CCTV and the City 

Frequently asked questions

How long has City of London had its present CCTV System?

The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system was installed in 1997 at which point the existing CCTV system had been in place for five years.  However, the Force did have CCTV cameras in place for a number of years prior to that.

How many cameras are there?

Numbers are approximate as they often change but as of Summer 2008 there are more than 100 CCTV cameras and around 80 ANPR cameras.

How much (approximately) did the system cost to set-up?

In 1997 it cost £2.8million to update the system - this works out at 0.8% of the financial cost to the community of the Bishopsgate bomb in 1993.

What geographic area (in square miles or kms) does the CCTV system cover?

The City of London is an area of 1.2 square miles and the CCTV system covers that area.

Is there any relationship between the expansion of the CCTV System and crime figures going down, or crimes reported, or criminals apprehended?

Following the introduction of the ANPR system there are 1-2 stolen cars identified as entering the City per day - this is an increase – but it could be argued that the numbers have not increased it’s just that the Force has a more efficient system in place to record these figures. 

However, it is very hard to quantify or judge the effect of CCTV on crime figures, as the City is historically a relatively low crime area.

What are the basic rules governing the use of CCTV cameras? What restrictions do operators have?

The rules and regulations covering the use of CCTV are incorporated into the Data Protection Act and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act – details of which can be found on the internet. 

CCTV operators need to be mindful of people's privacy and the Force monitors what operatives are viewing with the cameras.  When CCTV footage is released to TV crews it is imperative that the Force is adhering to the Association of Chief Police officers (ACPO) media guidelines, which stipulate that there must be a policing purpose for releasing the images.

How long is CCTV footage kept?

Under current legislation images can be stored for as long as they are needed if they are required as evidence'.

How many CCTV operators are there on each shift?

As well as the rest of the control room staff there are two dedicated camera operators per shift.

How do local businesses and residents react to the CCTV System?

They are very positive about it, in fact local business people encourage City of London Police to get more cameras.