Surveillance Britain: Q&A
How many CCTV cameras are there in Britain?
No one knows. A figure of 4.2million is often cited but this is a very rough estimate based on two streets in South London seven years ago. Police are starting counting exercises to come up with a more accurate total.
When did CCTV first appear?
In 1994 the Conservative Government allocated £38.5million for 585 CCTV schemes but until then there was only a scattering of cameras across the country. Labour continued to fund CCTV and between 1999 and 2003 made £170 million available.
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Does it work?
There is a continuing debate about the effectiveness of CCTV. There is some evidence that is helpful in reducing shoplifting and car crime. Many claim, however, that better lighting is just as effective or argue that cameras displace crime. There has been very little conclusive research.
Do you need special permission to put up a camera?
No. There are almost no legal obstacles to installing CCTV. In general, planning permission is needed only for putting cameras in listed buildings and in conservation areas.
Do you have a right to see images of yourself caught on CCTV?
Yes. Under the Data Protection Act you have a right to request to see footage of yourself. The images must be provided within 40 days and at a charge of no more than £10. However, cameras attached to private residences are not covered by the Act even if they overlook a public street.
Do the police have an automatic right to see CCTV footage?
The police can request CCTV footage without a warrant. In most cases those asked to hand over footage do so but, if a request is refused, police can go to court to apply for a warrant.
Who else can see the images?
Police can give images to the media to help with identification but footage cannot be released for entertainment purposes. If third parties are visible in images released by the police, their identities must be hidden if the images were taken in a place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy — for example, a doctor's surgery.
How long can the images be stored for?
The Information Commissioner recommends that images be kept for a month but there is no legal limit.
Does the owner have to give police footage from a camera even if it might incriminate him?
Police have the right to request footage, so destroying it after such a request could, theoretically, count as perverting the course of justice. However, as there is no legal obligation to keep footage, it would be difficult for them to prove that it had been deliberately destroyed.
Sources: Home Office; Justice Department; Information Commissioner
from Times online author not stated
