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Essex Police uses visible surveillance camera systems in public places. Every type of camera and its use is reviewed every year.
Also see legislation and codes of practice:
We have one drone and it is used to: search large areas for missing people, help us manage serious incidents, help us locate suspects who may be hiding, take aerial pictures to support planning for emergencies and events.
Head of Tactical Operations (rank of Chief Superintendent).
November 2023.
BWV is used to capture evidence as well as police attendance at incidents. It has helped to reduce the need for victims and witnesses to attend court and has also been shown to reduce the numbers of assaults against police officers.
Head of Mobile First and Innovation (rank of Superintendent).
Body Worn Video self-assessment
February 2020.
All police forces in the UK use ANPR. The technology reads vehicle registration numbers and checks it against a national database of vehicles that are of interest to the police. Officers are then able to intercept and stop a vehicle to make checks and, where necessary, make an arrest. Stolen vehicles can be located using ANPR and people driving without insurance can also be detected.
Deputy Head of the Serious Crime Directorate (rank of Chief Superintendent).
June 2020.
Essex Police have seven designated custody suites and within each of those a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system is in operation to assist in the management of a safe and secure environment. Custody CCTV cameras are located throughout each custody suite including the van dock and entrance areas, holding areas, charge desk, corridors, cells and some consultation rooms.
Head of Criminal Justice.
December 2023
An extensive CCTV system is used to protect our buildings, the details of which are operationally sensitive.
Head of Estate Services
Police building CCTV Self-assessment
July 2020