CCTV

Our CCTV - Closed Circuit Television - System consists of 19 cameras, which are monitored on a 24 hour/7 days a week basis by council employed staff in a purpose built control room at Reading Police Station.

These cameras are located in Wokingham, Woodley and Lower Earley. The Police are informed of suspicious incidents as they arise and can be directed to the exact location by CCTV operators.

The system operates in accordance with a Code of Practice that complies with current legislation including the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Acts as well as the Regulation of Investigatory Authorities Act, which regulates how statutory authorities carry out surveillance. We also operate a radio system in Wokingham town centre which compliments the CCTV system and is monitored in the CCTV control room.

Is it effective?

We undertake an annual internal assessment of its scheme to evaluate its effectiveness against the stated purpose of the scheme. If the scheme is not achieving its purpose it should be discontinued or modified. This process is considered to be good practice under the CCTV Code of Practice issued under the Data Protection Act.

Under the Private Security Industry Act all contracted CCTV operators are required to obtain licences from the Security Industry Authority in order to operate CCTV in Public Space Surveillance. All those working within the CCTV Control Room have successfully qualified for the licence.

How can CCTV can combat crime?

CCTV has proved effective in both cutting and detecting crime and because of this people now feel safer when they're out and about.

The Home Office states CCTV surveillance is particularly valuable when used as part of a wider crime reduction strategy, thus strengthening the partnership with the local police.

Types of offences that can lead to arrests include: 

• Theft from shops
• Pick-pocketing
• Possession of drugs
• Assault
• Unauthorised taking of motor vehicles
• Public order offences
• Vandalism / criminal damage