Overt Surveillance
Find out how and why we use body worn video, drones, CCTV, ANPR and other overt cameras.
ANPR
We use ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology to help detect, deter and disrupt criminal activity at a local, force, regional and national level. This includes travelling criminals (those using the road network to avoid being caught), organised crime groups and terrorists. You can find out more on our ANPR page.
Body worn video
All of our officers now have access to the latest body worn video (BWV) technology, helping to keep them and the public safer.
Body worn video is helping to secure more successful and speedier convictions, investigations are being speeded up and false allegations about officer behaviour, which can lead to lengthy and costly investigations, have reduced dramatically.
The video cameras sit neatly on officers’ stab vests and are constantly capturing the action, meaning that when officers feel they need the camera to be in use, a simple press of a button will activate the technology − and, importantly, will save the previous 30 seconds of visual footage.
If you are unhappy with the way an officer has used BWV, you can make a complaint online by visiting this link.
Drones
We use drones to provide vital aerial support across the region. Drones allow our officers to see more, reach further, and respond faster to incidents, often in situations where traditional helicopters cannot go.
They are a cost-effective, agile tool that helps us protect the public, locate vulnerable people, and gather evidence.
Our Drone Unit is operational 24/7 and supports a wide range of policing activities such as search and rescue, major event crowd safety, crime scene and collision investigation and tactical support.
CCTV systems
Our officers can use closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to help collect evidence, solve problems and keep people safe. For example, CCTV systems can be used in places affected by anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime. Not only does the video evidence help identify offenders, the cameras can also be a deterrent themselves.
Another area where CCTV is routinely used is in the custody facilities of police buildings. The cameras are an important safeguarding tool as they record both officers and people being brought in to custody.
Other overt cameras
On some occasions our police officers will use other visible cameras. For example, our Evidence Gathering Teams and football spotters will often use cameras at events such as football matches or protests. The cameras are used to collect evidence and help keep people safe.
The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice
We have completed the Surveillance Camera Commissioner (SCC) self-assessment tool to ensure that our camera usage complies with the Code of Practice. You can find out more by reading our self-assessment forms.