Security on the Kingston Gorse Estate
The Board of the Estate has commissioned the installation and use of a CCTV (closed circuit television) and ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) camera systems across the estate. The installation of these systems was introduced to ensure that anti-social and/or criminal activity undertaken on the estate was, wherever possible, captured and subsequently made available to any appropriate person or public body.
The camera systems automatically capture images of all persons and vehicles entering and leaving the estate by one of the public entrances and retains the pictures and data for processing at a later time. Kingston Gorse Estate (Sussex) Limited (“the Company”) understands its obligations relating to these systems under the Data Protection Act and operates the systems within the guidelines provided by the Information Commissioner’s Office entitled “A data protection code for surveillance cameras and personal information”. This guide can be found here.
Some relevant aspects of the code that the Board has actioned are:
• Identified clearly defined and specific purposes for the use of information captured.
• Documented procedures, based on the code, on how information should be handled in practice.
• Put in place procedures for ensuring that standards are set and that the systems comply with the data protection code and legal obligations, such as an individual’s right of access.
• Implemented proactive checks on a regular basis to ensure that documented procedures are being complied with
If a Member of the Company wishes to understand more fully any specific items of the code the Board has adopted in operating the systems or how, in appropriate circumstances, they can obtain data retained by the system, they should in the first instance reference the code and if that doesn’t address their query or concern contact Alan Morcombe using the contact us form above with their specific requirements. Complaints about either the operation or use of the systems or failure to comply with the requirements of the code should be sent to us using the contact us form above.
An annual check of compliance with the code is undertaken as follows: Operational statement: The CCTV and ANPR systems and the images and data produced by it are controlled by Kingston Gorse Estate (Sussex) Limited who is responsible for how the system is used and for notifying (if necessary) the Information Commissioner of the Data Protection Act 1998.
The Board of the Company has considered the need for using CCTV and ANPR and have decided it is required for the prevention and detection of anti-social behaviour and detection of crime and for protecting the safety of residents. It will not be used for other purposes. We conduct an annual review of our use of the systems.
The Board confirms that:
• It has registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office regarding its use of CCTV and ANPR systems installed on the Kingston Gorse Estate.
• There is a named individual who is responsible for operating the systems.
• The problems we are trying to address have been clearly defined and installing cameras is the best solution. This decision will be reviewed on a regular basis.
• A system has been installed which produces clear images which the law enforcement bodies (usually the Police) can use to investigate crime and these can be taken from the systems when required.
• Cameras have been positioned to avoid capturing the images of persons not visiting the estate.
• There are visible signs on the approach road to the estate advising that CCTV is in operation.
• Images from the CCTV and ANPR systems are securely stored, where only a limited number of persons may have access to them.
• The recorded images and data will only be retained long enough for any incident to come to light (e.g. for a theft to be noticed) and the incident investigated.
• Except for law enforcement bodies, images will not be provided to third parties.
• The potential impact on individuals’ privacy has been identified and taken into account in the use of the system.
• The Board knows how to respond to individuals making requests for copies of their own images.
• Regular checks are carried out to ensure that the systems are working properly and producing high quality images and accurate data.
In addition to the CCTV and ANPR camera system, the Estate employs security guards to check that vehicles wishing to gain access to the estate have either an authorised car screen sticker on display or, are able to explain why they require access before they are allowed to enter. This restriction is to ensure that the estate roads are not overwhelmed with casual visitors during the summer months. Residents wishing to ensure that their own and their families vehicles are allowed access to the estate with minimal delay, should request a car window sticker from Alan Morcombe using the contact us form above, who will issue stickers and record such action.