Code of Practice for the Operation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
Introduction and Objectives
- Introduction
- Partnership Statement in respection of The Human Rights Act 1998
- Objectives of the System
- Procedural Manual
Section 1
A mobile Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system will be deployed to four areas within Hampshire. This system, known as The Community Safety Service, comprises a number of cameras installed into sixteen Ford Fiesta vans and four Ford Connect vans. The cameras are fully operational with a pan, tilt and zoom facilities and are fixed to the roof of the vehicles. All images are controlled, monitored and recorded by a facility installed within the vehicle. The Police have the capability to view these images.
The CCTV System has evolved from the formation of a partnership between:
Hampshire County Council
Hampshire Police Constabulary
Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council
Gosport Borough Council
Havant Borough Council
New Forest District Council
Winchester City Council
Who have all certified on the previous form their acceptance of the requirements of this code.
For the purposes of this document, the ‘owner’ of the system is Hampshire County Council.
For the purposes of the Data Protection Act the ‘data controller’ is Hampshire County Council.
The ‘system manager’ is the Community Safety Manager of Hampshire County Council. The CCTV system has been notified to the information Commissioner.
Details of key personnel, their responsibilities and contact points are shown at appendix A to this Code.
1.2. Partnership statement in respect of The Human Rights Act 1998.
1.2.1 The Partnership recognises that public authorities and those organisations carrying out the functions of a public service nature are required to observe the obligations imposed by the Human Rights Act 1998, and consider that the use of CCTV in the County of Hampshire is a necessary, proportionate and suitable tool to help reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime and improve public safety. This assessment is evidenced by an agreed ‘operational requirement’ document. Section 163 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 creates a power for local authorities to provide closed circuit television coverage of any land within their area for the purposes of crime prevention or victim welfare and it is also considered as a necessary initiative by the service to help partnerships towards their duty under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
1.2.2 It is recognised that operation of the CCTV System may be considered to infringe on the privacy of individuals. The Community Safety Service recognise that it is their responsibility to ensure that the service should always comply with all relevant legislation, to ensure its legality and legitimacy. The service will only be used as a proportional response to identified problems and be used only in so far as it is necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, public safety, the economic well being of the area, for prevention and detection of crime and disorder, for the protection of health and morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedom of others.
1.2.3 This Code of Practice and observance of the Operational Procedures contained in the procedural manual shall ensure that evidence is secured, retained and made available as required to ensure there is absolute respect for everyone’s right to a free trial.
1.2.4 The CCTV System shall be operated with respect for all individuals, recognising the right to be free from inhuman or degrading treatment and avoiding discrimination on any ground such as sex, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or other status.
1.3.1 The objectives of the CCTV System as determined by the partnership which form legal basis for the processing of data are:-
To help reduce the fear of crime
To help deter crime
To help detect crime and provide evidential material for court proceedings
To enhance community safety, assist in developing the economic well being of the towns within Hampshire and encourage greater use of town centres, car parks.
To assist the Local Authority in its enforcement and regulatory functions within the four pilot areas.
To assist in supporting civil proceedings which will help detect crime
Assisting with the maintenance of public order
Deterring or reducing the incidence of vandalism, graffiti and other criminal damage.
Deterring persons from committing crimes and to enhance the opportunities for those detecting those who do.
Improving the safety and security of residents, visitors and the business community
Deterring vehicle crime in public car parks
Discouraging anti-social behaviour including alcohol and drug-related elements.
Identifying and preventing incidents of racial harassment.
This Code of Practice (hereafter referred to as ‘the Code’) is supplemented by a separate ‘Procedural Manual’ which offers instructions on all aspects of the day to day operation of the System. To ensure the purpose and principles (see section 2) of the CCTV system are realised, the procedural manual is based and expands upon the contents of this Code of Practice.