CCTV Code of Practice

1. Introduction

1.1 This Code of Practice explains the purpose, use, and management of the CCTV installations at the University of Westminster.

1.2 The purposes of the CCTV installations are:

  • the protection of staff, students, visitors, and the assets of the University;
  • the prevention, investigation and detection of crime and disciplinary offences in accordance with the University disciplinary procedures;
  • the apprehension and prosecution of offenders (including the use of images/data as evidence in criminal / civil proceedings);
  • the monitoring of the security of premises.

1.3 The principles of the Code of Practice are:

  • that individuals' rights are respected and protected;
  • that the installations are operated fairly and within the law;
  • that the CCTV system is operated for the purposes for which it was set up;
  • that the recorded material/data stored is fairly and lawfully processed;
  • that recorded material/data is adequate, relevant and not excessive for the purposes;
  • that recorded material/data is accurate, securely stored, and not kept for longer than is necessary.

1.4 This Code of Practice has been developed in consultation with staff and students within the University and approved by the Vice Chancellor's Executive Group.

2. Definitions: CCTV Installations and Recorded Material

2.1 The CCTV installations comprise all fixed cameras, printer monitors, signs, recording and playing equipment, information, material, data, and any ancillary equipment required for the operation of the installations (e.g. cabling, printers, power supplies).

2.2 Recorded material/data means any material recorded by the installations, either in digital or analogue form on video cassette tape, PC computer system tape, hard copy print, or any document copy.

2.3 The recorded material/data are the property of the University of Westminster.

2.4 A list of CCTV installations as at June 2001 is given in Appendix A. This will be updated and re-issued as required.

3. CCTV Operation

3.1 The University officers with accountability for ensuring compliance with this Code of Practice and the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 are:

  • Provosts, for academic buildings;
  • the Halls of Residence Estate Manager, for the Halls of Residence buildings.

3.2 Campus Service Managers (CSMs) are responsible to the Provosts for the operation of the CCTV system in academic buildings.

3.3 The Halls of Residence Managers (HoRMs) are responsible to the Halls of Residence Estate Manager for operation of the CCTV systems in the Halls of Residence.

3.4 For the purpose of compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998:

  • the CSMs are the Data Controllers for their Campus and are responsible to the Provosts in this capacity;
  • the HoRMs are the Data Controllers for their Hall of Residence and are responsible to the Halls of Residence Estate Manager in this capacity.

3.5 The CSMs and HoRMs will ensure that their systems are operated strictly in compliance with this Code of Practice.

3.6 The CCTV systems operating companies (see 4 below) will operate the CCTV systems in a manner which complies with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act 1998.

3.7 The systems will be operated 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year with images/pictures from the cameras being available to be continuously monitored by authorised staff.

4. Systems Operating Companies

4.1 The systems will be operated on behalf of CSMs and HoRMs by the University's Security Contractors. These are currently:

  • Harrow Academic Buildings PEGASUS SECURITY LTD
  • London Academic Buildings ICTS/ (UK Ltd)
  • Harrow Halls of Residence EXTREME SECURITY LTD
  • London Halls of Residence ICTS/ (UK LTD)

4.2 Although the security contractor companies operate the CCTV equipment, the legal responsibility under the current legislation rests with the Data Controllers as defined above.

4.3 The Security Contractors are subject to this Code of Practice.

5. Procedures for Operating CCTV Systems.

5.1 CCTV systems will not be installed or operated on University property other than for the purposes detailed at paragraph 1. The procedures for operation shall be as follows:

5.1.1 Location of CCTV Systems
The CCTV camera positions shall be determined by the relevant Provost or the Halls of Residence Estate Manager with advice from the Health and Safety Adviser and CSMs as appropriate; no other camera positions will be allowed.
Cameras will not be situated such that images can be obtained of areas which do not require surveillance in accordance with the purposes of the installation.
Each area of the University buildings/premises monitored by CCTV systems will be identified by a sign/notice in the format detailed at Appendix B.

