Abstract - camera surveillance: the human factor

The goal of this research into the effect of camera surveillance is twofold. On the one hand, it is important to gain an insight into the relevant characteristics of a good operator and the organisational set-up of such a person. On the other, the aim is to get clarity about the significant features of a good set-up of the work station in question and about the way the footage is reflected on the monitors.
To ascertain which factors play a part in camera surveillance in surveillance centres, observations were carried out at various surveillance centres in the Netherlands and interviews conducted with operators and their immediate superiors. In addition to this, a literature study was conducted that was focused mainly on such aspects as training, education and the effect of the workload and the set-up of the surveillance centre in question on an operator’s functioning. An experiment was carried out to investigate in which way an operator is best able to perceive incidents.
The conclusion is that a good knowledge of the area under camera surveillance and the possibility to communicate with the police on the street quickly are of essential importance to an operator’s functioning. The report has resulted in a number of recommendations concerning training, organisational embeddedness and operational steering of operators and the set-up of their work stations.

A. Weitenberg, E. Jansen, I. van Leiden, J. Kerstholt en H. Ferwerda (2003) Cameratoezicht: de menselijke factor. TNO Human Factors/Advies- en Onderzoeks-groep Beke. Politie en Wetenschap, politiekunde nr. 5, Zeist/Apeldoorn.  »