Introduction and scope
We use surveillance camera systems for a variety of purposes.
To ensure the use of any surveillance camera system considers the effect on individuals and their privacy they must be operated in a manner which meets:
- our statutory obligations
- relevant codes of practice
Aim
The aim of this policy is to set out our commitment and approach to meeting our legal obligations when using surveillance camera systems. Such legislation includes:
- Data Protection Act 2018
- UK General Data Protection Regulation
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
- any other applicable law concerning:
- the use of a surveillance camera system
- processing of personal data
It also aims to assist us to comply with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice (the Code) issued by the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner (BSCC).
This policy must be read alongside our Data protection policy. This explains in more detail how we process personal data.
Scope
This policy applies to all our overt (open) use of surveillance camera systems. A surveillance camera system means :
- closed circuit television or automatic number plate recognition systems
- any other systems for recording or viewing visual images for surveillance purposes
- any systems for storing, receiving, transmitting, processing or checking images or information obtained by systems falling within the above; or
- any other systems associated with, or otherwise connected with, systems falling within the above
Within the council such systems could include:
- internal and external closed-circuit television (CCTV)
- body worn video (BWV)
- dashboard mounted cameras (‘dash-cams’)
- mobile camera systems
- automatic number plate recognition (ANPR); and
- unmanned aerial systems (UAS or Drones)
This policy does not apply to covert (secret) use of surveillance camera systems. This is governed specifically by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). We set out the requirements of this in our RIPA Policy.