Uncovering the criminals

The debate over restrictions regarding the wearing of hooded tops - 'hoodies' - and baseball caps continues to hit the headlines in the UK.  It has been reported that shopping centres, some schools and even the courts (through Anti Social Behaviour Orders) have been clamping down on this type of attire.  In one Scottish town (Paisley) shops have been displaying signs to highlight their 'hats off, hoods down' policy, frustrated by the fact that many shoplifters use these items to hide their identity.

Critics of these restrictions may say that such clothes are merely a fashion statement or that people's rights are being infringed but there are precedents, most notably the banning of the wearing of motorcycle helmets in banks.  From a CCTV perspective, provided it is handled correctly and in clearly defined areas, preventing individuals from wearing items which may be used to deliberately obscure their faces has obvious benefits for the evidential value of any images gathered.  We just need to ensure that in searching for more valuable and useable evidence we don't fall foul of the civil liberty trap and also where such bans are implemented that the CCTV systems employed are effective in identifying criminals, otherwise the case for such restrictions will be undermined.

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