Agenda item

To receive a report on the provision and deployment of CCTV within Brent.

Councillor Knight, Lead Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Colin Wilderspin, Community Safety Manager, introduced a report on the provision and deployment of CCTV within Brent. The report presented information on the location of static CCTV cameras, the process for reviewing locations of cameras, the impact on savings, partnership work and the potential use of strategic CIL and other resources to fund further infrastructure.

The Committee was then invited to raise questions on the update provided, which focused on a number of key areas as highlighted below:

·         It was noted that the current CCTV strategy was agreed in 2015. A revised strategy was set to be agreed in 2022, and work would begin in September 2021 to establish it. The main issues to be addressed in the revised strategy would be around integration and partnership working. The Committee was assured that the Council maintained strong working relationships with relevant partners such as the police.

·         In relation to the utilisation of CCTV data, it was noted that most of the data was comparable now to what it was in 2015, although there had been a slight reduction in crime during that time. In terms of CCTV outcomes, it was noted that whilst the Council was informed of the result of high-level investigations, it was not routine for the police to share all outcomes of successful prosecutions.

·         Regarding the integration of CCTV owned by Housing Associations into the borough CCTV Control Room, it was noted that a number of large Housing Associations had been engaged with to explore the possibility of such an integration. Conversations had been held with CCTV maintenance providers to ascertain the cost of integration, however it was apparent that some Housing Associations used older systems which would be costly to operate or may not be compatible. Further conversations were due to be held in September 2021.

·         It was noted that CCTV at Brent Civic Centre was run by Facilities Management and fed directly into a security room at the Civic Centre rather than the borough CCTV Control Room. Regarding CCTV provision at libraries, it was noted that each library had their own provision.

·         Community Protection were exploring wider uses for the borough CCTV Control Room and an options paper was being developed for Autumn/Winter 2021 for consideration as part of the revised strategy. The team were keen to explore the possibility of generating income to support its running costs and widening the integration approach.

·         It was noted that static cameras were placed in areas of high crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as areas of high footfall. Crimes were still committed in those areas with static cameras, and as such they were deemed an effected means of detection. Static cameras were also generally of a better quality and led to better outcomes.

·         It was noted that deployable CCTV units were regularly moved around the borough to target specific hotspots of anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and other community safety issues. Deployment was reviewed on a monthly basis depending on intelligence and provided reassurance to residents, as well as crime prevention and detection.

·         In response to a question regarding data protection, it was noted that any CCTV scheme owned and operated by the Council must comply with a number of forms of legislation including the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Regulatory and Investigatory Powers Act 2000. GDPR also applied because CCTV cameras captured personal information that could identify an individual. The Council also followed a Surveillance Camera Code of Practice which provided guidance on the use of cameras.

·         In relation to a question regarding public engagement in determining CCTV locations, it was noted that communities were consulted as part of the deployment planning process. For example, deployable cameras took into consideration key hotspots within the borough and the concerns of local residents. It was noted that local communities would be engaged with regarding the strategy refresh after September 2021.

·         It was noted that any Council officer, police or partner agency (including Housing Associations) could submit a referral form to the Community Protection team to be assessed. Referrals were considered at monthly panel meetings.

·         It was explained that CCTV alone was not a complete solution to any problem and was only one of the many measures the Council and its partners used to address issues being experienced by communities. The Council therefore had to ensure that the limited CCTV resources available were used where appropriate to the best effect.

·         The locations of CCTV cameras were determined by a variety of factors. These included control room usage, enforcement usage, impact on equality, legitimate aim and pressing need (including the intensity of criminal activity in the area) and their contribution to community safety.

·         In relation to the effectiveness of deployable mobile CCTV cameras, it was noted that these cameras were moved into hotspot locations as part of a response to a crime and disorder trend. The modern technology allowed for high-resolution imagery and a close operator control of mobile cameras. These cameras were most effective when used for a short period of time, for example when identifying fly tipping offenders.

·         Regarding CCTV use on private property, it was noted that systems that were set up to capture only images within the boundary of a private domestic property did not need to comply with data protection laws. However, if the system captured images of people outside the boundaries of a private domestic property they should. If a CCTV user failed to comply with these laws, they may be subject to enforcement action which could involve a fine or compensation.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the following areas for improvement be noted;

          (i).        To make the annual review of CCTV deployment in Brent more accessible to the public.

         (ii).        To ensure public perception be used as a metric to determine the location CCTV cameras.

2.    To make the following information requests;

To provide a timetable for the work in progress to expand the available use of CCTV in the borough.