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Simulated Multiplexed CCTV: The Effects of Screen Layout and Task Complexity on User Performance and Strategies

NCJ Number
236387
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2011 Pages: 344-356
Author(s)
Alex W. Stedmon; Sarah Harris; John R. Wilson
Date Published
2011
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effectiveness of closed circuit television (CCTV) techniques in the United Kingdom (UK).
Abstract
Successful CCTV surveillance relies on the skill and competence of operators performing complex visual tasks. Techniques can be employed during the design of control rooms that facilitate performance by increasing the probability of operators noticing an incident, maximizing viewing comfort, and reducing workload. This article describes an exploratory study in which two experiments were developed to simulate a multiplexed CCTV security monitoring task of a specific area. The experiments investigated the effectiveness of techniques for facilitating operator performance, mapping the images presented on CCTV according to the layout, and logical viewing process of multiple images. The findings suggested that manipulating the layout of images improved task efficiency and provided novel insights into strategies and behaviors that participants adopted. Further consideration was given to suspicious activities within the context of a university campus and raised interesting questions regarding the generalization of suspicious acts across different locations. (Published Abstract)