Trends at the intersection of video and AI

Trends at the intersection of video and AI 

Installation and use of CCTV Cameras for security & surveillance is a no-brainer. Cameras are considered a fundamental commodity for setting up any surveillance infrastructure, but at the same time, 24×7 monitoring of hundreds or thousands of video feeds by operators doesn’t serve the purpose of providing proactive surveillance and quick response to breaches.

2022, where most security cameras deliver HD performance, with more and more models offering 4K resolution with 8K on the horizon. Advanced processing techniques, with and without the use of infrared illuminators, also provide the ability to capture usable images in total darkness; and mobile devices such as drones, dash cams, body cams, and even cell phones have further expanded the boundaries for video surveillance. Additionally, new cameras feature on-board processing and memory to deliver heightened levels of intelligence at the edge.

But video has evolved beyond the capabilities of advanced imaging and performance to include another level:  Artificial Intelligence. Video imaging technology combines with AI, delivers a wealth of new data, not just for traditional physical security applications, but for a much deeper analysis of past, present, and even future events across the enterprise.

This is more than a big development for the physical security industry; it is a monumental paradigm shift that is changing how security system models are envisioned, designed, and deployed. Much of the heightened demand for advanced video analytics is being driven by six prevalent industry trends:

 

1) Purpose-built performance

Several video analytics technologies have become somewhat commoditised “intelligent” solutions over the past few years, including basic motion and object detection that can be found embedded in even the most inexpensive video cameras. New, more powerful, and intelligent video analytics solutions deliver much higher levels of video understanding.

This is accomplished using purpose-built deep learning, employing advanced algorithms and training input capable of extracting the relevant data and information of specific events of interest defined by the user. This capability powers the automation of two important workflows: the real-time monitoring of hundreds or thousands of live cameras, and the lightning-fast post-event search of recorded video. Vintra video analytics, for example, accomplishes this with proprietary analytics technology that defines multi-class algorithms for specific subject detection, classification, tracking, and re-identification and correlation of subjects and events captured in fixed or mobile video from live or recorded sources.

 

2) Increased security with personal privacy protections

The demand for increased security and personal privacy are almost contradictory given the need to accurately identify threatening and/or known individuals, whether due to criminal activity or the need to locate missing persons. But there is still societal pushback on the use of facial recognition technology to accomplish such tasks, largely surrounding the gathering and storage of Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

The good news is that this can be effectively accomplished with great accuracy without facial recognition, using advanced video analytics that analyse an individual’s whole-body signature based on various visual characteristics rather than a face. This innovative approach provides a fast and highly effective means of locating and identifying individuals without impeding the personal privacy of any individuals captured on live or recorded video.

 

3) Creation and utilisation of computer vision

There are a lot of terminologies used to describe AI-driven video analytics, including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL). Machine learning employs algorithms to transform data into mathematical models that a computer can interpret and learn from, and then use to decide or predict. Add the deep learning component, and you effectively expand the machine learning model using artificial neural networks which teach a computer to learn by example.

The combination of layering machine learning and deep learning produces what is now defined as computer vision (CV). A subset but more evolved form of machine learning, computer vision is where the work happens with advanced video analytics. It trains computers to interpret and categorize events much the way humans do to derive meaningful insights such as identifying individuals, objects, and behaviours.

 

4) Increased operational efficiencies

Surveillance systems with a dozen or more cameras are manpower-intensive by nature, requiring continuous live or recorded monitoring to detect and investigate potentially harmful or dangerous situations. Intelligent video analytics, which provides real-time detection, analysis, and notification of events to proactively identify abnormalities and potential threats, transform traditional surveillance systems from reactive to proactive sources of actionable intelligence. In addition to helping better protect people, property, and assets, advanced video analytics can increase productivity and proficiency while reducing overhead.

