CCTV

CCTV (closed-circuit television) is a camera system designed for monitoring different environments and activities. CCTV systems involve a fixed (or 'dedicated') way of sending information between different types of cameras and monitors or recording equipment.

Humberside Fire & Rescue Service operate several different CCTV (surveillance) camera systems which are fixed to our buildings and our fire engines. We also use drones and some of our staff wear body worn video cameras.

These cameras are owned and controlled by Humberside Fire & Rescue Service (as a data controller) and are operated in line with data protection laws, the Human Rights Act 1998 and guidelines, such as those issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Surveillance Camera Commissioner, including the 12 guiding principles. 

Operating these systems in line with the law and the expert guidance makes sure that HFRS balance the need to protect our staff and the public, with respect for the privacy of individuals.

The reasons we use CCTV camera systems are:

• Prevent, detect and investigate crime
• Help reduce the fear of crime
• Help with the apprehension and prosecution of offenders
• Improve the safety of employees and the public
• To help keep vulnerable adults and children safe
• Provide evidence for court or committee proceedings
• Reduce incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour
• Evidence in investigations of gross misconduct (including protecting employees from allegations)
• Protect property
• Process Subject Access Requests
• Training purposes
• Identify risks during an incident, including images for assessment before responding to an event
• Improve decision making during operations that are faster and more effective 

The legal grounds for HFRS using CCTV systems are:

• It is in the public interest
• It is in the legitimate interest of anyone within the view of the camera

Humberside Fire & Rescue Service has a Surveillance Camera Policy which give more detail about our use of camera systems, which is published on our website here.

We will only share camera footage where we have to because of the law, or where we are allowed to do so under certain exemptions - for example, for the prevention or detection of crime.

This may involve making a copy of the video footage or a screen print, which may be used as evidence. In cases of suspected criminal activity, the recorded images will normally be passed to the police for investigation. The police and other law enforcement agencies may request copies of recorded images, but there has to be a good legal reason to allow this.

Images may also be shared with other departments of the Service, for example, to investigate health and safety incidents, or accidents and to learn lessons from emergency incidents we have attended.

You can make a request to see footage that you appear in. Your right to access is explained on our data protection rights page.

Humberside Fire & Rescue Service’s Information Governance team are responsible for making sure everyone in the organisation uses CCTV lawfully and in the way the guidance says it should be used. HFRS is committed to making sure that data protection impact assessments and codes of practices are completed for all of the surveillance camera systems it uses.

A copy of our Surveillance Camera Policy can be found here.

HFRS use the following cameras systems:

• Body worn video cameras – issued to a small number of specialist officers
• Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) – used at the site of emergencies
• Fire engines – most fire engines are fitted with multiple cameras giving a 360⁰ view which records all the time the engine is running

HFRS have CCTV cameras (which record all the time) installed on the following buildings:

• Fire Service Headquarters, Hessle
• Barton upon Humber Fire Station
• Beverley Fire Station
• Bransholme Fire Station
• Bridlington Fire Station
• Brigg Fire Station
• Brough Fire Station
• Calvert Lane Fire Station
• Central Fire Station (Hull)
• Cleethorpes Fire Station
• Clough Road Fire Station
• Cromwell Road Fire Station
• Goole Fire Station
• Hornsea Fire Station
• Immingham East Fire Station
• Immingham West Fire Station
• Market Weighton Fire Station
• Peaks Lane Fire Station
• Scunthorpe Fire Station
• Stores
• Withernsea Fire Station

For more information on any of the above camera systems, you can speak to a member of staff on site, or email dataprotection@humbersidefire.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can telephone (01482) 565333 and ask for Information Governance

• 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Thursday
• 8.00am - 4.00pm Friday

Find out more in our CCTV privacy notice.

CCTV cameras are also installed at East Hull Fire Station, but as part of the Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre, this system is controlled by Sewell Facilities Management on behalf of the NHS.