Research into the transparency of CCTV and video surveillance entailed the field research documenting and observing video surveillance in Hammersmith. In addition to the submission of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to 10 councils for information on the location of CCTV cameras.
Two councils failed to provide information that was complete or in a format that was useful, and one council Hammersmith & Fulham refused under section S31 to provide the location of council operated video surveillance systems in the borough. Stating the reason, “ because by releasing the information we would fail in a statutory function under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, in failing to protect the public from crime and disorder within the borough.” (email Alison.Ross-Dow@lbhf.gov.uk 22, May 2009)
An appeal was sent into Hammersmith & Fulham and this request was again refused. Resulting in this appeal being sent into the Information Commissioners Office as the refusal to provide the location of CCTV cameras is a violation has created numerous concerns about citizen safety, along with an Article 8 European Charter of Human Rights violations
ARTICLE 8
1. Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence.
2. There shall be no interference by a public authority with the exercise of this right except such as is in accordance with the law and is necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security, public safety or the economic well-being of the country, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.
Identity Trust CIC review of CCTV research asserts, that the use of CCTV for reduction of crime is misleading the public trust as research indicates that CCTV may increase feeling of safety without decreasing crime.
There is a significant lack of contextual integrity in the use of surveillance in this Boroguh. Identity Trust is very concerned that the lack of transparency, the misleading use of public resources and changes in law in recent years are creating systemic issues that are damaging and weakening society. The RIPA Act which is un-modified after the House of Lords recommendation to do so is being used with out transparent process by councils to monitor people using CCTV for petty non-terroist related activities.
Additional regulation where UK citizens are no longer allowed to protest publicly, take pictures of the police, in addition to not knowing when and by who a citizen is being recorded by camera leaves citizens defenseless to protect themselves against undue interference by public authorities and this severely undermines the security of the person.
