Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

Fareham Borough Council operates a CCTV control centre jointly with Gosport Borough Council, which is monitored at various times during the day, seven days a week. The running costs of this control centre are shared between the two Councils.

       

CCTV Upgrade

The equipment has recently been upgraded and includes a new Command and control system.  This solution utilises the latest software and hardware, and incorporates unique mapping and display of camera locations throughout the Borough.  New keyboard and joystick controls enable operators to quickly control cameras independently, as well as pre-programmed tours which can be initiated and amended to suit the operational requirements.

The new Digital Recording system records every camera at 12.5 images per second.  Additionally, the six operator monitor's video is recorded in real time (25 Images per second).  This is to ensure best quality for any incidents being monitored by control room staff.  The Digital Recording equipment is connected to a stand alone broadband connection in the control room, and access permission given via login and password protection to Gosport Police Station broadband connection.  This is to enable the police to review recorded images to determine if evidence is available for specific incidents they are investigating.  This saves police time in visiting the CCTV Control Room to determine if any evidence is available.

The upgrade also included bespoke CCTV Control room furniture and video display wall.  This includes purpose built operators desk with radio pod for installation of the police and shop watch radios, a new video monitor wall for installation of the latest LCD monitors and a computer console for installation of Digital recording review station, along with other computers used for operation of the control room.

CCTV Cameras

The need for CCTV cameras is continually being assessed by the Police, Fareham Borough Council and the Fareham Community Safety Partnership, with more cameras being installed as and when necessary for the benefit of the residents, and to assist the Police in preventing and reducing crime.

There are currently 41 CCTV cameras in operation within the Borough of Fareham, linked into a main control centre with 'stand alone' systems installed at some of the community centres across the Borough. 

The use of the CCTV Cameras:

• Provide a deterrent to crime and Anti-Social Behaviour
• Increase public reassurance by reducing the fear of crime
• Gathers evidence to support the detection and prosecution of offences
• Assists in the general planning and management of the areas of CCTV coverage for the purpose of enhancing their  use and enjoyment by the public
• Aids traffic monitoring (ROMANSE)
• Aids the general management of public areas which are of principle importance to the commercial well being of the community
• Assists the police with information gathering and more effective deployment of resources
• Improves commercial confidence
• Assists Emergency services with the efficient deployment of their resources and deal with emergencies
• Assists in the management of the council's assets
• Assists with the tracking and apprehension of persons who are suspected of having committed an offence

The scheme operates in conjunction with the Police, providing evidence for many prosecutions.  If CCTV operators notice an incident they can advise the police and direct them where to go.  The cameras are also used to monitor traffic through the ROMANSE (Road Management System for Europe) system in partnership with Hampshire County Council.

Hot Spots

CCTV cameras are often located in 'Hot Spots', areas that due to the level of reported crime warrant additional surveillance support to both detect crime and reduce the fear of crime.

Confidentiality

The camera movements are strictly controlled and are limited by the Human Rights and Data Protection Acts. The setting up of the equipment prevents staff in the control centre from invading the privacy of residents in their own homes.

Fareham Borough Council has copyright and ownership of the recordings with access strictly controlled.  For example, if someone bumps a car and the owner wanted to see if it was recorded by the CCTV camera, they would need to either contact the police dealing with the matter or their solicitor.  Further information can be found in this subject access leaflet (168Kb)

Code of Practice

A Code of Practice (76Kb) has been drawn up and agreed by the interested parties to govern the management of the Control Centre and facilities of the Gosport and Fareham town centres closed circuit television surveillance system.

It sets out to ensure the most effective use of CCTV to prevent crime and identify the perpetrators of crime.  It endeavours to uphold the civil liberties of local residents, shoppers and other genuine users of the town centre.

The management of other Council remote systems, and those maintained by private security and other bodies, shall be in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Code.

The Office of Information Commissioner has issued a Code of Practice (this is an external hyperlink) for users of public area CCTV Systems.  A copy of this may be obtained on application to the CCTV Manager.

Request for more cameras

From time to time the Council receives requests for additional cameras.  Any future cameras will be installed in collaboration with the Police and the Fareham Community Safety Partnership.

For further information on CCTV please contact the Community Safety Team 01329 236100 or e-mail communitysafety@fareham.gov.uk