Wigan Council is committed to achieving the highest standards, Risk Management and CCTV section, manage the design, installation, servicing, repairs and day to day maintenance and data release of CCTV across Wigan borough.
Public Space CCTV
Central Watch Station operates 24/7 365 days a year and is part of Risk Management & CCTV section. The section is responsible for 878 CCTV cameras borough-wide. 396 of those are public space surveillance cameras monitoring seven town centres, four shopping precincts and two residential areas.
CCTV was first used in the borough as a effective tool to prevent crime. Developments in technology has expanded the role of CCTV to play a key part in the detection and investigation of criminal and anti-social behaviour in the borough.
The CCTV system originally started with two cameras covering the night club area of Wigan. With the help of Government and council funding, Wigan developed an innovative camera system, the siting of 4 static cameras and 1 pan tilt zoom camera provides a 360° overview of a location with the ability to focus on a incident using the PTZ camera without losing any periphery incidents. The system has now expanded to cover the town centres of Wigan, Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley, Hindley, Golborne, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Ince Bar, Mornington Road, Worsley Mesnes and Norley Hall .
All recordings are stored locally and over written after 31 days. They can be accessed remotely, allowing any incidents to be downloaded and stored onto compact disc or digital versatile disc. Highly trained, dedicated, fully vetted officers proactively monitor all CCTV to create a safe and secure environment for all members of the public who live, work and visit the borough.
Detector Activated CCTV
New technology developments in Closed Circuit Television systems means that alarm activated CCTV is now a cost effective option to schools and other buildings. The system provides external alarm zones which when triggered will send a signal to the alarm receiving centre and images to Central Watch, the system can also provide an audio link. The majority of the time the alarm is triggered by people playing football or using area for recreation, other more serious incidents can include vandalism or intruders. In these incidents the Police will be called. When an alarm is triggered CCTV evidance will be provided to assist in any prosecution.
Partnership
The Section actively work in partnership with Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Local Authority Risk Management Groups, Retail Security Teams, Pub Watch Groups, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport. The partnership work together to support each other in achieving the overall aims and objectives to reduce crime and the fear of crime in the borough
Domestic Dwellings
CCTV is subject to the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA), this applies to businesses and organisations and not to domestic dwellings.
There are other laws in which images from cameras may fall under; European Convention on Human Rights Article 8 (the right to respect for private and family life). Cameras should not be directed at other premises or households or areas of which a person would expect privacy, e.g. back gardens or inside a premise. This could lead to grounds of harassment or voyeurism and would become a police matter.
Access to CCTV
Indiviuals, residents or visitors do not have access to the CCTV control centre, but can request data held on them by completing a subject data request form. The most frequest access request relate to RTC's and can aid resolve claims.
If you require help completing these forms, or futher information please ring the number below for assistance.
