Merlin Power works magic for Notts Police
Merlin Power, which specialises in advanced vehicle power solutions, has recently partnered with Woodway Engineering and Nottinghamshire Police to deliver a CCTV surveillance vehicle designed to operate independently of external charging or engine idling for extended periods of up to 18 hours.
Rising incidents of anti-social behaviour across Nottinghamshire prompted the police to enhance their rapid-response capability with a mobile CCTV vehicle that could be deployed quickly to high-risk areas.
The van was fitted with a Night Owl Predator mast system, paired with a 360 Vision camera and Veracity secure video transmission technology to provide real-time intelligence-gathering capability in the field.
The challenge was clear: the vehicle’s surveillance, lighting, and communication equipment required a continuous and reliable power supply, without depending on external charging or engine idling.
Working closely with Paul Watkins, head of installations at Woodway Engineering, Merlin Power designed and supplied a bespoke electrical system tailored to these intensive operational demands. The solution centred on seven Fullriver DC Series Deep-Cycle Batteries, chosen for their superior endurance and reliability, coupled with a Merlin SmartBank Pro Split Charging System.
This intelligent split-charging technology enables optimal battery management with no voltage drop or forced charging, says Merlin, extending battery life while ensuring consistent power delivery. Together, these components form a fully integrated off-grid power system capable of supporting the vehicle’s sophisticated surveillance and communications suite for extended deployments.
“Reliability plays a big part, along with the outstanding performance offered by the Deep Cycle Fullriver batteries and Merlin’s excellent support, of course,” said Paul Watkins, head of installations at Woodway Engineering.
The result is a mobile CCTV unit that can be rapidly deployed and remain fully operational for as long as the job demands. Already in service, delivering high-quality video surveillance in ASB hotspots, the vehicle is helping Nottinghamshire Police deter and monitor anti-social behaviour across the county, providing a visible presence and valuable real-time intelligence.
