CCTV

CCTV - Closed Circuit Television

Code of Practice

The CCTV operation follows a strict code of practice and is subject to visits at any time by the Surveillance Commissioner.   The Surveillance Commissioner's most recent visit was on April 30th 2008 when it was reported that there are no concerns over the operation of the CCTV control room.  The City & District Engineer, CCTV control room Manager, CCTV operators and Anti-social Behaviour officers are all Security Industry Association (SIA) trained and registered.

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) permits targeted surveillance on an individual provided that surveillance is deemed necessary and proportionate.  In St Albans RIPA permissions have been used to build recorded evidence relating to a small number of prolific and persistent offenders.  Use of RIPA powers is also monitored by the Surveillance Commissioner.

CCTV Code of Practice

The Council's Anti-social Behaviour Team also have a small number of covert surveillance cameras which can be deployed (under RIPA powers) to gather evidence of persistent anti-social behaviour, neighbour harassment, graffiti, arson and other crime.