With AI-powered video analytics, security and surveillance are powered by 24/7 technology that doesn’t require sleep, taking breaks, or calling in sick. This allows security operations to redeploy human capital where it is most needed such as alarm response or crime deterrence. It also allows security professionals to quickly and easily scale operations in new and growing environments.

 

5) A return on security investment

The advent of advanced video analytics is slowly but surely also transforming physical security systems from necessary operational expenses into potential sources of revenue with tangible ROI, or as it is better known in the industry, ROSI – Return on Security Investment. New video analytics provide vast amounts of data for business intelligence across the enterprise. Advanced solutions can do this with extreme cost-efficiency by leveraging an organization’s existing investment in video surveillance systems technology.

This easy migration path and a high degree of cost-efficiency are amplified by the ability to selectively apply purpose-built video analytics at specific camera locations for specific applications. Such enterprise-grade software solutions make existing fixed or mobile video security cameras smarter, vastly improving how organizations and governments can automatically detect, monitor, search for and predict events of interest that may impact physical security, health safety, and business operations. For example, slip-and-fall analysis can be used to identify persons down or prevent future incidents, while building/area occupancy data can be used to limit crowds or comply with occupancy and distancing guidelines. In this way, the data gathered is a valuable asset that can deliver cost and safety efficiencies that manual processes cannot.

 

6) Endless applications

The business intelligence applications for advanced video analytics platforms are virtually endless including production and manufacturing, logistics, workforce management, retail merchandising and employee deployment, and more. This also includes mobile applications utilising dashboard and body-worn cameras, drones, and other forms of robotics for agricultural, oil and gas, transportation, and numerous other outdoor and/or remote applications.
An added benefit is the ability to accommodate live video feeds from smartphones and common web browsers, further extending the application versatility of advanced video analytics.

Indian Army to be equipped with AI-based threat assessment software linked to national databases

The Indian Army will soon get help from artificial intelligence to analyse threats during operations, especially in sensitive areas like Jammu and Kashmir. The ministry of defence is planning to equip the army with an AI-based threat assessment software that can be linked to national databases such as UIDAI and MoRTH.

According to an official communication, this software will be used to “track vehicular movement, monitor online presence of individuals, including on social media platforms, and derive linkages and patterns”.

The software will help the army in tracking and predicting incidents and the reason behind acquiring such a software is that operations require a detailed threat assessment. As of now, details of threat assessment are not available with either security forces or law enforcing agencies but only restricted information is available in the form of registers, both at company operating base (COB) levels and with other headquarters.

“Since the data is either non-existent or is recorded in legacy formats (documents and registers), no methods are available with SF for historic correlation of incidents due to which incidents cannot be tracked or predicted,” the official communication states.

The solution: “an AI-based networked solution that will enable storage and analysis of data to track and predict incidents. Details can be linked with national databases such as UIDAI, MoRTH in order to track vehicular movement, as also monitor online presence of individuals including on social media platforms and derive linkages and patterns”.

The software will have the ability to import data available with other agencies. It will enable central collation of details from various patrols with real-time data visibility at all outstations. According to the MoD, this software will be able to integrate legacy unstructured data available in different formats and provide actionable intelligence by combining different databases through the use of AI and data analytics techniques.

The software application is designed to integrate AI and machine learning (ML) aspects with existing known datasets, thereby giving commanders and staff a comprehensive and common picture with regard to operations intelligence, including the capability to carry out data processing in terms of staff checks, query management, use of business intelligence and visualisation to arrive at a course of actions and also assist in ruling out less viable options.

“As the system is being planned keeping in mind the automation requirements of the Indian Army for intelligence generation, the system will be designed for exploitation by AI and ML aspects,” the MoD said. The software will facilitate display and exchange of information over encrypted and secured internet connection and facilitate day-to-day functioning of operations and intelligence gathering and collating at various headquarters, and also facilitate commanders in decision making by incorporating appropriate inputs.

