CCTV plays a significant role in protecting the public and promoting community safety within Newcastle. We aim to ensure images are of the best possible quality to ensure they are capable of achieving the systems operational and strategic requirements. The City Council and Northumbria Police work closely to ensure that there is no duplication of CCTV cameras across the city and that relevant information is shared using the latest technologies.
As well as traditional fixed position CCTV cameras, Newcastle City Council operates a pool of re-deployable cameras. These cameras can be relocated to areas that show the greatest need to tackle a number of issues. The decision to locate a camera must be based on sound evidence of need and is made at a partnership problem solving meeting. This type of CCTV provides the flexibility to adjust to changing demands within communities.
The current range of uses within the Council includes:
- Prevention and detection of crime
- Staffing and public safety
- Resilience and continuity planning
- Asset management
- Traffic and Highways management
- Environmental Enforcement
The Council regards its obligation to uphold the privacy of residents, visitors and users of the city as of utmost importance. Newcastle City Council will ensure that the operation of its CCTV systems complies with current legislation such as The Data Protection Act 1998, (https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/cctv/ ) and that all available best practice guidance, Surveillance Camera Commissioner, CCTV guidance. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/surveillance-camera-commissi... is followed.
If you feel you may require access to CCTV held by the City Council, you can request this by using the councils Subject Access and Freedom of Information processes. https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/your-council-and-democracy/open-data-and-access-to-information/freedom-of-information/how-to-request-information
Under current legislation the City Council has no powers to control or enforce standards of privately owned CCTV systems, other than on some rare occasion through planning law. Guidance on the use of domestic CCTV can found by following the link. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-cctv-using-cctv-systems-on-your-property/domestic-cctv-using-cctv-systems-on-your-property
You can phone Newcastle City Councils CCTV officer on 0191 277 7856 or email paul.angus@newcastle.gov.uk.