Remote Video Response Centres

Remote Video Response Centres monitor detector activated Video Surveillance Systems and assess transmitted images when activity is detected at a protected site.

When an activation occurs, images are transmitted to the monitoring centre. Trained operators assess the available information, follow the agreed response plan and contact keyholders, security personnel or the police where appropriate.

BS 8418:2021 provides recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance and operation of detector activated Video Surveillance Systems.

Assessment may include:

• Management responsibilities and operating procedures
• Operator competence, training and security screening
• Receipt and processing of video activations
• Verification and escalation arrangements
• Communication with customers and response providers
• Management of authorised activity at protected premises
• Control of false and unwanted activations
• Security of monitoring equipment and information
• Record keeping and audit trails
• Resilience and business continuity
• Incident review and continual improvement

The system should be designed around a threat assessment and risk analysis, with clear responsibilities established between the system provider, monitoring centre and customer.

Customers must also operate their systems correctly and inform the monitoring centre about authorised activity at the premises. This helps reduce unnecessary activations and supports effective verification.

Why choose SSAIB certification?

Certification can help your organisation:

• Demonstrate professional and consistent video monitoring
• Strengthen alarm verification and incident response
• Support applicable police response requirements
• Reduce false or unnecessary calls
• Improve communication with customers and system providers
• Protect recorded images and incident information
• Meet customer, insurer and tender requirements
• Build confidence among customers, police, insurers and specifiers
• Identify opportunities for continual improvement

SSAIB certification provides independent assurance that your Remote Video Response Centre has competent personnel, effective procedures and appropriate operational controls in place.