Adequate security measures will be ensured as per the latest guidelines or policies of army cyber group (ACG) system. It will have NLP (natural language processing) models in English, Hindi, Pashto, Arabic, and Urdu to automatically extract intelligence from generated reports, inputs, open source documents and memos.

It will be capable of conducting video and image analytics for raw camera footage from CCTV cameras, social media videos, images among others. The whole idea is to generate actionable intelligence and ability to do dark and deep web monitoring and analysis.

Security Camera Input Setup

 Security Camera Input Setup

Artificial Intelligence (AI) security cameras are specialized network IP cameras that perform advanced analytical functions such as vehicle detection, person detection, face detection, traffic counting, people counting, and license plate recognition (LPR). These artificial intelligence functions are achieved using highly advanced video analytics software that is built-in to the camera and recorder they are connected to. AI cameras can be used as a stand-alone device by recording to an SD card, or they can be connected to a network video recorder (NVR) to create a multi-camera AI system that records to a central hard drive. Please note that only certain models are capable of license plate recognition / automated number plate recognition (ANPR).

A special characteristic some network video devices possess is an integrated input & output ports. This incorporation allows for the communication and interaction of external devices, such as but not limited to:

1.   Doorbells

2.   Switches

3.   Alarm System Relay

4.   Pressure strips

5.   Detectors (frequency, smoke, movement, sound, temperature, and humidity sensors)

All these functions can be achieved via:
1.   NVR/DVR (remote or local)
2.   Application through a smart device (Tablet or Phone)
3.   Computer (local or remote / software or browser)

 

Camera / DVR / NVR Alarm Input

Motion sensors / motion detectors can be integrated with video surveillance systems to provide additional security for buildings and also outdoor areas. For example, a PIR sensor (passive infrared) can be connected to the alarm input of a security camera DVR or IP camera NVR to trigger video recording and send an alert to the property owner that motion has been detected in a certain area.

When motion is detected by the motion sensor, it triggers the following alarm actions.
1.   Trigger video recording on the camera associated with the alarm.
2.   Enable the alarm output on channel one, where I have an alarm light attached (turn the strobe light on).
3.   Pop-up live video of the camera associated with the alarm on the DVR’s display monitor.

Here are some additional actions that can be triggered from an alarm input.
1.   Capture a still image snapshot.
2.   Send a push notification to the mobile app for iPhone & Android.
3.   Enable the alarm buzzer on the DVR / NVR.
4.   Send an email notification.

The inputs and outputs can be used to eliminate unnecessary recording of video or coincide with your alarm system to systematically create a reliable and accountable security source. When input and output mechanisms are triggered, you can (manually or automatically) request through the network video device that certain actions be performed over the network as well as trigger devices attached to the output ports. Example:

This example picture above shows a person interrupting a sensors function. This creates a signal that travels to the camera and the camera computes the message. The camera then functions as programmed and starts recording (snapshots or footage) to the delegated device while simultaneously triggers a relay to close. When the relay closes, it completes the circuit for the siren or strobe to activate. Another configuration (as long as the cameras capable), have the camera record to the desired method based on motion and simultaneously trigger the relay to set off the siren. In this example, a motion sensor is taken out of the equation.

Again, the above picture shows only one of many configurations. You can configure in whatever method you desire. Including or excluding recording methods based off of:

·        Motion (movement takes place)

·        Masking (the camera has been covered or obstructed significantly)

·        Video Loss (picture is no longer materializing, this feature is more prone to function correctly via a recorder or program)

Other devices that can be attached and configured to your I/O ports are as follows:

