The main aim of CCTV in Carlisle is to provide a major contribution to the City Council’s commitment to provide a ‘Cleaner, Greener and Safer’ environment for those who work, visit or live in the district.
CCTV is a very effective tool for crime prevention and detection; it helps prevent the fear of crime and promotes public safety. It also has a positive impact on the local economy and the regeneration of the city.
The Council is responsible for the siting and monitoring of the CCTV cameras in liaison with Cumbria Police.
Pictures from the cameras are continuously monitored at the Council’s CCTV Control Room. The images are recorded and retained for evidential purposes for a period of 28 days.
The Police are informed of any suspicious incidents as they arise and can be directed to the exact location by the CCTV operators.
Types of offences that can lead to arrests include:
CCTV was introduced in Carlisle during 1995, initially to cover the Councils car parks. Since that time it has expanded to include the City Centre, some residential and commercial areas within the city. It also covers the town centres of Brampton and Longtown. There are now over 70 cameras on the system.
The use of the CCTV System is governed by a strict code of practice that is designed to protect the public’s interests and ensure the information collected is used properly and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
It is recognised that the success and effectiveness of the service depends on the quality of the staff that operates and manages the system. To ensure that a high quality service is delivered, all members of staff are trained to BTEC standards, undergo Data Protection training and are licensed by the SIA (Security Industry Authority).
There was a major upgrade to the system in 2006. This included:
The CCTV System in Carlisle will continue to expand in the future, and working closely with the Carlisle and Eden Crime Reduction Partnership, the Council is likely to diversify into the use of rapidly deployable cameras, 4 of these were acquired in 2006 through CDRP funding with the intention of addressing such issues as anti social behaviour.
Contact Information:
Tel: 01228 817200
