Please see below our current CCTV Policy, we are looking for your thoughts and opinions on this draft policy, in order to ensure we are creating services that suit customers and communities.
Do you think the Policy makes sense? Does it cover everything it needs to? Have we missed something? Do you think it explains enough and clearly?
Purpose
1.1
This policy outlines the way in which Connexus will use Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) at our residential properties and within domestic communal areas or CCTV systems as part of an access system at our Independent Living Schemes. This does policy does not cover CCTV at Connexus’ offices, stores and other non-domestic sites.
1.2
This policy also outlines the way in which Connexus will deal with requests from residents to install CCTV.
1.3
Scope: The policy applies to the whole of the Group. This means Connexus Homes Limited, (ultimate parent) and all of its subsidiaries.
Problem to solve
2,1
Connexus has a responsibility to provide an environment where, as far as possible, our customers benefit from the quiet enjoyment of their homes. A key element of this is working to prevent anti-social behaviour and crime in and around our properties and to create safe environments where people want to live.
2.2
As a registered provider, Connexus is not subject to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA),however to ensure best practice, we will take account of the guidelines set out in the Information Commissioners Office “CCTV Code of Practice” (appendix 1).
2.3
We will also adopt the Surveillance Cameras Code of Practice for England and Wales and its 12 guiding principles (appendix 2).
2.4
This policy ensures that CCTV is used as an effective tool in preventing and detecting anti-social behaviour and crime whilst ensuring that we are following best practice and acting within the law.
Method/s
CCTV used by Connexus
3.1
Where customers would like Connexus to install permanent CCTV in their area, they should in the first instance contact their Housing Officer or Independent Living Co-ordinator (ILC).
3.2
An initial assessment will always be carried out to determine why CCTV is required together with the likely costs, impact and whether or not planning permission may be required.
3.3
Connexus will only agree to the permanent installation of CCTV following consultation with customers that includes the requirement to fund ongoing maintenance using service charges.
3.4
Connexus may install a temporary camera either in or on a property for a specific purpose such as dealing with anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse.
3.5
The siting of the CCTV cameras will at all times comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the appropriate signage will be displayed to ensure that colleagues, customers and visitors are aware that they are entering an area that is covered by CCTV.
3.6
All images are recorded and securely stored. This is to ensure the rights of individuals recorded by the CCTV are protected and the information can be used effectively for its intended purpose.
3.7
Connexus will follow the National Housing Federations guidance on document retention. Where CCTV images are required for evidence and / or use in court they may be retained for longer periods.
NHF document retention
schedule
Function
Record
type
Retention
trigger
Minimum
statutory
retention
period
Recommended retention
period
2.2
Data
Governance
CCTV
Date of
recording
Minimum
time
necessary
30 days
3.8
Access to recorded images will be restricted to the colleague responsible for management of the relevant area and their line manager. Recorded images may also be viewed by Enforcement Team colleagues in order to collate evidence relating to more significant ASB / tenancy management matters.
3.9
We will disclose CCTV footage (by way of a DVD or other suitable method) to:
Law enforcement agencies, where it is believed that the images will assist in alegal enquiry.
Prosecuting agencies.
Legal representatives.
The media, where a decision has been made by the police that the footage isneeded to assist in identification of the perpetrator of a criminal incident (thewishes of the victim will be taken into account).
3.10
Residents and other third parties may not view CCTV footage, with the exception of residents who have been recorded on the CCTV and make a Data Subject Access Request that has been agreed to
3.11
Connexus will also meet the guidance set out in the “CCTV Code of Practice” relating to the recording of sound
3.12
CCTV Requested by Customers - Permission is required from Connexus before a customer can install CCTV.
3.13
Permission will not be unreasonably withheld, however CCTV that captures sound as well as images is deemed as more intrusive and therefore permission for this is unlikely to be given.
3.14
Should CCTV become implicated in a neighbour dispute or allegation of harassment then Connexus reserves the right to withdraw permission and request that cameras are removed.
Measurement
4.1
Connexus will monitor this policy to ensure that it meets good practice and current legislation.