Device Type	Description	Occurrence of activation
Entry Contacts	Simple magnetic sensors detecting opening of doors, windows, gates and shutters.	When the circuit is broken (door is opened) the camera can record and/or send a snapshot and notifications
Motion Sensors	A sensor that detects motion either based on heat, light, or frequency	When motion is detected, the sensor breaks the circuit and  the camera can record and/or send a snapshot and notifications
Glass Break or Glass Shock Sensor	A sensor capable of distinguishing the sound/vibration of breaking glass and/or splintering wood.	When glass is  disturbed or shattered, the glass sensor breaks the circuit and the camera can record and/or send a snapshot and notifications
Pressure strip or switch	A pressure or switch sensor that are needed to interact with before gaining entry or exiting a premise or structure	When the sensor is triggered it breaks the circuit and the camera can record and/or send a snapshot and notifications

How-to Install Motion Detectors with a Security Camera System

Installing a motion detector and integrating it with a security camera system is fairly simple. CCTV Camera Pros supports professional and DIY installers. Most PIR motion sensors are 12V DC powered which gives installers the choice of using a individual 12V DC power supply or one of the ports on a multi-channel power supply box (the same ones used with security cameras).

In this first diagram, a single 12V DC power transformer is used. This is how it works.

1.   On the right side of the diagram, the alarm input / output panel of the DVR is shown. This is what the alarm panel on the back.

2.   18/2 gauge power cable connects the output of the motion detector to one of the alarm input ports on the DVR.

3.   18/2 gauge power cable is also used to connect the motion detector to an individual DC power supply.

4.   A PT-4 power lead connects the raw cables to the 3.1mm plug on the power supply.

Installation with Power Supply Box

A multi-channel power supply box can be used instead of an individual power supply.

This installation is the same as the one above using the single power supply. The only difference is the use of a multi-channel power supply box to power the motion detector. CCTV Camera Pros supplies many of these power boxes for security camera installations. These power boxes can be shared with cameras and 12V DC powered alarm sensors. Because power supply boxes use screw based wire terminals, there is no need to use a PT-4 power lead (as with the individual power supply installation). Same connection for Camera & NVR.

Most of Camera PIR motion sensor is located on the front of the camera, just below the camera lens. This motion sensor is designed to detect movement of human sized objects when they come into view of the camera’s lens. The camera has a 2.8-12mm varifocal lens which when adjusted to the widest angle (the 2.8mm setting) the camera provides a 109 degree horizontal field of view. The PIR sensor detects motion across a 100 degree field of view. Please note that if you adjust the lens to a more narrow field of view, this does not effect the area where the PIR sensor will detect motion.

In my experience, using a PIR sensor based motion detection is much more reliable than software based video motion detection (especially for outdoor video surveillance). Typically there are a lot of small moving objects outdoors which makes it difficult to get the sensitivity just right. When security cameras turn to night mode, there is typically some video noise because of the lack of light. This noise can cause false alarms when using video motion detection. A PIR sensor uses infrared light to measure the radiation reflected by objects in its view. When a certain amount of this radiation changes, the PIR sensor triggers an alarm, so they are not susceptible to some of the challenges of outdoor video motion detection.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about integrating PIR motion detectors with security camera systems.

·        How are motion detectors used with security camera systems?
The most common way to integrate a motion detector with a security camera system is to hard wire the motion detector to the same surveillance DVR that your security cameras are connected to. You must make sure that your DVR that has alarm inputs.

·        Can I just use motion detected from my security camera instead of an external motion sensor?
Yes, most DVRs support video motion detection triggered by cameras. Please note that this is different from PIR (passive infrared) motion detection and can be less reliable. Video motion detection tends to produce more false positives than PIR motion detection, especially in outdoor and infrared camera applications. This is because the video tends to be more noisy and outdoor environments tend to always have some motion from wind and other natural elements.

·        What type of cable is used to wire motion detectors to DVRs?
The following types of cable can be used to wire motion detectors: CAT-5 cable (one pair), 18/2 conductor power cable.

·        Do motion detectors require power?
Yes. Most PIR motion detectors use 12V DC power. All of ours include the proper power supply with them.

·        Can I use multiple motion detectors with my surveillance system?
Yes, as long as your DVR has multiple alarm input ports, you can use multiple motion detectors. Different model DVRs support different numbers of alarm inputs so consult the specification or contact us if you need help.

