Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Place.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the Body Worn Video Cameras Policy and the use of Body Worn Video Cameras across the City Council’s enforcement activities.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which sought approval for the use of Body Worn Video Cameras for enforcement activities, ensuring the protection of the public and the prevention of crime across the City, when Council officers are engaged in enforcement activities. An example copy of a body worn camera was presented at the meeting.

Particular reference was made to:-

·    22 of body worn cameras had been purchased earlier in the year using funding from the UK shared prosperity fund;

·    the cameras would address growing levels of Anti-social Behaviour, notably in the city centre; and

·    in a first phase approach, the cameras would be used by the car parks team and new community safety team as part of their daily duties.

During the discussion, Executive Members raised the following points and questions:-

·         although there was increased accountability and evidence gathering needed, there were also concerns relating to privacy, data rights and storage;

·         the EQIA referred to a risk of unconscious bias, had  this been factored into training for officers?

·         the cameras had a screen, which when activated would display what’s being recorded;

·         it was important to protect both citizens and officers when gathering evidence; and

·         what was the storage retention for the camera footage? and

·         if recordings were stored for 30 days, would residents be able to request copies of the footage?

The Deputy Leader & Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services and City Centre advised that filming and data management was covered under the current CCTV control room camera usage policy and that the EQIA focussed on cameras being there to protect officers. It was assumed that with cameras operating, it would deter certain behaviours, which was a positive impact

Councillor Moore spoke on the item as opposition group leader and raised the following points and questions:-

·         welcomed the recommendations to protect officers;

·         enquired about the the duration of the trial period and where would the results be reported to for longer term use? and

·         the EQIA section on religion hadn’t been completed, considering there were some discrimination issues related to various faiths.

In response to questions raised, the Strategic Director for Place and the Interim Director – Environment, Waste and Operations (SL) advised that:-

·         the proposal was to introduce body worn cameras initially for the car parking and community safety team with a view to provide to other teams in due course;

·         body worn cameras were covered under the council-wide CCTV policy with staff who were security industry trained and appropriately checked and qualified;

·         staff would be unable to download or access footage with security mechanisms in place;

·         if footage was required for evidential purposes, there were appropriate forms to available to justify the request;

·         the data retention period was 30 days, which was consistent with security industry authorities’ guidance and the information commissioner;

·         residents could make a Subject Access Request (SAR) for a copy of the footage and procedures for release would also then apply;

·         body worn cameras were common place and supported better behaviour towards staff.

In response to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 133