Issue - meetings

That the CCTV Code of Practice for implementation be approved

Decision

That the CCTV Code of Practice be approved.

Reason for Decision

To inform the Cabinet of the proposed Dacorum Borough Council Code of Practice which sets out the principles that should apply to all surveillance camera systems in public places to meet the mandatory requirement pursuant to Section 30 (1) (a) of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and to seek approval for the implementation of the code.

Implications

Financial

Within existing budgets

Risk Implications

The intention of this report is to comply with legislation and therefore avoid the risk of non-compliance.

Corporate Objectives

Clean and Safe Environment

Dacorum Delivers

Advice

The Portfolio Holder for Residents & Corporate services introduced the report explaining that the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 brought with it the first specific legislation relating to the use of CCTV systems by Public Bodies. The Bill introduces a mandatory code of practice for surveillance camera systems and a new regulator, the Surveillance Camera Commissioner. The Surveillance Camera Commissioners code of practice sets out 12 guiding principles which strike a balance between protecting the public and upholding civil liberties. This code will help to demonstrate a robust operating environment with the additional benefit of reassurance to the public that Dacorum Borough Council’s CCTV system is operated responsibly and effectively, and the likelihood of any breach of individual privacy is greatly reduced.

The CCTV/Community Control Centre Team Leader added that the report was a combination of the commissioner’s report and guidance received and how the council would go about implementing it.

The Portfolio Holder for Environmental, Sustainability & Regulatory Services asked what the councillor’s local vetting procedures were.

The CCTV/Community Control Centre Team Leader explained that all operators would go through the normal process of having DBS checks. If they go for a SIA licence this would involve a second ‘more enhanced’ check.

A SIA licence allows someone to work in the industry, for example in security work whereas working in the CCTV control room was a more highly confidential role.

The Leader of the council asked what the procedure was if somebody wanted to access the system/footage to use as evidence, and was there a charge for this.

The CCTV/Community Control Centre Team Leader replied that Freedom of Information requests did not apply to CCTV. If the footage has been handed over to the Police then the council cannot provide it and a solicitor would need to make the request. As part of the data action request, someone can only ask for footage of themselves and not of a third party, only insurance companies or investigators can request this.

The council may charge for this service and is currently looking at other council’s for best practice.

Consultation

Consultation took place with:

·        James Deane, Corporate Director, Finance & Operations

·        Dave Austin, Assistant Director, Neighbourhood Delivery

·        Legal services

·        Environmental Health

·        Housing

Voting

None.