Not every camera or NVR/DVR possesses this unique features or can be operated through the above mentioned methods. Be sure you research everything you will need to make this type of setup successfully work for you. This includes the correct relays, power supplies, capable camera and recording devices. Most our IP mega pixel cameras and recorders have the capability of all previous mention features above.

If you are not understand, you can touch with us for further support. We deal Infinova, Hanwha, Milestone, Mirasys & Luxriot brand.

AI Based Camera Output Triggers Strobe Light

AI Based Camera Output Triggers Strobe Light 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) security cameras are specialized network IP cameras that perform advanced analytical functions such as vehicle detection, person detection, face detection, traffic counting, people counting, and license plate recognition (LPR). These artificial intelligence functions are achieved using highly advanced video analytics software that is built-in to the camera and recorder they are connected to. AI cameras can be used as a stand-alone device by recording to an SD card, or they can be connected to a network video recorder (NVR) to create a multi-camera AI system that records to a central hard drive. Please note that only certain models are capable of license plate recognition / automated number plate recognition (ANPR).

 

DVR / NVR Alarm Relay Output

Please note that the the alarm strobe light is self-powered. The alarm outputs on the DVR / NVR are simple relays (they are either open or closed). They DO NOT provide any power output. Also, please note that you can ONLY connect low voltage devices alarm devices to these alarm relay ports. Connecting high powered devices can fry your motherboard and ruin your DVR / NVR.

Important WARNING! The maximum current rating of these alarm relays is 1A, the voltage is 30VDC/ 250VAC, so the maximum power rating is 30W for DC alarm device, 250W for AC alarm device.

You can see above how I wired the strobe light to the output port. Notice how the strobe light’s 12V DC power supply is connected in-line. I used 18 gauge 2 conductor PVC Insulation Jacket Unsheilded / Stranded Copper wire to connect the strobe light to the recorder.

Here is a close-up of the alarm output ports on the back of the DVR / NVR. I am using the COM1 and NO1 ports. NO stands for normally open, which means that power does not flow thorough the relay until the alarm is triggered.

AI Software Setup

Please follow these steps to configure the AI software on the NVR.

From the DVR/ NVR main menu, select AI / Event.

On the AI / Event screen, do the following.

1.   Select More from the AI Event menu.

2.   Select the camera that you are applying the AI rule to from the camera dropdown.

3.   Select Line Crossing as the event type.

Next, do the following.

1.   Check the Enable Detection by IPC (IP Camera) checkbox.

2.   Check the Draw Line checkbox and draw your tripwire on the screen.

3.   Choose the direction of the traffic flow used to trigger the alarm. You can choose a single direction or both directions.

Next.

1.   Click on the Detection Target tab.

2.   Check Human for the detection target type. Uncheck Motor Vehicle and Non-motor Vehicle as they are not applicable in this case.

1.   Click on the Trigger Mode tab.

2.   Click on the Alarm Out Configure button. Please note that you may setup additional alarm triggers on this screen such as image snapshot, mobile app push notification, alarm buzzer, pop-up video, and email alerts.

On the DVR alarm output screen, select the alarm output that your light (or other device) is connected to from the window on the left and click on the arrows (>>) to put the alarm output on the right window. Then, check the checkbox next to it.

Click OK. Then, click Apply in the lower right.

You may then close all of the DVR / NVR configurations screens and return to the live view of your security cameras.

AI Software / Object Detection Visualization

On the live security camera view of your recorder, double click on the camera that you are using for this alarm project to show that camera’s live view full screen. You can enable the AI / Object Visualizations by clicking on the above icon.

 

When you enable the AI software visualizations on the live camera view, a few things happen.

1.   The alarm event window opens on the right. When your security camera detects the event that you configured, a snapshot image will appear in that screen to document the event.

