2009-12-30 Safety perception of train, tram and bus travellers improved

At a time in which travelling by bus, train or tram does not always feel entirely safe, the safety perception of travellers using the facilities of HTM in The Hague has taken a leap forward. One of the reasons is camera surveillance. The transport organisation uses some 350 cameras to monitor 27 stations and stops. Kiwa is currently certifying the surveillance centre. HTM views certification as a means of proactively distinguishing itself in the area of safety. The organisation also needs certification to comply with the Evaluation Guideline (‘BRL’ in Dutch) for Surveillance Centres issued by the Dutch Centre for Crime Prevention and Safety, CCV.

Kiwa just recently completed the personal certification of 35 camera observers employed by HTM Personal Transport. Having followed a training programme, the HTM observers were awarded a personal Camera Observation Skills certificate and a Personal Pass by Kiwa Certificatie & Keuringen. The documents prove that the owner is familiar with the relevant legislation and regulations, the goals of the employing organisation, the equipment, and the locations being monitored. Trainees also posses observation knowledge and skills enabling them to recognise possible offences before or after they have been committed.

The quality of the organisation managing the camera surveillance system is the second important area covered by the Evaluation Guideline. In order to be certified, HTM must prove that it has established clear policies concerning camera surveillance and that the duties and authorisations related to the use and storage of camera footage are in compliance with the relevant requirements. For instance, footage may not be stored beyond a certain time limit. The transport organisation must also provide an implementation protocol, so that its observers know what is expected of them in all situations.

Information:
www.kiwa.nl/cameraobservant
robert.snel@kiwa.nl