CCTV provides a vaulable tool for the States of Jersey Police in the prevention and detection of crime.
But while the force has a number of cameras a number of CCTV systems are under private ownership around the island.
Their use are overseen by the Data Protection Commissioner.
Premises should be assessed to establish what level of CCTV system is appropriate or required. If deemed necessary, a written operational requirement should be prepared. This will establish whether the system will need to be registered with the Data Protection Commissioner. Basic functions do not require registration but more detailed functions such as the monitoring of staff do.
The image quality setting of recorded images must be set to the operational requirements rather than to minimise the storage capacity. The system must be capable of producing images to the PSDB Identification and Recognition Standard. Details of the standards are available from recognised installers and the States of Jersey Police Crime Reduction officer.
Systems are often set to over-record images after a set period of time. Where practicable, the system should be capable of recording and retaining 31 days of images before over-recording.
Recording equipment should be stored in a secure area (i.e. management office) with access restricted to authorised staff only.
Complex building shapes create hiding places, which reduce both natural surveillance and the effectiveness of CCTV systems and should be avoided.
The interior design of the facility should ensure that entrance/exit positions, including emergency exits, are easily visible from behind the bar, reception or serving area. CCTV should be used if this is not possible.
If separate rooms or mezzanine floors are provided, the use of CCTV to cover these areas is essential.
CCTV coverage should be provided of toilet entrances and lobby areas. The management/cash office should be incorporated into an intruder alarm security system.
Where a CCTV system is present, it should be compatible with requirements of any CCTV system installed.
The preferred external lighting source is either High-Pressure Sodium vapour (SON-DL or SDW-T) or Metal Halide (MBI) which give good colour rendition. Low-Pressure Sodium vapour (SOX or SOX-E) lighting is not compatible with quality CCTV systems and should be avoided.
Download Home Office CCTV operational requirements manual 2009 (4 mb) Download States of Jersey CCTV Code of practice 2005 (1 mb)
Download Police requirements for CCTV