2.   All objects that the system is able to detect will be outlined. Please note above that I am outlined with that yellow box because the AI software is detecting me as a human. The cars in the background are outlined in purple. Even though we are only using people detection for our alarm, the NVR software still outlines the other object types that it recognizes.

3.   The line crossing / virtual trip wire is shows in red. And the A->B traffic flow that I setup it also shown

4.   NVR / DVR Alarm Output Turns Light On

Last, here is a screenshot of the strobe light turned on as a result of the human detection / line crossing event.

Trigger Alarm Output from iPhone App

This is how you can manually trigger (turn on) the alarm relay output on the DVR from the iPhone app. Please note that the Android mobile app is identical to the iPhone all in looks and functionality. They are exactly the same app.

1.   Tap the menu icon in the lower right (the icon with the 3 dots…).

2.   Tap Manual Alarm.

3.   Tap the Alarm Output that you want to trigger / enable.

If you are not understand, you can touch with us for further support. We deal Infinova, Hanwha, Milestone, Mirasys & Luxriot brand.

Police stations must have functional CCTV cameras

Police stations must have functional CCTV cameras

The premier investigating agencies comes under the scanner of CCTV. The Supreme Court today (December 2, 2020) directed Centre to install CCTV cameras and recording equipment in the offices of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigating Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Serious Fraud Investigating Office (SFIO) & any other agency which carries out interrogation and has power of arrest.

Supreme Court through its judgement dated December 02nd, 2020 emphasized the pressing need for all State Police Forces to implement IP based CCTV surveillance system in each police station of the state / UT in order to prevent unlawful activities, ensuring safety of its citizens and also to efficiently deal with the cases involving allegations of torture in custody.

The Supreme Court has passed directions for constitution of “Oversight Committees” at the State (State Level Oversight Committee) and District (District Level Oversight Committee) level for ongoing installation and maintenance of CCTVs in Police Stations across all UTs and States while it directed Finance Departments of all UTs and States to allocate fund for it. 

The State Level Oversight Committee must consist of:

(i) The Secretary/Additional Secretary, Home Department;

(ii) Secretary/Additional Secretary, Finance Department;

(iii) The Director General/Inspector General of Police; and

(iv) The Chairperson/member of the State Women’s Commission.

So far as the District Level Oversight Committee is concerned, this should comprise of:

(i) The Divisional Commissioner/ Commissioner of Divisions/ Regional Commissioner/ Revenue Commissioner Division of the District (by whatever name called);

(ii) The District Magistrate of the District;

(iii) A Superintendent of Police of that District; and

(iv) A mayor of a municipality within the District/ a Head of the Zilla Panchayat in rural areas.

Salient features of Supreme Court Judgement in respect of CCTV surveillance of all Police Stations in the country.

• CCTV cameras should be installed at each and every Police Station and no part of a Police Station should be left uncovered, it is imperative to ensure that CCTV cameras are installed at following locations:
  Entry and exit points, Main gate of the police station, All lock-ups, All corridors, lobby/the reception area, All verandas/outhouses, Inspector’s room, Sub-Inspector’s room, Areas outside the lock-up room, Station hall, In front of the police station compound, Outside (not inside) washrooms/toilets, Duty Officer’s room, Back part of the police station etc.
• CCTVs shall also be installed in all the offices where interrogation and holding of accused takes place in the same manner as it would in a police station
• CCTV systems that have to be installed must be equipped with night vision and must necessarily consist of audio as well as video footage.
• In areas where there is either no electricity and/or internet, it shall be the duty of the States/Union Territories to provide the same as expeditiously as possible using any mode of providing electricity, including solar/wind power.
• The internet systems should support clear image resolutions and audio.
• CCTV camera footages should be preserved for a maximum possible period up to 18 months but not lesser than 12 months
• An oversight mechanism should be created whereby an independent committee can study the CCTV camera footages and periodically publish a report of its observations thereon.
• The District Level Oversight Committee shall have the following obligations:
• Health Monitoring and reporting of the CCTV systems
• To review footage stored from CCTVs in the various Police Stations to check for any human rights violation that may have occurred but are not reported
• The Commission/Court can immediately summon CCTV camera footage in relation to the complaint of any incident for its safe keeping, which may then be made available to an investigation agency in order to further process the complaint made to it.
• Posters at the entrance and inside of police station informing about the coverage of premises by CCTV, their privilege to file complaint to given authorities in case of any human rights violations inside the premises

