Public Space CCTV in North Warwickshire
CCTV Overview
There are several public space CCTV schemes operating in North Warwickshire with the largest monitoring Atherstone town centre. They have all been installed to help detect and deter crime, so that North Warwickshire is a safer community for residents and visitors. “Public space” simply means that the CCTV cameras monitor areas that are accessible to the general public i.e. streets, civic spaces and parks etc. Any enquiries regarding public space CCTV in North Warwickshire should be directed to the following:
Atherstone Town Centre CCTV scheme only:
Director of Housing 01827 715341
All other local authority public space CCTV cameras in North Warwickshire:
Warwickshire Police 101 for non emergency enquiries.
Regulations
Local authority public space CCTV cameras cannot monitor people or properties with impunity. Privacy is an overarching principle governing their operation; so much so that several Acts of Parliament including the General Data Protection regulations 2018, Data Protection Act 2018 and Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 provide a comprehensive legal framework that regulates local authority CCTV use. Local authority CCTV must also conform to guidelines laid down by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Surveillance Camera Commissioner (SCC) , which includes a requirement for CCTV schemes to publish a Code of Practice clearly defining its purpose and details of how it operates.
Atherstone CCTV Scheme
The Atherstone CCTV scheme is managed by a partnership between North Warwickshire Borough Council, Atherstone Town Council and Warwickshire Police. It is monitored 24/7 from a control centre in Atherstone by staff who all hold Security Industry Authority CCTV licences. The control centre can stream CCTV images directly to Warwickshire Police’s communications centre and is in direct communication with the Police via the Police Airwaves radio. The scheme utilises digital recording equipment to provide high quality images for the Police to use as evidence. All images are retained for 31 days and then automatically deleted unless saved for use as evidence in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Since the CCTV scheme was introduced in 2002 it has helped reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Atherstone and maintain it at levels significantly below those prior to its introduction.
Can members of the public access CCTV images?
Everyone is entitled to view information about themselves that is held by a public body. There are, however, certain conditions that must be met before certain information can be released to individuals. See The NWBC website Privacy Statement & Notice page. The Information Commissioner’s Office Right of Access (Subject Access) document also explains what information you are entitled to access under what circumstances. If you require access to CCTV images of yourself NWBC provides a Subject Access form for the CCTV schemes it manages. Alternatively, you can make a verbal request or request by email. However, should you choose either of the latter two methods you may be asked to provide identification and proof of address. There no charge for each Subject Access application.
Please note that all CCTV images are automatically deleted after 31 days unless retained for use as evidence.
We will not normally release images of third parties or third party’s property to individuals in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations 2018 and Data Protection Act 2018 guidelines. Therefore, for images required for insurance claims i.e. vehicle collisions or damage to vehicles etc, your insurance company or legal representative will need to make the request providing full details of the incident in writing to: The Director of Housing, North Warwickshire Borough Council, The Council House, South Street, Atherstone CV9 1DE or by e-mail to communitysupport@northwarks.gov.uk.
How do I make a complaint about North Warwickshire’s CCTV?
If you wish to make a complaint regarding any of the CCTV schemes within North Warwickshire please visit our complaints page.