CCTV Policy Public Space System

Transcription

1 CCTV Policy Public Space System Policy: Approved by which board (or Chief officer) and date : Owner: CCTV Policy Public Space System Operations Board Chief Inspector Command and Control Room For release under Freedom of Information? Yes Supporting procedures Contact for advice: 1) CCTV Procedures 2) (College of policing)- APP Website - 3) Data Protection Act 4) RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act) 5) ACPO Practical advice on Police Use of Digital Images) Chief Inspector Command and Control Room Review date: September 2017 Amendments made : Date and version number: New policy June 2016 v1.2 Not Protectively Marked 1

2 1. Terms and Definitions Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is technology which provides an effective means of identifying people, vehicles or incidents that may result in action being required by Police or partner organisations. It is a proactive policing tool for response policing and investigations, which can prevent criminality by targeting criminals and areas which are subject to higher levels of crime and anti-social behaviour. CCTV technology is used within Cumbria Constabulary to help detect, deter and disrupt criminality at a local, force, regional and national level. This includes tackling travelling criminals, Organised Crime Groups and terrorist activity. CCTV provides lines of enquiry and evidence in the investigation of crime and is used by forces throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Acronyms APP Authorised Professional Practice. CoP - College of Policing. DPA Data Protection Act. HO Home Office. RIPA Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act CAST Centre for Applied Science and Technology FOI Freedom of Information 2. Aim of Policy This policy explains how Cumbria Constabulary will use public space CCTV system, taking into consideration national guidance and recommendations outlined in APP. The aim of the policy is to ensure Cumbria Constabulary - Provide clear and unambiguous information on the use of CCTV viewing and recording equipment. Provide a framework of instructions for the use, retention and analysis of CCTV recording. Meet the requirements of the Data Protection Act. Meet the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Promote a safer working environment for staff and any other persons who may come into contact with the CCTV recording system. Meet the requirements of the Home Office Surveillance Camera Code of Practice (June 2013) Signpost user to the national standards which Cumbria Constabulary adhere to. Effectively use CCTV systems to obtain the best value from this asset. Bring more offenders to justice by production of evidence. Reduce repeat offending. Reduce complaints. The Chief Inspector Command and Control Room is responsible for ensuring that the policy is delivered to all officers / staff within the Constabulary. 3. The Policy This policy details how Cumbria Constabulary will use and operate CCTV cameras under the county-wide public space scheme. This policy is designed to enable all persons who use, or come into contact with CCTV recording equipment, to be reassured that it is being used in the correct manner and in accordance with national guidance requirements. Not Protectively Marked 2

3 4. The CCTV Scheme 4.1 Scope Cumbria Constabulary is operating an overt, county-wide public space CCTV system with cameras currently located in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Maryport, Penrith, Workington and Whitehaven. The system incorporates best-of-breed technology which provides high-grade image quality that meets latest Home Office CAST guidelines. The scheme currently consists of 53 cameras with the potential to expand and extend camera numbers up to 80. The cameras are located in areas which have been identified as higher risk areas, with the intention of preventing and detecting crime and reducing anti-social behaviour. The list and maps of all locations can be viewed via the following link: Purpose CCTV has been installed by the Police and Crime Commissioner for the following purposes: To assist in the prevention and detection of crime and disorder To provide real-time information about ongoing incidents To assist with the conduct of investigations To assist with missing persons enquiries To provide intelligence To reduce the fear of crime and help people feel safe The Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary is the data controller for the CCTV system. The designated deputy is the Chief Superintendent of Territorial Policing. 4.3 Monitoring The system is monitored by a Dedicated Monitoring Unit (DMU) in the Command & Control Room at Force Headquarters, where access is restricted and only permitted for authorised personnel. In addition to this, all officers and operational staff have the ability to access, view and record CCTV footage. As such, the system is monitored 24hrs per day. 4.4 Recording and Retention High definition images captured on camera are recorded 24hrs per day, 365 days of the year. These images will be stored for a rolling period of 30days, upon which they will be routinely deleted. Any images that are further required for the investigation of crime or to support criminal prosecutions, will be stored as evidence for as long as there is a policing purpose, as per the APP retention guidelines. 4.5 Third Party Access Requests and Complaints Any external requests for footage must be submitted under a Freedom of Information request. These will be processed as per the standard Constabulary procedure and timescales. Any member of public who has a concern about the use and operation of CCTV and who wishes to make a complaint, can do so using the Constabulary s formal complaints procedure. Requests for CCTV footage and/or the complaints procedure can be accessed via the following link: Not Protectively Marked 3

4 4.6 Maintenance of the System The CCTV scheme is a managed service which encapsulates a full maintenance contract with the Provider of the system. The maintenance contract remains in place for the life of the contract, which ensures that the hardware, software and system are kept continually secure, maintained and updated. 4.7 Legislation The system has been installed, operated and managed in accordance with The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice This enables the Constabulary to demonstrate to communities that we are operating best practices which are transparent and proportionate. As such, the scheme has received third party certification under The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice. Certification is valid through to April 2017 when it will be re-assessed. Further information about The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice 2013 can be found via the following link: The CCTV system will further follow the principles of good practice identified in the Information Commissioners Code of Practice. This policy also takes into consideration the ACPO document entitled Practical Advice on Police Use of Digital Images. General police practices further ensure that the scheme complies with the following legislation: Data Protection Act 1998 The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 Health and Safety at Work Act 5. Equality and Privacy Analysis An equality analysis has been completed, which identifies any potential impact of the proposal on each of the following protected groups: Disability Age Sex Sexual Orientation Gender reassignment Marriage and civil partnership Pregnancy and maternity Race Religion Privacy Impact Assessments have been completed for every camera location and can be viewed via the following link: Not Protectively Marked 4

5 6. Review 6.1 CCTV System Review Compliance with the Information Commissioners Code of Practice and The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice will result in an annual audit and review of the CCTV system to ensure: a. that the cameras remain justified and proportionate b. that the scheme is still necessary and effective in achieving the purposes outlined in section Policy Review The Policy will be reviewed annually unless there is a change in legislation after being agreed at the Constabulary Operations Board. The Chief Inspector Command and Control Room will be responsible for reviewing the policy. The review will consider relevant statistics and comments as necessary and where available, in order to identify any trends, issues or concerns. The Policy will also be reviewed whenever new legislation / guidance, which may have an impact, is introduced. Not Protectively Marked 5

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