Surveillance camera compliance
We use visible surveillance camera systems in public places.
Each type of camera and its use is reviewed regularly in relation to compliance with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice. For more information please see the below legislation and codes of practice:
Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones)
We have six drones, which are used to:
- search large areas for missing people
- help us manage serious incidents
- help us locate suspects who may be hiding
- take aerial pictures to support planning for operations and events.
Find out more about how we use drones.
Senior responsible officer
Head of Tactical Operation rank of Chief Superintendent.
Next review date
July 2025
Body Worn Video
Body Worn Video (BWV) was introduced at Kent Police in 2015 and 2,220 BWV cameras are now used routinely by our officers.
BWV is used to capture evidence as well as police attendance at incidents.
It has helped to reduce the need for victims and witnesses to attend court and has also been shown to reduce the numbers of assaults against police officers.
Senior responsible officer
Head of Mobile First and Innovation (rank of Superintendent)
Next review date
25 September 2024
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
All police forces in the UK use ANPR.
The technology reads vehicle registration numbers and checks them against a national database of vehicles that are of interest to the police.
Officers are then able to intercept and stop a vehicle to make checks and, where necessary, make an arrest.
Stolen vehicles can also be located using ANPR as well as people driving without insurance.
Senior responsible officer
Deputy Head of the Serious Crime Directorate (rank of Chief Superintendent)
Next review date
July 2024
Related documents
Find out more about Kent Police's use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).
Custody CCTV system
Kent Police has seven designated custody suites.
Within each of these a Closed Circuit Television System (CCTV) is in operation to assist in the management of a safe and secure environment.
Custody CCTV cameras are located throughout including the van dock and entrance areas, holding areas, charge desk, corridors, cells and some consultation rooms.
Senior responsible officer
Head of Strategic Partnerships (rank of Chief Superintendent)
Next review date
September 2022
Canine Transmission System (dog cameras)
Kent Police Dog Section will utilise the Canine Transmission System to capture evidential footage from a high risk operational policing scene.
Senior responsible officer
Head of Tactical Operations (rank of Superintendent)
Next review date
July 2025
Other speed enforcement equipment
We have a number of vehicles fitted with in car speed detection equipment which records images in a similar way to CCTV.
Kent Police is a member of the Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership, who operate marked vehicles equipped with speed detection cameras which are 'type approved' by the Home Office.
These vehicles are marked in force livery and are deployed at locations with the following objectives:
- To reduce the numbers of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) at locations with a history of high KSI collisions
- To support Community Concern sites where local volunteers have identified a high level of speeding.
Static and mobile cameras are used to detect speeding offences and we do not routinely use them as a surveillance tool. All of our camera are 'type approved' as per Section 20 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 and therefore they are not a 'surveillance camera' as defined by Section 29(6) of the Protection of Freedoms Act. They are used exclusively for law enforcement purposes, which capture and retain an image only when the relevant offence is detected.
Senior responsible officer
Head of Strategic Partnerships (rank of Chief Superintendent)
Police building CCTV
An extensive CCTV system is used to protect our buildings, the details of which are operationally sensitive.
Senior responsible officer
Head of Estate Services
Next review date
September 2023
Public Order Evidence Gathering Teams
In common with the majority of UK Police Forces, Public Order Evidence Gathering Officers are deployed during public order operations in order to use overt video recording to reduce the risk of disorder and/or to aid identification of those responsible for potential criminal acts.
Senior responsible officer
Head of Tactical Operations (rank of Chief Superintendent)
Next review date
July 2025
Provida, Trucam and camera safety vans
Provida in Car Speed Detection and Video Car Systems have video recording capability similar to a conventional Dash Cam.
Kent Police have one Trucam hand-held speed detection device. This system has video recording capability. They are intended for the prevention and detection of crime with their main use being the detection of road traffic offences; such as excess speed and seatbelt offences.
The Roads Policing Unit in Kent Police has one handheld safety van camera speed detection device. This system has video recording capability. They are intended for the prevention and detection of crime with their main use being the detection of road traffic offences; such as excess speed and seatbelt offences.
Senior responsible officer
Head of Tactical Operations (rank of Superintendent)
Next review date
July 2025