Date: 24 Nov 2020
POLICY TITLE: Northumbria Police Public Space Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
OWNING DIRECTORATE: Major Crime & Intelligence
AUTHOR: Service Manager, Business Support
CONTACT DETAILS: 101
EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT: Complete
AUTHORISED PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (APP): AVAILABLE
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AIM OF POLICY: To effectively utilise Public Space Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and establish a framework for the appropriate use, retention and analysis of CCTV.
BENEFIT OF POLICY: Improved working practices and understanding of Public Space CCTV.
REASON FOR POLICY: To promote understanding of Northumbria Police’s use of Public Space CCTV.
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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 and reactive 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 Northumbria Police 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.
Northumbria use and operate CCTV cameras in line with the national guidance and recommendations outlined in the Surveillance Camera Commissioners Code of Practice and Authorised Professional Practice.
CCTV has been utilised 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 Northumbria Police is the data controller for the Northumbria Police CCTV system.
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SOURCE DOCUMENT: Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, National Surveillance Camera Strategy for England and Wales.
GROUPS AFFECTED: All officers and staff.
ACCESS AND DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS: None.
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