4.2
Where temporary CCTV is used to prevent or investigate anti-social behaviour, Connexus will record the equipment used; the reason for use; the length of time installed.
4.3
Associated documents:
Anti-social Behaviour Policy
Domestic Abuse Policy
Protection of Freedoms Act
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Responses
1 response has raised comments relating to this consultation.
CCTV - How do you feel about it?
CCTV Policy- Your Thoughts
Please see below our current CCTV Policy, we are looking for your thoughts and opinions on this draft policy, in order to ensure we are creating services that suit customers and communities.
Do you think the Policy makes sense? Does it cover everything it needs to? Have we missed something? Do you think it explains enough and clearly?
Purpose
This policy outlines the way in which Connexus will use Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) at our residential properties and within domestic communal areas or CCTV systems as part of an access system at our Independent Living Schemes. This does policy does not cover CCTV at Connexus’ offices, stores and other non-domestic sites.
This policy also outlines the way in which Connexus will deal with requests from residents to install CCTV.
Scope: The policy applies to the whole of the Group. This means Connexus Homes Limited, (ultimate parent) and all of its subsidiaries.
Problem to solve
Connexus has a responsibility to provide an environment where, as far as possible, our customers benefit from the quiet enjoyment of their homes. A key element of this is working to prevent anti-social behaviour and crime in and around our properties and to create safe environments where people want to live.
As a registered provider, Connexus is not subject to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA),however to ensure best practice, we will take account of the guidelines set out in the Information Commissioners Office “CCTV Code of Practice” (appendix 1).
We will also adopt the Surveillance Cameras Code of Practice for England and Wales and its 12 guiding principles (appendix 2).
This policy ensures that CCTV is used as an effective tool in preventing and detecting anti-social behaviour and crime whilst ensuring that we are following best practice and acting within the law.
Method/s
CCTV used by Connexus
Where customers would like Connexus to install permanent CCTV in their area, they should in the first instance contact their Housing Officer or Independent Living Co-ordinator (ILC).
An initial assessment will always be carried out to determine why CCTV is required together with the likely costs, impact and whether or not planning permission may be required.
Connexus will only agree to the permanent installation of CCTV following consultation with customers that includes the requirement to fund ongoing maintenance using service charges.
Connexus may install a temporary camera either in or on a property for a specific purpose such as dealing with anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse.
The siting of the CCTV cameras will at all times comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the appropriate signage will be displayed to ensure that colleagues, customers and visitors are aware that they are entering an area that is covered by CCTV.
All images are recorded and securely stored. This is to ensure the rights of individuals recorded by the CCTV are protected and the information can be used effectively for its intended purpose.
Connexus will follow the National Housing Federations guidance on document retention. Where CCTV images are required for evidence and / or use in court they may be retained for longer periods.
NHF document retention
schedule
Function
Record
type
Retention
trigger
Minimum
statutory
retention
period
Recommended retention
period
2.2
Data
Governance
CCTV
Date of
recording
Minimum
time
necessary
30 days
Access to recorded images will be restricted to the colleague responsible for management of the relevant area and their line manager. Recorded images may also be viewed by Enforcement Team colleagues in order to collate evidence relating to more significant ASB / tenancy management matters.
We will disclose CCTV footage (by way of a DVD or other suitable method) to:
Residents and other third parties may not view CCTV footage, with the exception of residents who have been recorded on the CCTV and make a Data Subject Access Request that has been agreed to
Connexus will also meet the guidance set out in the “CCTV Code of Practice” relating to the recording of sound
Permission will not be unreasonably withheld, however CCTV that captures sound as well as images is deemed as more intrusive and therefore permission for this is unlikely to be given.
Should CCTV become implicated in a neighbour dispute or allegation of harassment then Connexus reserves the right to withdraw permission and request that cameras are removed.
Measurement
Connexus will monitor this policy to ensure that it meets good practice and current legislation.
Where temporary CCTV is used to prevent or investigate anti-social behaviour, Connexus will record the equipment used; the reason for use; the length of time installed.
Associated documents:
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Responses
Themes