CCTV

Oldham Security Services operates Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems in Oldham:

This page gives you important information about:

Why we operate CCTV systems and how to access the information they gather.What you can expect from us.
How to get more information or give feedback about our service.

Why we use CCTV

We have installed CCTV systems in Oldham's, car parks, public buildings and housing developments with the following objectives:

To help reduce the fear of crime.
To help deter crime.
To help detect crime and provide evidential material for court proceedings.
To assist in the overall management of Oldham town centre and surrounding areas.
To enhance community safety, assist in developing the economic well being of the Oldham area and encourage greater use of the town centre, shopping mall, car parks and public amenities.
To assist the local authority in its enforcement and regulatory functions within the Oldham area.
To assist in traffic management.
To assist in supporting civil proceedings which will help detect crime.
To assist in monitoring any emergency planning operations.

All of the systems are used in accordance with national standards that govern the use of CCTV, Oldham Council’s Code of Practice (in partnership with Oldham Police Division of Greater Manchester Police), the Data Protection Act and the Human Rights Act. Together this ensures that the information (images) are processed lawfully and in your best interest.

Code of Practice

You may download the CCTV Code of Practice here (PDF 629Kb).

Copies are also lodged at public libraries, Oldham Police Station and the Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham.

Explanations of the code in different languages are available on request to the CCTV manager.

The CCTV Code of Practice has been agreed by Oldham Council and the Oldham Police Division of Greater Manchester Police.

All data will be processed in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act, 1998 which, in summarised form, includes, but is not limited to:

All personal data will be obtained and processed fairly and lawfully.
Personal data will be held only for the purposes specified.
Personal data will be used only for the purposes, and disclosed only to the people, shown within these codes of practice.
Only personal data will be held which is adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purpose for which the data is held.
Steps will be taken to ensure that personal data is accurate and where necessary, kept up to date.
Personal data will be held for no longer than is necessary.
Individuals will be allowed access to information held about them and, where appropriate, permitted to correct or erase it.
Procedures will be implemented to put in place security measures to prevent unauthorised or accidental access to, alteration, disclosure, or loss and destruction of, information.

What can you expect from us

We will ensure that cameras are located to capture images relating directly to the purposes of the CCTV system and ensure that there is clear signage indicating where cameras are in place and the reason why.

We will only allow access to the information in accordance with subject access rights and to third parties only in limited circumstances, directly related to the purposes of the CCTV system. Eg, the Police, Trading Standards, solicitors etc

How to access information gathered on CCTV

You have the right to access recordings that may provide your personal images. You must apply in writing and there may be a £10 charge.

You can either download, print and complete the Subject Access Request Form or alternatively write to the CCTV Manager.

Click here to download the Subject Access Request Form (PDF 196KB)

If writing in, please include as a minimum the following information.

Your name, date of birth and address.
Two documents that between them verify your identity and residence at your current address, e.g. Birth Certificate, Passport, Medical Certificate or other official document.
Recent full face potograph.
Details of the event your image is most likely to appear in, eg, date, time, where, your role e.g. victim, witness, passer by, alleged accused etc.