CCTV FAQs

What is CCTV?

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is a television system that operates on a “closed loop” basis. Unlike broadcast television which is available to anyone with a suitable receiver, CCTV pictures are only available to those directly connected to the loop, which in the case of Caerphilly county borough is the central monitoring control room. The loop is a physical link consisting of a fibre optic cable that carries the picture from the camera to a monitor.

Who sees the pictures?

Caerphilly County Borough Council employ 6 full time and 9 part time officers who continually monitor the pictures 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Any pictures viewed by the operators can also be seen at the Gwent Police headquarters.

How long are digital recordings kept?

Digital recordings are kept for a maximum period of 31 days unless they are required for evidential purposes in criminal prosecution. In such instances, Gwent Police retain the images until after the court cases are completed, including any appeal which might be made. At the end of the 31-day period, any images not required as potential court evidence are erased.

What are the objectives of the CCTV system in Caerphilly County Borough?

The objectives of the CCTV system are:

The primary objective of the Scheme is to provide a safe environment for the benefit of those who live, work, trade, visit, serve and enjoy the facilities within the areas covered by Caerphilly County Borough Council.

The key objectives of the Scheme are:

• To preserve life and to minimise the risk and danger to the vulnerable through effective CCTV monitoring
• To assist in the detection of crime
• To facilitate the identification, apprehension and prosecution of offenders in relation to crime and public order
• To assist in the restoration of tranquillity and reduction in anti-social behaviour
• To prevent or mitigate interruptions to traffic flow (not to enforce breaches of the traffic law)
• To assist in the reduction of the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour thereby promoting the reassurance of the communities affected and promoting community regeneration throughout the region.

The Scheme specifically excludes:

• Sound recording in public places
• The use of stored images for entertainment purposes or commercial use