Surveillance cameras
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:
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
- Surveillance Camera Code of Practice
- Surveillance Camera Commissioner – Code of Practice – A guide to the 12 principles
Unmanned aerial vehicles
Our use of drones
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.
Senior responsible officer
Head of Tactical Operations (rank of Chief Superintendent).
Related documents
Next review date
November 2023.
Body Worn Video
Other use of Body Worn Video
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.
Senior responsible officer
Head of Mobile First and Innovation (rank of Superintendent).
Related documents
Body Worn Video self-assessment
Next review date
February 2020.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
Use of ANPR
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.
Senior responsible officer
Deputy Head of the Serious Crime Directorate (rank of Chief Superintendent).
Related documents
Next review date
June 2020.
Custody CCTV system
Use of Custody CCTV
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.
Senior responsible officer
Head of Criminal Justice.
Related documents
Next review date
December 2023
Police building CCTV
Use of CCTV at police buildings
An extensive CCTV system is used to protect our buildings, the details of which are operationally sensitive.
Senior responsible officer
Head of Estate Services
Related documents
Police building CCTV Self-assessment
Next review date
July 2020