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:
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
Chief Inspector Steve Scott-Haynes - Specialist Operations.
Next review date
December 2026.
Related documents
Body Worn Video
Ou 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
Superintendent Dan McHugh - Mobile Policing and Innovation.
Next review date
December 2025.
Related documents
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
Our 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
Andrew Pritchard, Assistant Chief Constable - Head of Serious Crime Directorate.
Next review date
December 2025.
Related documents
ANPR nationally
National ANPR Service: data protection impact assessment
Surveillance Camera Commissioner Self Assessment
Custody CCTV system
Our 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
Chief Inspector Lisa Cooke - Custody Commander.
Next review date
December 2025
Related documents
Police building CCTV
Our 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
Patrick Duffy - Head of Estate Services.
Next review date
October 2026.
Related documents
Public Order Evidence Gatherers
Our use of public order evidence gathers
Senior responsible officer
Superintendent Philip Stinger - Head of Specialist Operations.
Next review date
August 2025
Related documents
Live audio-visual and location streaming for operational policing
Our use of live audio-visual and location streaming for operational policing
The GoodSAM platform is used to enhance operational policing by enabling live video, audio and location sharing from members of the public and police devices. The purpose is to improve incident assessment, evidence gathering and resource deployment, especially where verbal communications is insufficient or rapid situational awareness is required.
Senior responsible officer
Detective Chief Inspector Clayton Ford.
Next review date
December 2026
Related documents