Closed circuit television, otherwise known as CCTV has proved itself in recent years to be a powerful weapon in the continuing fight against crime, particularly when integrated with other crime reduction methods such as retail 'radio-link' systems.
Dover District Council, Police, the Town Councils in Dover, Deal and Sandwich, and Chambers of Commerce in Dover, Deal and Sandwich are of the view that CCTV will diminish incidents of crime and public disorder where it is either in place or will subsequently be introduced. It also assists us in monitoring road safety and will improve community confidence creating a safer environment for residents, traders, tourists and visitors alike. It will also create an improved climate of opportunity.
It is recognised that gaining and keeping public support for such an initiative is vital. We therefore understand the need for a comprehensive and effective Code of Practice defining the systems operational parameters.
We will only utilise CCTV with the consent and support of the local populace to assist in the fight against crime, whilst ensuring that an individuals personal civil liberties are not infringed upon. We therefore support all the principles contained within the LGIU document 'A Watching Brief - A Model Codes of Practice for CCTV' the Data Protection Act 1998, the European Directive 95/46/EC, the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Regulatory and Investigatory powers Act 2000. These principles are contained within this document. All system design and operation will be based on current Home Office, PSDB and Kent County Constabulary guidelines. The CCTV scheme is registered with the Office of the Data Protection Registrar, in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
All partners are totally committed to complying with these Codes in relation to the implementation and operation of CCTV. The Code covering the operation of the system will therefore be made readily available to the public at all local authority offices, public libraries and Citizens' Advice Bureaux.
Dover District Council's CCTV Code
of Practice (PDF document)
Evaluation of the Dover District Council
CCTV System (PDF document)
CCTV Annual Report 2007 - 2008 (PDF document)
E-mail: parking@dover.gov.uk
