faced most especially disruptions involving sudden disappearance of CCTV footage, part of the video going missing, unexpected CCTV disconnections, mentioned only a few and an urgency in managing these unexpected occurrences was needed, thus called for an improvement in the current CCTV management model. A qualitative study involving getting opinions from experienced CCTV management team and investigation team has been conducted to gather some information regarding the current standing of CCTV management model that affects investigations. Self- enumerated questionnaires were used to gather data from sample respondents that comprised of CCTV administrators, CCTV analysts and Investigators within Kampala Metropolitan Area. The study focused on CCTV access control management which turned out that the access is highly restricted to responsible staffs. Focus was also on CCTV system audit which the study revealed that the CCTV system is not often audited and CCTV system quality assurance and maintenance was also considered. The study revealed that little attention is paid to CCTV footage quality assurance and maintenance. 90 days’ footage retention period is yet another parameter that received controversial response from the respondents though the 90 days’ retention period set by UPF was found to be adequate with long backups. Recording of footage with personal devices and leaking the videos were registered though strict laws against this and strict monitoring was recommended. Insufficient linkages and coordination by UPF with stake holders concerned with constructions, weather and electricity power supply was registered in the study and these was revealed to interrupt CCTV operations when related activities/occurrence that affect CCTV operations occur. Recommendations for UPF to utilize cloud storage for backing footages and for faster footage processing process were made. Signing memorandum of understandings between UPF and other stakeholders concerned with weather, constructions and electricity power supply to reduce on unexpected CCTV power cuts and CCTV operations were recommended. Finally, setting up of field technical patrol and investigation teams to continually check CCTV and to approve putting up of banners and billboards after carefully considering if it will not interrupt CCTV operations has been recommended. An improved systematic model has been outlined in this research to enable Uganda police Force handle investigation using a computerized standard model (ISM model).