Issue - meetings

1.    To agree the adoption of the new CCTV policy 2024 – 2028.

2.    To delegate Authority to Associate Director of Corporate, Customer and Community to authorise minor changes to the policy, such as terminology, clarification, or administrative corrections with no significant impact.

Councillor Andrew Scarth moved the recommendation as set out in the report, seconded by Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst.

Councillor Tom Smith left the meeting at 21:12 and returned at 21:13.

Members considered the recommendation discussing the need to reduce the operating costs associated with the Community Crime Data Base (CCDB) while ensuring effective monitoring and data protection. A potential to explore a partnership with the Hertfordshire CCTV Partnership was suggested to enhance resource sharing and reduce expenses. However, Members pointed out that investigations revealed the proposals infeasibility due to the unique data handling of the Council’s existing camera systems, which differ from those used by other councils.

It was highlighted that community consultation showed a clear favour for the implementation of these security measures, reinforcing the argument that this initiative is not only sensible but also beneficial for the residents.

On being put to Council the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair of Council having been agreed by general assent.

RESOLVED:

1.   To agree the adoption of the new CCTV policy 2024 – 2028.

2.     To delegate Authority to Associate Director of Corporate, Customer and Community to authorise minor changes to the policy, such as terminology, clarification, or administrative corrections with no significant impact.

The New CCTV Policy replaces the Three Rivers District Council CCTV Codes of Practice 2021 and forms part of a wider CCTV review currently taking place at Three Rivers District Council. The review includes the purchase of new Community Safety Partnership CCTV cameras, this new policy and an agreement with Hertfordshire County Council to attach CCTV cameras to their street furniture.

The policy depicts Three Rivers District Council’s approach to both CCTV systems owned and operating in the district. The two systems, Three Rivers District Council CCTV system (TRDC CCTV) and Three Rivers Community Safety Partnership CCTV system (TRCSP CCTV), are monitored, maintained and operate separate from one another. The policy outlines the cameras positions, who is responsible for them and the legislation that they operate under.

Recommendation

       i.          That Policy and Resources to agree the adoption of the new CCTV policy 2024 – 2028 and recommend  to Council.

And

      ii.          The Committee agrees to give delegated Authority to Associate Director of Corporate, Customer and Community to authorise minor changes to the policy, such as terminology, clarification, or administrative corrections with no significant impact.

Rebecca Young, Head of Strategy and Partnerships, presented the report. She explained that this was the first such policy to be considered by the Council.

The committee discussed the budget for CCTV camera maintenance, noting that maintenance costs were met from revenue budgets, which were under review, whereas the costs for new cameras were funded from Community Infrastructure Levy funding.

The Head of Strategy and Partnerships agreed to provide a written response to a question from Councillor Oliver Cooper relating to operating models for CCTV monitoring and maintenance.

RESOLVED:

1. That Policy and Resources to agree the adoption of the new CCTV policy 2024 – 2028 and recommends it to Council.
2. The Committee agrees to give delegated Authority to Associate Director of Corporate, Customer and Community to authorise minor changes to the policy, such as terminology, clarification, or administrative corrections with no significant impact