How we use Close-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras

The use of CCTV cameras by the police has to be carried out in a responsible way following the relevant legislation and guidance. This page explains how we do this.

We use surveillance cameras for:

• prevention and detection of crime
• management of incidents and events 
• gathering intelligence relating to criminal activity
• improving public safety and community confidence

Where are the cameras located?

Over 150 cameras have been installed across the Dyfed Powys Police Force area. You can find details of them in our list of towns. 

The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice and how we comply with it

We assess our use of the CCTV camera system according to the information management requirements in the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, which provides guidance on the appropriate and effective use of surveillance cameras in England and Wales.

The code is based on 12 guiding principles that strike a balance between protecting the public and upholding civil liberties.

We've carried out a Surveillance Camera Code of Practice Self-Assessment, which makes sure we comply with these 12 guiding principles.  We complete Privacy Impact Assessments on all the CCTV cameras which are reviewed and updated annually.

The Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) for each CCTV camera location can be found in our list of towns.

We've also carried out a Data Protection Impact Assessment to identify any privacy-related issues with these types of cameras. 

Holding data

It's important that data from cameras isn't held any longer than necessary. We follow the guidance on the Management of Police Information – Authorised Professional Practice on the retention and disposal of data.

How we handle evidence from CCTV cameras

Data is held in secure locations and access is restricted to those with permission and a legitimate need. A robust audit process to control who views data must be in place.

Information security

We take information security and any data we capture about individuals on surveillance cameras very seriously.  Read our privacy notice to find out what we do with the information we have. 

CCTV Policy

The CCTV policy is reviewed annually and is available here.

Freedom of information requests

If you require information regarding the CCTV system you can find out more by visiting our Freedom of Information pages.

Subject access requests

If you want to find out if we have any data about you or your vehicle that we've captured by surveillance cameras, you can make a subject access request.

Contact details

If you have any other enquiries about our use of CCTV cameras, please contact:

CCTV Co-Ordinator
Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police
Police Headquarters
PO Box 99
Llangunnor
Carmarthenshire
SA31 2PF

Email: [email protected]

Camera locations and privacy impact assessments