Privacy and CCTV

Buckinghamshire Council's CCTV scheme is operated under guidance from the Information Commissioner's Office and the Office of the Surveillance Camera Commissioner.

CCTV cameras are a significant tool in the fight against crime in Buckinghamshire. CCTV can help detect crime and other public safety issues, as well as identifying missing persons.

Data protection and CCTV

Most uses of CCTV by organisations are covered by GDPR. For information about how we collect, process and share your information, read our Privacy policy.

You can also view the Information Commissioner's guidelines on the use of CCTV.

The Surveillance camera code of practice sets out new guidelines for CCTV and automatic number recognition. You can also view more information from the Surveillance Camera Commissioner.

Why do we need CCTV?

The main aims of CCTV are:

  • crime prevention and reduction in evidence gathering
  • contribution to community safety/public reassurance
  • security of property and facilities including our car parks and reception areas

If CCTV operators notice an incident, they can inform the police and direct them to it. CCTV footage can also be used as evidence following an arrest.

Areas covered by CCTV across Buckinghamshire

Across Buckinghamshire our CCTV control room manages and monitors cameras in the following locations:

  • Amersham
  • Aylesbury
  • Beaconsfield
  • Chalfont St. Peter
  • Castlefield
  • Chesham
  • Hazlemere
  • High Wycombe
  • Marlow
  • Princes Risborough

Access to CCTV footage

You have the right to be told if we are holding personal data about you on CCTV. There are a number of exemptions to this and footage is only kept for one calendar month.

You can make a make a Subject Access Request to find out what data we have about you on CCTV.