The scrutiny committee to receive a presentation by council officers and representatives of Hertfordshire police.

The presentation will cover the role of CCTV, how locations are determined, details of joint working and data in relation to CCTV cameras and crime figures.

The scrutiny committee received a presentation of the Group Head of Community and Environmental Services, the CCTV Manager and Chief Inspector Grout of Hertfordshire Constabulary. A copy of the presentation had been added to the agenda papers.

The presentation followed a petition considered at Council and looked at the role of CCTV in the community safety partnership (CSP). The presentation also covered the balance between freedom, privacy and safety, the strong partnership approach in Watford, crime figures and CCTV locations and cost.

Following the presentation, the committee asked questions and made comments.

A request was made for levels of racially aggravated assaults or other incidents. The Chief Inspector agreed to circulate this information to the committee.

Discussing Watford’s crime levels in comparison with other CSPs in Hertfordshire, the committee was advised that all CSPs had seen a decline in crime last year and post-lockdown crime levels were near-normal. The districts with higher crime levels than Watford were Dacorum, St Albans, Welwyn Hatfield and Stevenage.

It was noted that the number of people visiting the night-time economy were high and it had been a challenge for the police, particularly in the early hours of the morning. The town centre attracted people from North London and other surrounding areas.

The Chief Inspector confirmed that although animal thefts had been an issue nationally there had been few incidents of animal thefts reported locally.

There would be a planned review of the CCTV system to cover locations, the potential for mobile units and commercialisation. Members asked about the possibility of further coverage in areas outside the town centre including St Albans Road and Whippendell Road.  Officers looked at locations proactively and there had to be sound justifications for additional cameras but these areas could be considered in the forthcoming review.

Following a further suggestion, officers advised that the potential for contributions from venues, could be considered. It was further noted that certain venues already contributed to the business improvement district, paid for their Scan Net systems and had other demands on their income.

The committee was informed that the CCTV coverage of the bike store at Watford Junction was paid for by Hertfordshire County Council and they would need to provide funding for any changes.

Members highlighted that residents often had concerns around CCTV cameras and their privacy. It would be useful to have data around arrests made on the basis of CCTV and how much police time was saved. The CCTV Manager produced a monthly report outlining different types of crimes addressed, he agreed to provide a summary for the committee. It was not, however, possible to quantify the extent to which the cameras were a deterrent for crime.

The committee asked about the role of CCTV in drug-related offences. There were a number of operations in the town centre with support from the control room which helped to identify key people coming into the town.

Considering the original petition presented to councillors, the Chief Inspector advised that crime levels for areas were key in determining CCTV locations. CCTV could not prevent all offences and the type of camera in operation also made a difference to their use.

The committee noted the effectiveness of the co-location of the control room and the police station and members were encouraged to visit. The control room would be retained in the new police station in George Street, it was hoped the move would take place by summer 2022.

The Chief Inspector and officers were thanked for their comprehensive presentation and for attending the meeting.

RESOLVED –

that Overview and Scrutiny Committee notes the presentation.

Action: CCTV Manager and Chief Inspector Grout