CCTV

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Introduction

  1. Bourne Grammar School has CCTV systems on-site. Video footage is stored on site and its use will be in strict accordance with this policy.
  2. The Headteacher is responsible for the operation of the system, for ensuring compliance with this policy, ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
  3. As required by law, the School is registered with the Information Commissioners Office, valid until 8th November 2023.

Systems

  1. There are two CCTV systems.
  2. The first system comprises nineteen fixed-position digital cameras, one IP-based digital recorder and numerous information signs.
    1. The cameras described below record constantly, capturing both video and sound. To conserve hard-drive space and to protect individuals' privacy, recordings are automatically deleted by the system after 72 hours. Once a hard drive has reached the end of its useful life it will be erased securely prior to disposal.
    2. Thirteen internal cameras are located outside student toilets around the site.
    3. Four internal cameras are located in the Sixth Form area.
    4. One internal camera is located in the Year 7 pastoral office in the New Block.
    5. One internal camera is located in the Support Room, inside the SEND office.
  3. The second system comprises nine fixed position digital cameras, one IP-based digital recorder and numerous information signs.
    1. These cameras record images constantly. To conserve hard-drive space and to protect individuals' privacy, recordings are automatically deleted by the system after 72 hours. Once the hard drive has reached the end of its use it will be erased securely prior to disposal.
    2. Four external cameras overlook the car park areas.
    3. Four external cameras are located overlooking the playing field, the area known as the Plaza and the playground.
    4. One internal camera is located in the entry porch in reception.
  4. There are no concealed cameras.
  5. Signs are prominently placed at strategic points and at entrance and exit points of the School to inform staff, students and visitors that a CCTV installation is in use to state its purpose.

Purpose of the system

  1. The cameras placed near student toilets have the primary purpose of reducing abuse of the toilets with respect for individuals' privacy. These purposes will be achieved by monitoring the system to:
    1. Deter those having malicious intent towards the toilet facilities,
    2. Assist in the identification of those who deliberately abuse the toilet facilities.
  2. The cameras installed in the sixth form areas have the primary purpose of monitoring and reducing abuse of the sixth form areas. These purposes will be achieved by monitoring the system to:
    1. Deter those having malicious intent towards the facilities,
    2. Assist in the identification of those who deliberately abuse the facilities.
  3. The camera in the support room has the primary purpose of protecting users of the room during lone-working scenarios (e.g. counselling or visiting external professionals). This purpose will be achieved by monitoring the system to:
    1. Aid in fact-verification when necessary.
  4. The car-park cameras have the primary purpose of reducing vandalism of vehicles in the car park. This purpose will be achieved by monitoring the system to:
    1. Deter those having malicious intent towards vehicles,
    2. Assist in the identification of those who deliberately damage vehicles.
  5. The playground cameras have the primary purpose of fact verification in the event of serious incidents. This purpose will be achieved by monitoring the system to:
    1. Aid in fact verification in the event of issues around the School.
  6. The reception camera has the primary purpose of monitoring the reception porch area as visitors, colleagues and students arrive. This purpose will be achieved by monitoring the system to:
    1. To aid in fact verification in the event of issues with individuals in this area of the School.
  7. The systems will not be used for any other purpose.

Access to footage

  1. Images captured by the system will be monitored and recorded onto hard drives on dedicated CCTV recorders, kept in secure locations. When required, CCTV is accessed via a web browser, requiring a username and password which is known only to those granted authority by the Headteacher and Deputy Head (Pastoral).
  2. There is no unauthorised access to the footage at any time. Access will be strictly limited to those granted authority by the Headteacher and Deputy Head. Access will take place in a private location where it cannot be overseen by third parties.
  3. Disclosure of recorded material will only be made to third parties in strict accordance with the purposes of the system and is limited to the following authorities:
    1. People whose images have been recorded and retained,
    2. Emergency services in connection with the investigation of an accident,
    3. Law enforcement agencies where images recorded would assist in a criminal enquiry,
    4. Claimants in civil proceedings.

Access to images by a subject

  1. CCTV digital images, if they show a recognisable person, are personal data and are covered by the Data Protection Act (2018). Anyone who believes that they have been filmed by CCTV is entitled to ask for a copy of the data, subject to exemptions contained in the Act. They do not have the right of instant access.
  2. A person whose image has been recorded and retained and who wishes access to the data must apply in writing to the Data Protection Officer (the Headteacher), including:
    1. The time and date of the recording in question,
    2. The location of the camera in question,
  3. The Data Protection Officer (DPO) will then arrange for a copy of the data to be made and given to the applicant. A response will be provided within thirty days of receiving the required fee and above information.
  4. The Data Protection Act (2018) gives the Data Protection Officer the right to refuse a request for a copy of the data particularly where such access could prejudice the prevention or detection of crime or the apprehension or prosecution of offenders.
  5. If it is decided that a data subject access request is to be refused, the reasons will be fully documented and the data subject informed in writing, stating the reasons.

Complaints

  1. Any complaint should be addressed in the first instant to the Headteacher either in writing, or via [email protected]

Ownership and Date of next review

  1. Policy owned by: Pastoral and Community committee.
  2. Last reviewed and approved on 02 March 2022.
  3. Next review due: March 2024.