Surveillance cameras (CCTV)

What is CCTV?

CCTV (closed-circuit television) is a visual surveillance technology designed for monitoring a variety of environments and activities. CCTV systems involve a fixed (or 'dedicated') communications link between cameras and monitors.

Does the council operate CCTV cameras?

The Council operates a number of surveillance cameras which are used in areas such as Council buildings, specific public spaces, at recycling centres and on refuse collection vehicles. These camera installations are owned and maintained by the Council (as a data controller) and are operated in line with data protection legislation, the Human Rights Act 1998 and guidelines, such as those issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Surveillance Camera Commissioner, to ensure, for example, that the need for public protection is balanced with respect for the privacy of individuals.

How does the council use CCTV cameras?

Primary objectives

The primary objectives of the Council using surveillance cameras are:

• Prevent, investigate and detect crime
  
• Help reduce the fear of crime
  
• Assist with the apprehension and prosecution of offenders
  
• Enhance the safety of employees and the public
  
• To safeguard vulnerable adults and children
  
• Provide evidential material for court or committee proceedings
  
• Reduce incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour
  
• Evidence in investigations of gross misconduct (including protecting employees from allegations)
  
• Protect property
  
• Traffic management
  
• Process Subject Access Requests

Legal grounds

The legal grounds for using this information are: 

• It is in the public interest
  
• It is in the legitimate interest of those under surveillance
  
• It is necessary to protect vital interests 

The council has a surveillance camera policy which provides further detail about its use of cameras, this can be found on the policy section of our website

When and why would we share the information captured?

We will only share camera footage where we are legally obliged to do so, or where we are allowed to do so under certain exemptions - for example, for the prevention or detection of crime.

This may involve making a copy of the storage media or a screen print, which may be used as evidence. In cases of suspected criminal activity, the storage media will normally be passed to the police for investigation. The police and other law enforcement agencies may, on showing good cause, request copies of storage media.

Data may be requested internally by Council departments (for example, Licensing Enforcement, Environment Enforcement, Community Safety etc.).

You can make a request to see footage that you appear in, your right to access is explained on our rights page.

What CCTV camera systems are in use and who looks after them?

The Council’s data protection and Feedback Team monitor compliance with the Council’s Surveillance Camera Policy. The Council is committed to ensuring that data protection impact assessments and codes of practices are in place for all of the surveillance camera systems it is responsible for operating.

Council systems

For more information on any of the above camera systems, you can speak to a member of staff on site, or email data.protection@eastriding.gov.uk

Town centres

• 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Thursday
• 8.00am - 4.00pm Friday