Our code of practice
We operate a number of CCTV cameras in retail areas/car parks in Lichfield and Burntwood in partnership with Three Spires Shopping centre.
We also have CCTV systems at the council house and our depot. Our waste and streetscene vehicles are fitted with CCTV cameras. Our environmental health officers may wear CCTV cameras. We may use fly tipping surveillance cameras.
We comply with the government’s surveillance camera code of practice which is detailed in our CCTV code of practice, which describes why and how we use CCTV systems.
Our code was adopted in February 2019.
What is Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)?
CCTV is a television system which operates on a closed loop basis. Unlike broadcast television, which is available to anyone with a suitable receiver, CCTV pictures are only available to those directly connected to the loop, which in Lichfield District’s case, is the monitoring control room based in the Three Spires Management suite.
Who is able to see the images?
The images are continually monitored by fully trained operatives, 24hours a day/365 days a year. Staffordshire Police are also able to view the images.
Who has access to the control room?
Access to the control room is strictly restricted to the police, dedicated maintenance contractor, CCTV Manager and operators. These restrictions are necessary to protect the integrity of the evidence that is recorded on a daily basis. Operational procedures and a Code of Practice based on Home Office guidelines strictly control the CCTV system’s operation. Every aspect of running the system is covered including for example where the cameras should or should not be looking.
How are the police alerted to an incident?
Lichfield District Police are alerted to an incident via the Police radio in the CCTV Control Room which enables them to speak on a one-to-one basis similar to a mobile phone. The operators also have a StoreNet radio that enables them to send and receive messages from local shops, pubs and restaurants which can be used for example to locate a missing child.
How long are recordings kept?
Unless recordings are required by the police to help with their investigations, CCTV recordings are kept for 28 days after which they are destroyed without viewing.
What do I do if I want to access a CCTV image?
If you have been a victim of crime you need to report it to the police and ask them to review any relevant CCTV recording.