5.1.2 Recordings
The CCTV equipment installations shall be fit for the purposes detailed in the Code of Practice at paragraph 1.
The equipment will perform properly and provide clear images/data, and the tapes used will be of sufficient quality (no deterioration) to allow previous recorded images to be seen.
The equipment which records material/data and features the location of the camera and/ or date and time reference will be accurate.
Only high quality tapes will be used and will be replaced by new tapes once they have been used to the limit detailed in the manufacturer's instructions.
The CCTV camera images will be recorded continuously in time-lapse mode, capturing images/data every few seconds.
A maintenance log/record will be kept, indicating that images/data recorded is accurate, and cameras and recording system are working correctly.

5.1.3 Sites of Recording Equipment

Recording equipment will be located in a secure room where access is limited to:

  • the Data Controller and his/her support staff;
  • the Systems Operating Company staff;
  • equipment maintenance staff, as required;
  • specialist editing company staff, as required (see 6.7 below).

When recorded tapes are being viewed, access by other personnel will be refused.

Access to the CCTV recording equipment by these and any other persons will be documented and such records kept for a twelve (12) month period.

5.1.4  Handling Recorded Material
A video cassette tape log shall be kept which provides a record of individual tape usage for the period covered.
Both analogue and digital video recordings are to be kept for a period of 28 days after recording, then erased completely, and the tapes reused; tapes shall be re-used only to the limit detailed in the manufacturer's instructions.
A log/record sheet to the format detailed at Appendix C shall be kept at each recording location where record/material data is made.

5.1.5  Recording Material Life
Video cassettes are to be reused only up to the limit detailed in the manufacturer's instructions.
Video tapes are then to be erased and disposed of securely. This action should be recorded and signed for in the log/record sheet.

5.1.6 Viewing Recorded Material

The right to view recorded material is restricted to the following persons:

  • authorised employees/contractors;
  • the Police (Metropolitan Police and other authorised UK Police Authority staff) in support of a criminal investigation;
  • accused persons or defendants in criminal proceedings;
  • witnesses to alleged crimes, to assist Police or University crime investigations;
  • plaintiffs and defendants in civil proceedings;
  • solicitors/legal representatives;
  • statutory authorities with powers to prosecute (e.g. Customs and Excise, Trading Standards officers);
  • disciplinary panel members where recorded material is being presented in evidence in a disciplinary case.
  • maintenance contractors in carrying out performance checks of the equipment;
  • staff of specialist editing companies in editing the tapes to meet the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 (see 6.7 below).

The only circumstances under which recorded material shall be released for publication by television or photographic media is where it is essential for the identification to the general public of a person wanted for or convicted of a crime, assault, violence, substantial theft, or fraud. This shall only be with the joint agreement of the investigating police officer's supervising Inspector and the Vice Chancellor.

5.1.7  Authorising Tape Viewing/Copying of Recorded Material
Data Controllers will authorise tape viewing. Authorisation shall be given only where examination of the recording is being carried out in accordance with the purposes and principles of this Code of Practice.
Tapes identified as containing information relevant to an investigation are to be secured within an approved safe.

5.1.8  Custody of Recorded Material
No Recorded Material shall be taken from the recording system secure area unless authorised by Data Controllers.
This authorisation is to be provided in writing to the format detailed at Appendix D. Logs are to be kept of all data viewing and tape removals in the formats detailed at Appendix E and F.

5.1.9  Maintenance
The CCTV installations will be maintained in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations by a specialist company under contract to the University.
Before selection this contractor will demonstrate that its company procedures are in full compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
This contract will also provide for a defect response 'call out' time of less than four hours.
These maintenance checks will in particular provide an assessment that the equipment is functioning at its optimum performance and that its location time/data referencing information (where this facility is provided) is accurate.
The results of these inspections shall be recorded in a system maintenance log in the format shown at Appendix G.

