Council's "Comprehensive CCTV review" a sham
December 4, 1998
Bradford Councils promise to hold a "comprehensive review" of its CCTV systems has been branded "a sham".
The Council is to go ahead with the installation of 5 spy-cameras in Shipley centre early next year, despite a public promise to conduct a "comprehensive review" of its existing CCTV schemes first. The so-called "review" is not due to start until next January.
Mike Quiggin, secretary of Bradford TUC said: "We were led to understand that the review would take place before any more cameras went up. We've been seeking a proper evaluation of the existing schemes since February because there are real doubts as to their effectiveness as well as concerns about privacy. The new Plan stated clearly that the council would only "Install and upgrade CCTV cameras in locations where it is proved to be effective". How can they know if there has been no evaluation?"
Bradford Council changed its Community Plan in July, following challenges by the 1 in 12 Club and Bradford TUC, and the results of a district wide survey which showed 40% "strongly opposed" the spy-cameras. The survey results were suppressed.
Bob Parker, Shipley town centre manager, said: "Work will start immediately in the New Year, with the expectation that the system will be operational mid to late February. There is massive support for the scheme in Shipley, both from businesses and the public. The only dissenting voices would appear to be from members of the 1 in 12 Club.
"The Community Plan gives a commitment to continue to develop CCTV in the District, not reduce it. We are already looking to extend the system in the future to cover such areas as car parks and areas where, in the light of the final evaluation report by the external assessor, it is felt there is a need for coverage.
"Work on the external assessment and evaluation of the Shipley system, as required by the Home Office, has already commenced and the consultant has stated that he considers that the proposed locations of the cameras are exceptionally well thought out and cannot be better placed.
"The external assessor has a copy of the 1 in 12 Club Internet web site and intends to address the points made in his final report. He does note, however, that whilst the 1 in 12 Club continually strive to denigrate CCTV, they do not make any positive comments as the how the measurable problem of crime in Shipley could be otherwise tackled."
The council has still not conducted any evaluation of its existing schemes. They also face formal complaints after spending over £3/4 million without approval from any council committee. Yet the Council are hoping there "Fighting Crime" strategy - including the CCTV schemes - will win approval today to one of the Governments "Best Value" schemes. This move was described as "a joke" by a 1 in 12 Club spokesperson.