The Government of Bihar has taken a huge step forward in its efforts to introduce transparency in the functioning of the police forces in the state. The Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (BELTRON) has recently completed an ambitious project to bring the police stations of the state under 24×7 CCTV surveillance. More than 10,000 IP based CCTV cameras have been installed at over 900 police stations of Bihar. The project initiated and funded by the Home Department, Government of Bihar aims to fulfill the mandate of the Hon’ble Supreme Court to bring all police stations of the country under constant CCTV surveillance to protect human rights and prevent the use of torture in detention. The project was awarded to TATA Advanced Systems Ltd, one of India’s leading Physical & Cyber Security firms through a competitive bidding process at a cost of Rs 168 crores including operation and maintenance support for 5 years. Mr. C P Kariappa, Vice President, Tata Advanced Systems said “At TASL we have always taken pride in executing projects that build the nation, it was a prestigious project to be completed in challenging timeline across the state. Our teams could meet the expectations of customer despite disruptions due to flood and Covid-19”. The entire surveillance system is powered by Solar and online UPS to ensure 24X7 operations even if there is disruption in power supply. Mr. Kariappa further said “It was a pleasure working with Home Department, Govt of Bihar, Bihar Police and Beltron; this would not have been possible without their active participation and support. Also, we had an excellent team and partner ecosystem that lived up to all the challenges that was faced during the execution period”.

Bihar Government has plans to upgrade the existing system in line with the directions given by the Supreme Court and also extend it to the remaining police stations including outposts in the near future.

(2018) 5 SCC 311, directed that a Central Oversight Body be set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs to implement the plan of action with respect to the use of videography in the crime scene during the investigation. While considering the directions issued in D.K. Basu Vs. State of West Bengal & Others (2015) 8 SCC 744, it had held that there was a need for further directions that in every State an oversight mechanism be created whereby an independent committee can study the CCTV camera footages and periodically publish a report of its observations thereon. The COB was further directed to issue appropriate instructions in this regard at the earliest.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had constituted the Central Oversight Committee to oversee the implementation of the use of photography and videography in the crime scene by the State / Union Territory Government and other Central Agencies, to suggest the possibility of setting up a Central Server for implementation of videography, and to issue appropriate directions so as to ensure that use of videography becomes a reality in a phased manner.

The Court on 16/07/2020 had issued further notice to the MHA on the question of audio-video recordings of Section 161 CrPC statements as is provided by Section 161 (3) proviso, as well as the larger question as to installation of CCTV cameras in police stations generally. After which, action taken report was filed by 14 States till 24/11/2020, namely, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Nagaland, Karnataka, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur; and 2 Union Territories, namely, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry.

The Court noted that the majority of the Compliance Affidavits and Action Taken Reports fail to disclose the exact position of CCTV cameras qua each Police Station. Further, it noted that the position qua constitution of Oversight Committees in accordance with the Order dated 03.04.2018, and/or details with respect to the Oversight Committees already constituted in the respective States and Union Territory have also not been disclosed.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court has passed the direction for filing of the Compliance affidavits by all the States and Union Territories by either the Principal Secretary of the State or the Secretary, Home Department of the States/Union Territories. “These affidavits are to be filed within a period of six weeks from today,” it said.