5.1.10Training
The University will provide a training programme for the Data Controllers covering the operational features of the system, the operational procedures to be used, and the requirements in respect of CCTV operation of the Data Protection Act 1998.
The University will require training for all security personnel operating the CCTV systems which provides full acknowledgement and awareness of the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act 1998.
All CCTV operators shall be trained in their responsibilities under this Code of Practice, including the procedures for persons to have access to recorded material/data.

6. Applying to View a Tape

6.1 University staff, students and other individuals using the University premises (e.g. visitors, contractors) may apply to view a tape.

6.2 The request must be made in writing to the CSM/HoRM responsible for the building in which the CCTV installation is located.

6.3 The request should give the date, location, and time of the recording required for viewing and a reason for the request. The reason must comply with one of the purposes set out in paragraph 1.

6.4 Requests must be received within 28 days, before the tape is re-used. The CSM /HoRM will set aside the relevant tape and refer the request as appropriate to either the Provost or the Halls of Residence Estates Manager.

6.5 The Provosts/Hall of Residence Estate Manager will consider each request according to the circumstances and decide whether access to view tapes will be permitted. This consideration will take account of compliance with the purposes set out in paragraph 1. Requests to view tapes for personal interest will not be granted.

6.6 In compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act 1998 applicants may view only themselves. Requests to view other persons will be refused other than in the circumstances detailed in 5.1.6 above.

6.7 When an individual is permitted to view a tape, details by which another individual may be identified will be masked out. This restriction will require tapes to be edited. Such editing will be carried out by a specialist company under contract to the University. This company's contract will require it to carry out such work in full compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

7. Data Protection Act 1998

7.1 The University's CCTV installations will be registered under the Data Protection Act 1998 and all release of information will be in accordance with the registration.

7.2 An exemption to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 covers the disclosure of information for the purposes of:

  • Preventing or detecting crime
  • Apprehending or prosecuting offenders
  • Assessing or collecting any tax or duty
This exemption applies only where non-disclosure would be likely to prejudice one of these purposes.

8. Code of Practice Audit

8.1 The operation of this Code of Practice will be audited annually by personnel nominated by the University Secretary. Staff and students will be consulted. The results of this audit will be available to all staff.

9. System Description

9.1 Leaflets describing the CCTV system, its purpose and operation will be provided at each building reception and will be issued to staff and students on request.

10. Complaints Procedure and Enquiry service 

10.1 The system description leaflet will provide a pro forma for complaints and enquiries on the use of each system. 
10.2 Written responses will be provided to members of staff, students and members of the public to complaints and queries within 21 days of their receipt. A record of all complaints and enquiries will be kept. This record will show the action taken in each case. Examination of this record will form part of the annual audit of the system.

APPENDIX A

System

Camera Position

Position of Monitor

Cavendish Campus

Main Reception (2 in No)

