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* Please note that CCTV in carparks can not be used as evidence for accidents *
In 1995 Stratford-on-Avon District Council embarked upon a policy of installing CCTV cameras in the major population centres within the District. The intention is, that in partnership with Warwickshire Police, these cameras will:
- Help to prevent and detect crime
- Improve public safety
- Reduce the fear of crime
The funds for the cameras and the associated control and command equipment were made available by Stratford-on-Avon District Council combined with substantial grant aid from The Home Office as part of Central Government's Crime Reduction Programme.
Progress with CCTV
This process began in Stratford-upon-Avon. There are now cameras covering the main shopping streets, car parks and known problem areas. The Stratford scheme proved to be tremendously valuable resource in the battle against crime and encouraged by this success CCTV coverage was extended to Studley and then to Alcester The results from all towns continue to be very encouraging and have led Stratford-on-Avon District Council to extend CCTV coverage to Shipston on Stour, Southam and Bidford and to extend the coverage in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Future of CCTV in our District
The next planned development is likely to be the deployment of 'mobile' CCTV in rural areas or those smaller settlements were the cost of permanent cameras is prohibitive and the need for them is, probably, only of a temporary nature. It is also expected that those towns with CCTV will continue to expand their coverage as the situation demands. Stratford-on-Avon District Council is also working with Warwickshire Police to install Automatic Number Plate Recognition Software.
Who Watches CCTV
The monitoring of all cameras, 24 hours per day 7 days per week, is carried out from one location, the Stratford-on-Avon District Council CCTV Control Room. Images are transmitted to the control room via a number of methods most commonly by fibre optic cabling thus guaranteeing high quality pictures that are admissible in court as evidence
Who Watches the CCTV Watchers
Understanding that many members of the public are concerned about the 'Big Brother is watching you' issues relating to surveillance Stratford on Avon District Council has adopted a rigorous set of rules to govern its procedures these are known as The Code of Practice. Within this you will find reference to The Data Protection Act, The Human Rights Act and other legislation aimed at reassuring people that their privacy will be respected (unless they commit crimes). You will find useful information and contact details for the various regulatory bodies that oversee the operation of CCTV in the Code of Practice. To view a copy, please click on the link on the right.
For further information please contact Streetscene on 01789 260616 or by email at streetscene@stratford-dc.gov.uk or by fax on 01789 260607.
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