When providing CCTV to the police, your goal is clear, original-quality evidence that hasn’t been tampered with—accidentally or otherwise. Follow these steps to keep things straightforward and professional.

1. Don’t Record the Screen
Avoid: Filming the monitor with a phone Using Snipping Tool / Print Screen / Screen Recording apps Why: These methods destroy clarity, lose timestamps, and can cause the evidence to be rejected or questioned. Always export the original recording..

2. Use Your CCTV System’s Built-In Export Tools
Every CCTV platform—DVR, NVR, cloud, or app—has a proper way to export footage. Typically, you can: Select a time range Choose a camera Export a video clip in its native format (e.g., MP4, AVI, proprietary format) Export a still frame using the system’s snapshot or frame export function This ensures: Good resolution Accurate timestamps Metadata stays intact File integrity can be verified if needed If you don’t know how to export, check the system’s manual or contact your installer. It’s a lot quicker than re-recording the screen anyway..

3. Export the Footage in Original Quality
When exporting: Use highest quality available Do not compress or resize If your system offers “original format” vs “MP4 export,” choose original unless police specifically request MP4 Keep the recorded time range slightly wider than the incident (e.g., +5 minutes either side) This preserves the chain of evidence and avoids missing important context..

4. Export Still Images Properly
For still photos: Use the CCTV system’s snapshot or frame export button Save as JPEG or PNG (system default is fine) Ensure timestamp is visible, or supply a separate time log if the system doesn’t embed it Never screenshot your computer. Screenshots distort perspective, reduce clarity, and lose metadata..

5. Use Secure Storage
When handing footage to the police, store it on: Encrypted USB Drive Ideally AES-256 encrypted Use built-in hardware encryption or a recognised brand with PIN/passcode Keep the passcode separate until asked for it by an officer Avoid Emailing raw footage Sending via WhatsApp, Messenger, or cloud links unless police request it Using cheap unencrypted USB sticks from the bargain bin.

6. Keep an Internal Copy
Always keep: A copy of the exported footage A simple log with: Date/time you exported it Camera and time range Who you handed it to This protects you if footage gets corrupted or misplaced after you hand it over..

7. Don’t Edit, Enhance, or Add Effects
No filters, brightness tweaks, zoom crops, circles, arrows, or dramatic CSI music. Export it clean and untouched. If police need enhancements, they’ll use approved forensic tools..

8. Confirm the Footage Works Before Handing It Over
Play the exported file back on another device (e.g., a laptop) to confirm: It opens Sound works (if applicable) Timestamps show correctly The incident is visible and clear Nothing worse than finding out after handing it over that the file was corrupt..

9. Maintain Chain of Custody
If possible, record: Who exported the footage When it was exported Who you passed it to (officer’s name/number) What device it was stored on (e.g., encrypted USB serial number) This protects both your business and the investigation..

10. When in Doubt, Ask
If you’re unsure whether you’re doing it right, call the investigating officer. Police are usually happy to guide you—they’d much rather answer a quick question than receive unusable footage.