Polyclinic
Metford to Medway Link
3rd Floor Computer Laboratory
No 1 Lecture Theatre
Corridor to 2nd Floor New Cavendish Street
Loading Bay
Car Park Entrance
3rd Floor Library Reception
3rd Floor Library Corridor
3rd Floor Computer Laboratory
(All fixed cameras)
Main Reception
Polyclinic Reception
Main Reception
" "
" "
Main Reception
Main Reception
Main Reception
3rd Floor Library Reception
3rd Floor Library Reception
3rd Floor Library Reception
Harrow Campus
Harrow Campus
(cont)
Pan & Tilt Cameras
Perimeter Road
West Entrance, Harrow
Goods Inwards, Back Road
Main Car Park, Looking at Main
Entrance
Hall Car Park, Looking at Gym
Station Entrance, Northwick Park
Playgroup, Halls Block N
Sports Field, Halls Block D
East Entrance, From Northwick St
Gate M Block, Back Road
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Gate G Block, Back Road
Cash Office, A Block 5th Floor
Post Room, C Block
Main Reception, Front of House
Street Entrance, Main Entrance
Business School, Main Corridor
Lift Lobby, Block A
1st 2nd North, Block A
1st 2nd West, Block A
1st East & West, Lift Lobby
Polygon
Car Park Hall, Core 5 & 7, 2 in
Reception Hall Entrance
Halls of Residence Station Entrance
Computer Room 7 & 8, F Block F Block Ground
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Security Lodge Block A
Harrow School of
Computer Science
A Block
Rooms 104,105,106,109,110, 111, 203, 204, 205, 209, 208, 210, 211,
E Block Rooms 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 4.3,1.5
A Block Rooms 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 7.1,
7.2, 7.3, 7.4,
Corridor 6th Floor 2 in No
HSCS A2.8 Computer
Communication
Centre
" "
A 6.4
A 7.4a
A 2.8 HSCS-CCC
A 2.8
Harrow Library
Main Entrance
Ground Floor Left
Ground Floor LG.18
1st Floor Entrance
1st Floor L1.15
1st Floor east
1st FloorL1.10
1st L1.9
1st Floor L1.8
1st Floor North
2nd Floor Entrance
2nd Floor East
2nd Floor L2.11
2nd Floor North
2nd Floor South East.
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Learning Resource Centre Reception
Regent Campus, Wells Street Building
Fixed external located at rear of building
Lift lobby of Basement
Bar Area Ground Floor
Bar Area Ground Floor
Ground Floor, Rear StairWell
Bar, Ground Floor
Bar, Ground Floor
Ground Floor Reception lobby
Room G03
Building Reception
Building Reception
Building Reception
Building Reception
Building Reception
Building Reception
Building Reception
Building Reception
Building Reception
Regent Campus, 4-12 LTS
Reading Room (East)
Entrance to Reading Room
Above LG Book Alarm
Basement Lift Lobby
360° internal in Basement Library
Basement Library by photocopier
Upper level of Basement Library
Reading Room West
Café West Entrance
Inside Café West
East Staircase leading from Ground Floor
Above Fire exit to RHS, West side
Library Issue Area, Ground Floor
Ground Floor Book Alarm (East Corridor)
2nd Floor Book Alarm
2nd Floor Corridor
3rd Floor Book Alarm
4th Floor Book Alarm
1st Floor Library (East)
1st Floor Library (West) (360o)
360° internal In Computer Room 511
360° internal In Computer Room 512
Fixed internal over fire exit East on 1st Floor (Outer)
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Regent Campus, 4-12 LTS (cont)
Fixed internal over fire exit West on 1st Floor (Inner)
Fixed internal in Ground Floor Corridor West
Fixed external in RHS
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Regent Street Campus, Regent Street
Internal Cinema Foyer
Reception, Ground Floor
Outside Deep End
Outside (East) entrance to Deep End in Basement
Mezzanine level of Deep End
Cavendish Passage
External to Room 115
Base of stairs to Deep End
Outside Boardroom
1st Floor Front corridor
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Ground Floor Control Room
Marylebone Road
(Marylebone Building)
Marylebone Road
(Site Cameras)
Provost/Management Office Area Ground Floor Marylebone Block
Stair Case 1 East Ground Floor level
Marylebone Block
Stair Case 1 Existing to Podium Area
Ground level
Inside Admission and Marketing Office Ground Floor
Inside Coursework lobby area
Ground Floor
Finance Office
Counter Ground Floor
Post Graduate Office Reception
Ground Floor
Undergraduate Office Reception
Ground Floor
Stair case 3 West End Ground Floor
Main Building Ground Floor Exterior Fire Exit
Chilton Block Ground Floor Corridor
Looking South
Parking level 1 Corridor Post Room
Loading Bay car park level 1 Car park ramp Level 1
West exit parking Level 1
Main Reception Entry/Exit Ground Floor
Main Reception Exit to Podium Ground Floor
East Exit car parking area level 1
6th Floor Stair Well One East End
Main Reception Area Luxborough Block
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Security Control Room
Marylebone Library
(Luxborough Block)
Library Reception Area
Podium Entrance
Main Entrance to Library
Rear Counter Library
Luxborough Block
Main Library area
Podium Level
First Floor Photo Copy
Area Library Entrance
First Floor Main Door
Library Entrance
First Floor Main Entrance
To Main Library Lobby
First Floor Library Counter
View left to right
First Floor Library Corridor
Leading to Photo copy room
And Fire Exit
Second Floor Library
Lobby outside Silent Study Room
Inside Second Floor Library Area
Facing East
Inside Second Floor Library South East
Corner
Main Entrance to Third Floor
Library Facing East
Third Floor Fire Exit
East Side looking West
Library Counter First Floor
Library Counter First Floor
Library Counter First Floor
Library Counter First Floor
Library Counter First Floor
Library Counter First Floor
Library Counter First Floor
Library Counter First Floor
Library Counter First Floor
Library Counter First Floor
Library Counter First Floor
Library Counter First Floor
Library Counter First Floor
Library Counter First Floor
Marylebone HoR
Internal Dome camera facing
Halls external entrance
Fixed camera outside exit/entry to halls parking level 1
Ground Floor
Halls Reception
Ground Floor
Halls Reception
Alexander Fleming
Entrance to A01-6

