Rail Security Applications

National Station Improvement Programme (NSIP)

NSIP is a ring-fenced fund for station improvements with a spend of £156m. The scope of the works at each NSIP station is agreed by the cross-industry local delivery group, whose remit includes integrating these with other projects and renewal and maintenance activity.

Station information and Surveillance Systems

SISS assets include customer information systems (CIS), public address (PA) systems, security CCTV systems and clocks. Train Operating Companies have embraced the SISS programme and begun installing additional SISS assets on their stations.

ADT have the expertise and experience in providing network-wide solutions to meet the requirement of both National Programmes and the Secure Station Scheme. In addition to both programmes, ADT work directly with Network Rail to provide Fire and Security solutions, maintenance and monitoring at their mainline stations, and integrated solutions (including intruder, Access Control, CCTV and Fire) at control centres throughout the UK.

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In addition to NSIP and SISS, ADT provide solutions specifically designed to the standards set out in the government best practice programme called Secure Stations Scheme.

Secure Stations Scheme

The Secure Stations Scheme is an opportunity for Britain’s rail companies to improve security at their stations and display to their customers their desire to reduce crime. Recognising the public’s fear of crime at stations, the Scheme provides an incentive to station operators to improve security and provide reassurance to passengers and staff.

Formal Surveillance

The presence and visibility of staff and CCTV provides a reassurance to passengers and a deterrent to potential offenders. The Data Protection Act 1998 introduced a Code of Practice for public space CCTV systems. The CCTV system should also be registered with the Information Commissioner. The effectiveness of CCTV depends on the number and location of cameras, the quality of image, and the monitoring in place.

Examples of good practice include:

creating a core area where facilities such as passenger information Help Points, passenger emergency alarms, public telephones, seating and CCTV monitoring are concentrated
the placement of CCTV cameras so that they cover each other, to deter vandalism
alarming the CCTV to protect it from theft
the placement of CCTV cameras so that they cover station approaches, in particular subways and any paths that are felt to generate insecurity
the placement of CCTV cameras so that their view is unobstructed and well illuminated
letting passengers know that CCTV is monitored so that they are reassured that the surveillance is real and immediate
careful storage of CCTV data to enable their later use in detection
quick repair of any faulty or damaged CCTV equipment.

Calling for Help

Passengers need to know that they can get help in an emergency. Their confidence in such systems depends on a reliable, fast and effective response.

Examples of good practice include:

passenger emergency alarms or Help Points which are clearly signed and well lit, so that their location is clear from anywhere on the station platform
passenger emergency alarms or Help Points which are located where passengers are most likely to want to use them, and which are easy to use and reach
information telling passengers when to use the system, and what will happen when they do
covering the passenger emergency alarm or Help Point with a CCTV camera so that when they are used, the incident can be monitored and recorded
the provision of a public telephone and freephone number for passengers to summon help or report an incident
regular inspection of the passenger emergency alarm or Help Point and quick repair of faulty or damaged equipment.

Rail Security Case Studies

For details of recent UK rail case studies click here.