Access to CCTV Footage

Harrogate Borough Council's CCTV Control Room operates to a strict Code of Practice, which is reviewed on an annual basis.

Shown below is an extract from the Code of Practice relating to third party access:

• Access to tapes may be obtained in connection with civil disputes by court order or be extended to lawyers acting for defendants or victims in connection with criminal proceedings.
• No other access will be allowed unless approved by the individual appointed to have day-to-day responsibility for the scheme for reasons, which fall within the purposes and objectives of the scheme and in accordance with the Code of Practice.

It should be noted that evidence tapes are kept for a period of only 31 days before being destroyed unless they are being used as part of an ongoing investigation.

Charges will be made for providing evidence in line with the annual charges set by the Council in relation to CCTV.

Upon receipt of any evidence provided, individuals must:

1. Ensure its secure and safe keeping;
2. Not allow other parties to make copies of the tape;
3. Not show or allow the tape to be shown to any person or parties not directly related to the proceedings the tape has been provided for; and
4. On the completion of the proceedings, return the tape to the CCTV Control Room by registered post.