CCTV and surveillance

How and when we use CCTV or use surveillance.

We operate surveillance equipment within some of our services for the purpose of either, public and staff safety, or the prevention and detection of crime. CCTV is also installed on the outside of some of our buildings for the purposes of monitoring building security and crime prevention and detection.

Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) who undertake the enforcement of parking restrictions, are each equipped with a Body Worn Video Device (BWVD), which has both video and audio recording capability. 

Images captured by CCTV will be kept in accordance with the council’s Retention and Disposal Schedule.  However, on occasions there may be a need to keep images for longer, for example where a crime is being investigated.  Images can be requested by writing to: dataprotection@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk  

We will only disclose images and audio to other authorised bodies who intend to use it for the purposes stated above.  Images and audio will not be released to the media for entertainment purposes or placed on the internet for public viewing.

We operate CCTV and disclose in accordance with the codes of practice issued by the Information Commissioner and Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner.

CCTV Requests

The Police are permitted to request footage under the Data Protection Act 2018 (Schedule 2).

Officers making requests must present a completed Schedule 2 Form, signed by the authorised officer to confirm that the information is needed for the detection or prevention of a specific crime.

Schedule 2 Forms should be submitted by email to: dataprotection@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Personal and business (insurance and solicitors) applicants should complete the CCTV and Surveillance - Request Form (doc , 282KB)

Completed forms should be accompanied by the relevant proof of identity or authorisation. Failure to provide the required evidence will result in the council refusing requests.