Entrance to A07-12
Entrance B01
Block C Rear yard
2 x Car Park
Reception
Reception
Reception
Reception
Reception
Furnival Hall
Outside Side Entrance
Front Entrance
Inside Side Entrance
Inside of Basement
Entrance
Reception
Reception
Reception
Reception
International House
Main Entrance
Inside of Main Entrance
Reception
Reception
Wigram House
Outside Main Entrance
Inside of Main Entrance
Reception
Reception

APPENDIX B

CCTV IN OPERATION

CCTV Surveillance is for security purposes

Operating company is (Security Contractor)

Details regarding this system can be obtained from (Campus Site Manager)

APPENDIX C

Video Tape Log for CCTV System at
Tape No
Period of Use
1
Period of Use
2
Period of Use
3
Period of Use
4
Period of Use
5
Period of Use
6
Date of Erasing / Destroying
Tape/s
Name of Person Erasing / Destroying
Tape/s
Signature of Person Erasing / Destroying Tape/s

APPENDIX D

From:Data Controller Name:
Position within University:
Address:
To:  Systems Operating Company Officer
Operating Company Name
CCTV Tape Authorisation to View/Remove Tapes
(Name, Address, Telephone Number of Person being authorised) is hereby authorised to view/remove (delete that not applicable) CCTV tapes covering the period __________________________ to _______________________ for the purpose of (give reason)_______________________________________________________________ providing images at the following locations.
Please make the necessary arrangements ensuring that all the requirements of the University CCTV Code of Practice are followed.
Signature___________________________

Name______________________________

APPENDIX E

Tape Viewing Log for CCTV System at ____________________________________________
Date
Tape/s Nos.
Location of Camera
Time Period of Tape/s
Person giving Authorisation for Viewing*
Name/s of Person Viewing Tape/s
Outcome
Sign and Name/s of Viewing Officers

* Provost HOR Estate. Manager Data Controller. 

APPENDIX F

 

Tape Removal Log
SYSTEMS
Date of Removal
Tape No.
Camera Positions
Period Covered by Tapes
Reason for Removal
Crime Report No.
Person Authorising Removal
Signature of Receiving
Officer
Name & Address of Officer (*) Receiving Tape/s
Date Returned
* When Police Officer (Address of Police Station)

APPENDIX G

Maintenance Log for CCTV System at
Part A Security
Date
Result of Inspection
Signature
Name
Part B Defect Log
Date
Defect
Reported by
Reported To

Time and Date of Rectification