The Supreme Court has passed the slew of directions;

The Director General/Inspector General of Police of each State and Union Territory should issue directions to the person in charge of a Police Station to entrust the SHO of the concerned Police Station with the responsibility of assessing the working condition of the CCTV cameras installed in the police station and also to take corrective action to restore the functioning of all non-functional CCTV cameras. The SHO should also be made responsible for CCTV data maintenance, backup of data, fault rectification etc.

The State and Union Territory Governments should ensure that CCTV cameras are installed in each and every Police Station functioning in the respective State and/or Union Territory. Further, in order to ensure that no part of a Police Station is left uncovered, it is imperative to ensure that CCTV cameras are installed at all entry and exit points; main gate of the police station; all lock-ups; all corridors; lobby/the reception area; all verandas/outhouses, Inspector’s room; Sub-Inspector’s room; areas outside the lock-up room; station hall; in front of the police station compound; outside (not inside) washrooms/toilets; Duty Officer’s room; back part of the police station etc.

CCTV systems that have to be installed must be equipped with night vision and must necessarily consist of audio as well as video footage. In areas in which there is either no electricity and/or internet, it shall be the duty of the States/Union Territories to provide the same as expeditiously as possible using any mode of providing electricity, including solar/wind power. If the recording equipment, available in the market today, does not have the capacity to keep the recording for 18 months but for a lesser period of time, it shall be mandatory for all States, Union Territories and the Central Government to purchase one which allows storage for the maximum period possible, and, in any case, not below 1 year. It is also made clear that this will be reviewed by all the States so as to purchase equipment which is able to store the data for 18 months as soon as it is commercially available in the market. The affidavit of compliance to be filed by all States and Union Territories and Central Government shall clearly indicate that the best equipment available as of date has been purchased.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court while hearing a plea against alleged unlawful detention of the Petitioner by local Police authorities in the state, made prima facie observation that in order to escape liability, the Police often take a false stand that the CCTVs installed at Police station are not functioning. This Court feels prima facie that in order to cover up instances of unlawful detention by the police, the police comes up with the argument that the CCTV cameras are dysfunctional,” observed a Bench of Justice Atul Sreedharan.

It added that such a stand taken by the Police does not augur well for the ordinary citizens of the State as it creates an environment of giving an opportunity to the Police to act with impunity in complete disregard to human rights and personal liberty and enables them to detain anyone in the police station and conveniently give an explanation that the CCTV cameras were disfunctional during the period which the citizen says that he was unlaw detainer in the police station.

The remarks were made after the Court noted contradictions in the statements made by the local Police and by the Prosecutor, regarding reasons for not furnishing CCTV footage of the alleged date of detention. The former claimed that CCTV footage cannot be given as the cameras are not functioning since February 17. The prosecutor on the other hand submitted that the CCTV footage of the said period cannot be shown to the petitioner as that would reveal the identity of the source informant.

The facts of the petitioner’s case reveal a very shocking state of affairs in the State of Madhya Pradesh,” the Bench remarked while expressing surprise at the contrary stance. It noted that the prosecutor’s excuse for not giving the footage logically means that the CCTV cameras were functioning and there was indeed footage. But the police on the other hand claimed that the cameras themselves had turned dysfunctional from February, 2021.

In these circumstances, the Bench noted that the case discloses a larger issue and it has therefore summoned DIG- Bhopal (Urban), and SP (South Bhopal) on the next date of hearing, through video conferencing. They have been asked to come up with an explanation as to why the cameras were dysfunctional from 17.2.2021, whether the authorities who had to be informed about the dysfunctionality of the cameras were duly so informed by the SHO of PS Piplan, Bhopal and if they were so informed, what were the steps taken forthwith by those officials to have the cameras rectified in the shortest possible time.

Ref: 

https://www.isrmag.com/supreme-court-directive-to-implement-cctvs-in-all-police-stations-across-india/
https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2020/12/02/sc-directs-all-states-uts-to-install-cctv-cameras-in-all-police-station-read-how-cctv-cameras-will-help-curb-custodial-violence/