Body worn cameras (BWC)/CCTV

Body worn cameras (BWC) may be worn by all security staff on patrol from 29 January, 2021.

They have been introduced to protect students and staff and help us build a stronger and safer community.

They help us detect, prevent and reduce crime on campus, protecting everyone in our community. They will:

  • help ensure appropriate behaviour from:
    • security staff when interacting with students and,
    • students when interacting with security staff
  • protect staff and students from criminal activity from third parties, such as intruders on university premises
  • help resolve disputes quickly and transparently by providing evidence to protect against allegations arising from misunderstandings or accusations.

On this page

CCTV

Security Services operate CCTV in line with Security policy please see further details on CCTV below:

When body worn cameras are used

BWC are always filming but not recording audio of footage. Security Officers start recording audio as well as filming when they:

  • are notified to respond to an incident or,
  • come across a developing incident while on patrol.

BWC automatically record the previous 30 seconds of footage when they are activated. University Security staff will continue to record until the incident is over.

About the camera

BWC are worn routinely by uniformed security staff as part of their standard personal protective equipment (PPE). Officers wear a patch on their body armour indicating they have a BWC recording device.

Recording

The system requires the officer to activate the device to 'record mode'. Students will be notified when recording is turned on.

The officer will make a clear, verbal announcement to those present to say the equipment is activated where this is practical.

  • When cameras are activated, they automatically record the previous 30 seconds of footage.
  • University security staff will continue to record until the incident is over.
  • Recordings will provide precise evidence that will help us to resolve complaints fairly.

What happens to recordings and privacy

  • Recordings are held securely on the University network and can only be accessed by named individuals.
  • Recordings are deleted after 30 days if they are not used as evidence.
  • No recordings are left on any camera after they are downloaded at the end of each shift.
  • The use of BWC is in line with GDPR and University CCTV policy.

If you don’t want to be filmed

Security staff are trained in situations where it may be appropriate for them to turn off their camera.

This may be because for example:

  • students want to tell officers something they do not want recorded or,
  • where students are witness to an incident and do not want to be identified by the perpetrators of a crime

Make a complaint about being filmed

You can make a complaint about being filmed. Make your complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure (PDF, 249kB).

Accessing images of you

Any recorded image that is aimed at, or may identify a particular person, is described as 'personal data' and covered by the Data Protection Act 2018. This includes images and audio captured using body worn equipment.

Any person captured can ask to view an image held of them through a 'Subject access request'. Make a Subject access requests.

Staff requests to view CCTV

Staff requests to view CCTV should be made to the University Secretary's Office. This may be for example, in relation to a disciplinary investigation. When you make the request, provide information about why the request is being made and how it might assist the investigation.