We and our client and owner Stockport Council, take the issue of people’s rights to privacy seriously.
All our Control Centre operators receive training on the Data Protection, Human Rights and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Acts. Our operators are trained not to stereotype individuals, nor are they permitted to follow people with the cameras unless they have reason to believe they have or are about to commit an offence, or have a concern for the welfare of the individual.
There are only two instances when a camera operator may view a private area and these are both related to crimes in progress. The first is in response to a direct request from the police and the second is when a camera operator has actually witnessed a crime and is directing a police response.
In both cases, the operator is required to submit a detailed report justifying their actions. Any request from the police for directed surveillance will be subject to authorisation on production of a signed Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) form. Any complaint regarding the invasion of privacy will be investigated thoroughly.
Access to Images
The facility is a secure unit and access is restricted to authorised personnel only. There are strict guidelines on the production and release of recorded material from the Control Centre. For images that are recorded onto digital media, there is a complete audit trail from the moment the media is created, to the moment the media is removed for evidence.
How to Apply for Access to Information Held on the CCTV System
If required, a Subject Access Request form can be printed off, completed and returned to the address stated within the form. Download the Subject Access Request form here.