Public views sought on Parking Enforcement Officers wearing body cameras

12th September 2016

The Highland Council is carrying out a public consultation - privacy impact assessment on Civil Parking Enforcement Officers wearing body video cameras.

The Council will begin enforcing on and off street parking restrictions throughout the region from October 2016 and as part of the technical specification; Parking Enforcement Officers will be equipped with body worn video cameras.

Cameras mounted on the chest will capture video and audio. They are activated by the officer when an offence has occurred or in situations where a recording may assist with the Parking Enforcement Officer's safety. Data is encrypted and stored on the device (officers are not able to view or edit the footage) and transferred to a dedicated secure storage facility at the end of each shift where it remains for no more than 90 days, unless required for investigation, before being deleted.

Body worn video devices are required for staff safety and to reassure the public that officer professionalism is of the utmost importance. Recording devices provide a factual record of events where they have been recorded and have been shown to support staff in difficult situations and ensure a positive outcome for all.

The Highland Council is required to consult with the public prior to introduction of the use of body worn cameras. ‘Privacy by Design' is a code of practice issued by the Information Commissioner under section 51 of the Data Protection Act and recommends that all services should be subject to a privacy impact assessment - which includes public consultation.

The Highland Council, wish to understand public views so they can be included in its privacy impact assessment. Members of the public are invited to submit their comments about the introduction of body worn cameras on parking Enforcment Officers in writing to:

The Highland Council
Traffic Management & Control Team
Community Services
Headquarters
Inverness IV3 5NX

....or email their comments to parking@highland.gov.uk.

The consultation is now open and runs to Tuesday 27 September 2016.

A copy of the public consultation notice - privacy impact assessment on Civil Parking Enforcement Officers wearing body video cameras is available on the council's website at www.highland.gov.uk/parking

Changes to parking fine enforcement

The Highland Council will be taking over responsibility for enforcing parking restrictions across the whole of the Highlands from 3 October 2016. Money raised through Penalty Charge Notices will be spent on maintaining this new service. Any surplus income is controlled under statute and must be re-invested in traffic related projects. Police Scotland will still be responsible for enforcement of reportable offences such as dangerous parking or obstruction.