5.1 Surveillance based on local intelligence

Description

What does this measure refer to and what is its objective?

Surveillance of individuals at risk based on intelligence about those at risk and knowledge of high risk locations. The principle is that there is a system or an organisation that enables provision of an alarm to somebody that the concerned person is approaching the tracks. It can be also based on photography of regular offenders provided to staff or to other intervening persons. This requires to build a network of local actors working together to have likely better effects.

Recommendations

Best practice and lessons learned

  • Collaborate with local police and health authorities because it is very likely they already have databases with people who may be at greater risk of railway suicide.
  • Try to create a digital platform to exchange information.
  • It is also good to know of nearby psychiatric hospitals or other caring facilities if there is a problem.
  • Potential roles for station staff and drivers in observations, which could have minimal impact on roles if supported with appropriate communication technologies and processes for reporting and receiving assistance. Training of the staff in this respect may also be needed.
  • In order to be effective it will need continuous surveillance.

Warning points

Expected difficulties and issues you should pay attention to

  • Will need continued surveillance as well as the building and the maintenance of a network of actors working together. If observations are carried out by various people (e.g. police, medical, rail organisations, special interest groups, family, friends), there will probably be different effects and experiences of those observing and those being observed, possibly with assistance of CCTV – it could be necessary to consider potential issues such as lack of empathy, disinterest of observers, lack of information, lack of privacy, even in psychiatric locations.
  • Co-operations with local health authorities can be difficult or challenging due to issues with patient confidentiality.
  • May be influenced by different cultures in organisations, railways and other agencies across Europe.
  • Potential cultural change needed. Might be some resistance if there is an emphasis on greater surveillance of specific groups or individuals, but this might be minimal with greater efforts towards engaging with individuals and groups.

Observations

Other points that you should not forget

  • Need supporting technologies for communications.
  • May need to improve mechanisms for sharing information between organisations and agencies.

Study results

Data or other evidence supporting the measure's effectiveness

last update: 2014-09-15