The Enfield Public Safety Centre (EPSC) is a combined local authority CCTV monitoring, traffic enforcement, video alarm and Lone Worker receiving centre. Based in Edmonton, the centre opened in May 2003 and is a purpose-built, high security BS5979 Category 2 Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
The centre monitors CCTV cameras 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and operates to strict guidelines around privacy and retention of images. It is regularly inspected to ensure it complies with these guidelines.
The EPSC also has the capacity to offer a full monitoring and response service. It monitors various types of alarms, including:
The EPSC has aided the police in their investigations, enabling many arrests and providing vital evidence for trials and prosecutions.
| Financial year | Incidents recorded | Associated arrests |
|---|---|---|
| 2008/09 | 2,044 | 663 |
| 2010/11 | 4,218 | 910 |
| 2011/12 | 7,548 | 1,139 |
| 2012/13 | 14,270 | 1,437 |
| 2013/14 | 19,406 | 1,774 |
| 2014/15 | 16,026 | 1,779 |
| 2015/16 | 18,766 | 1,586 |
Current clients and partners who use the centre include:
The London Borough of Enfield work in line with the Surveillance Camera Commissioner. To get the most up to date news visit GOV.UK.
Privacy Impact Assessment (PDF)
For any CCTV related enquiries, email or call 020 8379 8878 to speak to a member of staff.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is the use of video cameras for surveillance. It is monitored in Enfield through the Enfield Public Safety Centre.
Recordings are kept for up to 31 days in line with Home Office recommendations. If evidence is required it is copied onto a hard disk or DVD to be held by the investigating officer (usually the police).
If you believe you have been recorded on one of our cameras and would like to obtain the footage, create an Enfield Connected Account and submit a Subject Access Request.
You will not be charged for your Subject Access Request. Sometimes we may refuse to release images due to legal or other restrictions. Each request is considered on its individual merits.
You will be required to provide proof of identity, address and vehicle ownership (if applicable) prior to a still image or digital copy of footage being provided for example, passport or full driving licence.
In criminal cases, you must report the incident to your local police station and obtain a crime reference number. All criminal matters are dealt with by the police and we will provide them with access to footage upon their request.
If you have been involved in a road traffic collision within the last 31 days in Enfield, you should contact your insurance company and inform them to make a request to Enfield Public Safety Centre (EPSC) by emailing the team.
The EPSC deals directly with your insurance company if it's a non-criminal traffic matter. If it's a criminal matter, they deal with the police. In criminal cases, you must report to your local police station and obtain a crime reference number.
We ask that insurance companies are very specific in the written request and include the following:
Members of the public may use CCT on their premises without informing the council, as long as they do not encroach on the private space of others. You should take care to ensure that the placement of cameras doesn't leave you liable to potential claims or litigation.
Businesses may put up CCTV but must register and conform to the ICO CCTV Code of Practice. They must also clearly register the system's purpose. For more information visit the Information Commissioners Office and the Surveillance Camera Commissioner.
To find out about installing CCTV on your property, visit the Information Commissioners Office for advice and legislation.
CCTV used on your property is exempt from the Data Protection Act unless it captures footage people outside of your property or in a public space. If this is the case you must be fully registered with the ICO and comply with all legal requirements.
All CCTV operators are professionally trained. We employ contracted security trained and Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed CCTV operators.
No one may operate CCTV cameras without the required training and license. CCTV operators undergo continuous training, and it takes many months for operators to become skilled operators.
Operators are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with each camera being monitored regularly during this time.
Staff are regularly briefed with current information to ensure that the system is used as effectively as possible.
If an incident occurs, it is possible for the police control room to view the images in real time to assist officers attending the scene.
Our current policy on CCTV is based on a Ward survey conducted in 2006, where the potential impact of installing CCTV to deter incidents of street crime and antisocial behaviour was considered. Consultation with partners, such as the police and levels of crime in an area inform decisions about where cameras are installed.
The CCTV strategy is being updated to take into account changes in technology, legislation and other local factors, particularly the recommendations contained within the Home Office National CCTV strategy.
The new Home Office National CCTV strategy recommends that all major CCTV systems should be linked with the Local Authority's CCTV systems, enabling greater coordination of resources. Enfield CCTV is already connected to some local rail stations and there is ongoing work to connect with major shopping areas.
This table shows the most recent count of cameras:
| Street cameras - Location details (PDF) | 271 |
|---|---|
| Site or building security cameras - (Locations not disclosed) | 427 |
| Automatic number plate recognition cameras – (locations not disclosed) | 22 |
| Total number of council-operated cameras | 720 |
| Privately-operated cameras - (locations not disclosed) | 283 |
| Total number of cameras connected to Enfield Public Safety Centre | 1003 |
All CCTV operators are highly trained and understand the legal restrictions relating to the use of CCTV. In addition, the Metropolitan police monitor our CCTV operators' handling of cameras.
From time to time an independent group of volunteers acting as inspectors conduct unannounced visits to the EPSC control room to ensure that processes and performance are of the highest standard.
The professionalism of the CCTV operators is ensured through constant supervision and systems checks. In addition the EPSC has undergone an independent Data Protection Act assessment, which will be carried out annually to reassure the public of its correct usage and compliance with legislation.
CCTV traffic cameras assist in the enforcement of parking regulations within the borough.
If you have any CCTV queries email the CCTV team or call 020 8379 8880 to speak to a member of staff.
See a detailed breakdown of our CCTV expenditure (XLSX).