CCTV
CCTV (closed circuit television) is used in Walsall to assist with the reduction of crime and the fear of crime through the operation and implementation of an efficient, effective and proactive CCTV service which provides best value for the borough.
The objectives of the Walsall CCTV system are:
- To help reduce the fear of crime
- To help deter crime
- To help detect crime and provide evidential material for court proceedings
- To assist with the safe and efficient movement of people and goods on the strategic highway network
- To enhance community safety, assist in developing the economic well being of the borough area and encourage greater use of the facilities offered across the borough.
- To assist the council in its enforcement and regulatory functions within Walsall area
- To assist in supporting civil proceedings which will help detect crime
Walsall Council has provided a CCTV service to the borough of Walsall since 1996 which now consists of over 120 cameras monitored 24hrs a day 7 days a week by dedicated in-house licensed operators.
The scheme covers Walsall Town Centre, Willenhall, Darlaston, Brownhills, Palfrey, Caldmore, Leamore and Bloxwich.
Camera images are recorded and retained for 31 days, after which they are then deleted from the system removing all recorded images from the system.
Access to the CCTV control room and equipment is restricted at all times. Only trained dedicated control room staff and certain law enforcement agencies are allowed to such areas. Access to all data is similarly restricted.
The CCTV system is operated in accordance with the requirements and the principles of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Data Protection Act 1998.
A CCTV Code of Practice is in place to implement and interpret these requirements for the control room.
Working in partnership with West Midlands Police, CCTV operators have a direct link with the police communications room allowing the quick notification of incidents as they occur.
A retail radio scheme also operators, linking up retail outlets, the CCTV control room and West Midlands Police.
In August 2009 the Walsall Council invested sum of money for the refurbishment and recording upgrade of the CCTV control room. This has allowed the scheme to move away from analogue recording on VHS tape to a fully digital recording system.
Control Room Figures:
2007 | 2008 | 2009 - 24/09/2009 | |
| Total No of incidents | 845 | 1922 | 3290 |
| CCTV Operator generated incidents | 281 | 634 | 790 |
| Tapes released for evidence | 751 | 712 | 387 |
CCTV operators have also completed a total of 10,528 pro-active patrols so far this year.
Subject access – request for CCTV
Walsall Council recives many requests for the viewing of CCTV by members of the public.
If you wish to exercise your rights of subject access as provided for in Section 7 of the Data Protection Act 1998 you will be required to make the request in writing on a standard subject access request form.
All requests for subject access will be dealt with by the Surveillance Unit Manager or nominated deputy. A written response to the request will be provided within 21 days of receipt, either setting out the steps intended to be taken to comply with the request or setting out the reasons for refusing the request.
A fee may be levied for this service. 
Surveillance Unit
In addition the CCTV Control Room has an additional department which is a unique team offering a range of services from CCTV installation right through to conducting surveillance for Walsall Council.
From a basic one camera system to a fully digital 16+ camera set up, the surveillance unit can select and install a package designed to your individual requirements.
They can offer comprehensive maintenance for most CCTV systems and ensure you are compliant with current legislation.
For more information contact the surveillance team: 01922 649921
Contact us
The Surveillance Unit Manager
Walsall Council
PO Box 2117
Walsall
West Midlands
WS1 1GH
Telephone 01922 649921
Fax 01922 724695
This page was last updated on 18 January 2012