Also known as smart cities and closely linked to the ‘internet of things’, the safe cities concept is broad and nebulous – IFSEC asked a range of security experts what it means to them. The CCTV expert: Simon Adcock, CCTV section chairman, BSIA; MD, Atec Security

Cities are dynamic, complex environments and securing their prosperity through protecting population, assets and reputation is a major challenge.

Obvious threats include crime and terrorism but threats like flooding, road safety and pollution also must be considered.

Responsibility for city safety is shared between multiple agencies and safe city initiatives are about prevention (through better intelligence sharing) and risk mitigation (through better incident management).

From a CCTV perspective the ability to access and share relevant video feeds, both live and forensically, is a common feature, and we’re seeing agencies accessing video feeds from company systems at a fraction of the cost of installing their own cameras.

The technology links the disparate systems under a common platform and enforces access polices and audit trails essential for DPA compliance.

If you had to sum up the role of technology in safer cities it would be to enable effective communications between these agencies and stakeholders.

The association chairman: Michael White
Back in 1996 the UN Safer Cities programme was launched in response to African city mayors wanting to tackle urban crime and violence.

Over the years this has expanded, moved into cities globally and is now predicated on multi-agency co-operation across both public and private sectors.

One key to continued success will be a scheme’s flexibility: to respond to specific needs, within cooperating agencies and to adapt as needs change.

Finally, inter-agency cooperation will have to accommodate funding squeezes as well operational requirements.