CCTV Control Centre
The CCTV Control Centre is a centralised location where surveillance cameras are monitored and controlled by trained personnel. The control room typically includes a bank of monitors displaying live video feeds from the cameras.
24/7 Operation
The CCTV Control Centre operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, meaning that trained personnel monitor the cameras at all times.
There are numerous cameras around the borough covering various locations such as High Streets, residential streets, and buildings. The cameras are strategically placed to ensure maximum coverage.
The main reasons for using CCTV are to:
- Help reduce the fear of crime: The presence of CCTV can help reassure people that they are safe and reduce the fear of crime in the community.
- Help deter and detect crime: CCTV can deter potential criminals and help identify perpetrators if a crime does occur.
- Enhance community safety: CCTV can enhance community safety by providing an extra layer of surveillance and protection.
- Assist in supporting civil and criminal proceedings: CCTV footage can be used as evidence in court to support civil and criminal proceedings.
- Prevent and discourage anti-social behaviour: CCTV can help prevent and discourage anti-social behaviour such as vandalism, graffiti, and littering.
- Provide vital evidence to bring those guilty of crimes and anti-social behaviour to justice: CCTV footage can provide crucial evidence to identify and prosecute those responsible for crimes and anti-social behaviour.
Data Protection Act 2018
The CCTV system is operated within the regulations contained in the Data Protection Act 2018, which sets out the rules for the processing of personal data. The Act ensures that individuals have the right to privacy and that their personal information is handled appropriately.
Shared use for public safety: The cameras are shared use for public safety, meaning that the information gathered is used to benefit the community as a whole.
31-Day Retention Period
The information gathered by CCTV is held for 31 days, after which it is deleted unless it is required for investigative purposes. This retention period is set out in the Data Protection Act 2018.
Subject Access Request for CCTV Footage
As a resident, you have a right to access CCTV footage that features you under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). To request access to CCTV footage, you will need to make a subject access request in writing. Please include the date and time of the incident, the location of the CCTV cameras, and any relevant details that may help to identify the footage.
To make a subject access request for CCTV footage, please contact our Information Rights Team by emailing InformationRightsTeam@newham.gov.uk. We will acknowledge your request and respond within 30 days of receipt.
Please note that there may be instances where we cannot provide access to the requested CCTV footage if it contains personal data of other individuals, would breach the privacy of third parties or is related to an ongoing investigation.
More information about your rights and how we use your data Processing personal data privacy notice.
Request for CCTV Footage for Road Traffic Collisions:
Please note that for road traffic collision incidents, we cannot provide CCTV footage directly to residents. Only the police, solicitors or insurance companies, as part of a legal case or investigation, can request access to CCTV footage.
If you were involved in a road traffic collision and would like to request CCTV footage, you will need to contact the relevant authority, such as the police, solicitor or insurance company, and request them to make a subject access request on your behalf.
Please note that CCTV footage can only be released if it does not breach the privacy of other individuals or relate to an ongoing investigation. The decision to release footage will be at our discretion, and we may seek legal advice before making a decision.
