Introduction
Closed circuit television surveillance in
Erewash has been provided through a partnership effort by Erewash Borough Council, Derbyshire Constabulary and the
Erewash Partnership, with funding assistance towards initial installation works from the
Home Office.
On a day to day basis the Council is responsible
for the schemes 'hardware' (cameras etc.) and the police have operational control. They
cover the Town Centres of Ilkeston
& Long Eaton.
The control centres for these systems are
located within the police stations of each town. In addition to the active monitoring at
appropriate times, the images from all cameras are recorded 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year.
Key objectives
To detect, prevent or reduce crimes against
people or property.
To reduce vehicle theft and car crime in
general.
To improve personal and property security,
making the towns more attractive areas in which to shop, work and socialise.
To improve the effectiveness of Police
patrols.
To reduce the level of street crime, public
disorder and vandalism.
To prevent and respond to all harassment.
Assist in traffic management.
The ultimate aim
To raise the public and business perception of
what the towns have to offer, making them an attractive choice for shopping, recreational
and business use in the area.
Code of operation
The CCTV are operated strictly in accordance
with a Code of Practice agreed between the Council, Police and Erewash Partnership, some
features of which are mentioned below.
The CCTV systems are not "Spy
Systems". They are intended to deter criminal or antisocial behaviour. People going
about their legitimate business have nothing to fear from the schemes.
No sound is recorded as part of the systems.
No dummy cameras are used.
All cameras are operational 24 hours a day.
Signs stating CCTV cameras are operating are
displayed on all approaches covered by the schemes and within the towns.
An annual report will be produced
evaluating the schemes' performance and compliance with the Code of Practice. Copies of
the latest reports are available at local Police Stations, Town Halls and Libraries.
The system is also inspected by independent
"lay visitors" who can examine the system at any time.
All information recorded is normally retained
for a maximum of 3 months although this may be extended where required in connection with
a specific incident or legal proceedings. Under no circumstances is recorded information
sold for commercial purposes or for the provision of entertainment.
Photographs obtained from video tapes/monitors
are only used to assist in the identification of incidents and are destroyed unless
required by the Police or Courts for evidential purposes.
All operators of the system are Police
'screened' and act with the utmost integrity.
The Monitoring Stations are secure
environments. There is no right of access for anyone other than authorised and properly
trained staff.
Video recordings are stored in secure cabinets
within the Police stations and can only be viewed in accordance with the Coded of
Practice.
The system is there
to protect you and your family and create a safer environment for everyone to enjoy.
