Good Practice Documentation
This section seeks to further develop and share good practice in the use and operation of public space CCTV systems by sharing documentation and initiatives currently in use.
Kent Audit Procedure
This document is used in Kent by local authority CCTV managers who carry out peer to peer audits of neighbouring authorities public space CCTV operations
With thanks to the Kent CCTV User Group.
London Borough of Hackney
This web page - http://www.hackney.gov.uk/safer-communities-safetey-in-your-community-cctv.htm (and the associated links) provides a good example of how a local authority can communicate to a wider audience, details of their public space CCTV operation.
The statistics page here - http://www.hackney.gov.uk/safer-communities-safety-in-your-community-cctv-statistics.htm is particularly worth noting as good practice.
As is this page here - http://www.hackney.gov.uk/safer-communities-safety-in-your-community-day-in-life-of-cctv-op.htm showing a day in the life of a CCTV operator.
With thanks to Hackney Borough Council.
Tamworth Annual Report
A good example of a local authority CCTV operations, annual report.
With thanks to Tamworth Borough Council.
Cambridge City Council's CCTV Policy Document
Most local authorities have a number of CCTV systems in addition to their normally well regulated (often town centre focussed) PSS cameras. These other CCTV systems can be found in and around local authority buildings, leisure centres, education establishments, in vehicles or in the hands of Rangers or ASB teams. Often the local authority has no central control over these cameras and has no idea who has them, how many are in use, how they are being used, or how the recorded CCTV product is processed. There is often no central policy no arrangements for suitable training, and no oversight.This can pose a substantial risk for a local authority because any one of these unregulated users can, as a council employee breach guidelines, the DPA, HRA or other legislation often through ignorance. In some cases the first the local authority will know about it is when they read it in the local press.
In keeping with the spirit of the recommendations of the National CCTV Strategy, Cambridge City Council has appointed a Central CCTV Co-ordinator. His task is to find out what Cambridge City Council has by way of CCTV cameras / systems and to take control of them. Write a centralised policy and Code of Practice, organise Operational and Privacy Impact Assessments, arrange training and carry out annual inspections of all the systems.
To assist other CCTV practitioners Cambridge City Council has agreed to share their Centralised Policy Statement. The document was approved by Cambridge City council on 12th October 2009 and is now official council policy.
Codes Of Practice
CCTV User Group
This document is the Model Code Of Practice created by The CCTV User Group, designed to support practitioners in creating their own CCTV Code Of Practice.
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ICO Code of Practice
This is a code of practice issued by the Data Protection Commissioner in accordance with her powers under Section 51 (3) (b) of the Data Protection Act l998 (the "1998 Act"). It is intended to provide guidance as to good practice for users of CCTV (closed circuit television) and similar surveillance equipment.
Good Practice Guides
A good practice guide for the implementation of re-deployable CCTV.
This guide aims to assist practitioners, particularly those employed in local government, who are buying and installing Re-deployable CCTV (RCCTV) for the first time. It will help them to avoid a range of implementation problems that might adversely affect the impact of the cameras.
National evaluation of CCTV: early findings on scheme implementation- effective practice guide.
The National Evaluation of CCTV identifies the early lessons to be learned from the implementation of 17 CCTV projects funded under the Initiative. Those selected to undertake this evaluation represent a cross-section of the areas running the project. This report aims to assist practitioners setting up similar projects for the first time. At the time of writing, projects are at different stages of implementation, ranging from the early stages of system design to, in a few cases, the operational stage.
CCTV Small User Checklist
This checklist is designed to help operators of small CCTV systems comply with the legal requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 and it details the main issues that need to be addressed when operating a CCTV system. When used as part of a regular review process it should help to ensure that the CCTV system remains compliant with the requirements of the Act.
Passport to Evaluation
This distance learning package has been written and designed by staff at the Home Office Crime Reduction College. It looks at the basic techniques used to evaluate crime reduction projects.
The Passport to Evaluation has been separated into sections to make downloading more easy, however this may take a few minutes for each section.
The introduction explains what the book covers, how to use the book and the contents page. It also contains the front and back covers of the book. evalintro.pdf172K
Part One sets the scene for learning about evaluation and defines the context of evaluation as part of project management. evalpart1.pdf194K
Part Two defines evaluation and looks at why it is an important aspect of all crime reduction projects. evalpart2.pdf185K
Part Three looks at the process of evaluation. It looks at a model for evaluation and explains each step. evalpart3.pdf482K
Part Four covers some of the other issues that might affect how your evaluation will be conducted and received. evalpart4.pdf109K
Glossary contains definitions of the key words and phrases in evaluation. It also contains further references and an evaluation form for the book. evalglos.pdf90K
HOSDB Videos
The Home Office's Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) has produced CCTV Technical Concepts: A Guide to Achieving an Effective System (93/08), a training DVD which is intended to provide non-technical users and those buying CCTV systems with an outline of the key issues. Lasting 45 minutes, it uses graphics, video and narration to help cover a range of topics including field of view, illumination, compression, frame rate and resolution.
The video had been made into a series of a 12 short clips, each of approximately 3-4 minutes. Each clip can be viewed below, or you can download the clip to view later. Click on the topic heading to view that clip.
Disclaimer
Every effort is taken to ensure that the information contained on the National CCTV Strategy webpage is both accurate and complete. However, the NPIA, the Home Office and its contributors cannot guarantee that all of the information is consistent with current practice.
This material on the National CCTV Strategy webpage is:
- not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual or entity.
- not necessarily comprehensive, complete, accurate or up-to-date.
- sometimes linked to external sites over which the content owners have no control.
- not professional or legal advice (if you need specific advice, you should always consult a suitably qualified professional).
The NPIA, the Home Office and its contributors accept no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any unforeseen consequences or loss with regard to the material on this site.
By viewing and/or downloading any of the material on this site you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of this disclaimer.