Dear Miss/Mrs. Herbs,

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Thank you for your request for information addressed to Corporate Complaints which was received on the 23 November 2008. You requested:

I can confirm that the Authority does hold some information regarding your request and using your numbering I can reply as follows: -

1. I would advise you that there are a total of 182 CCTV cameras installed in external public spaces which are controlled, monitored and operated by the Authority at any one time.

However the Authority has the right to refuse to comply with a request if an exemption applies. The Authority believes that in this case such an exemption applies in relation to the capabilities of these cameras. The Authority believes that an exemption applies under section 31(1) (a) of the Act which provides that information is exempt if its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime and disorder, and section 31(1)(b) where disclosure would prejudice or be likely to prejudice the apprehension or prosecution of offenders.

Section 31 is a qualified exemption in that the Authority must apply the public interest test in weighing up whether there is a stronger public interest in disclosing the information or applying the exemption. In this case the Authority has decided that the public interest lies in applying the exemption as the public interest lies in maintaining confidence in law enforcement and the criminal justice system and the confidentiality of specific operations. The Authority therefore believes that these would be prejudiced if this information was made available.

2. There are a total of 16 staff involved in the monitoring of CCTV feeds.

3. The Authority believes that in this case such an exemption applies in relation to the audio capabilities of these cameras. The Authority believes that an exemption applies under section 31(1) (a) of the Act which provides that information is exempt if its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime and disorder, and section 31(1)(b) where disclosure would prejudice or be likely to prejudice the apprehension or prosecution of offenders.

Section 31 is a qualified exemption in that the Authority must apply the public interest test in weighing up whether there is a stronger public interest in disclosing the information or applying the exemption. In this case the Authority has decided that the public interest lies in applying the exemption as the public interest lies in maintaining confidence in law enforcement and the criminal justice system and the confidentiality of specific operations. The Authority therefore believes that these would be prejudiced if this information was made available.

4. The Authority believes that in this case such an exemption applies in relation to the location of the main monitoring station. The Authority believes that an exemption applies under section 31(1) (a) of the Act which provides that information is exempt if its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime and disorder, and section 31(1)(b) where disclosure would prejudice or be likely to prejudice the apprehension or prosecution of offenders.

Section 31 is a qualified exemption in that the Authority must apply the public interest test in weighing up whether there is a stronger public interest in disclosing the information or applying the exemption. In this case the Authority has decided that the public interest lies in applying the exemption as the public interest lies in maintaining confidence in law enforcement and the criminal justice system and the confidentiality of specific operations. The Authority therefore believes that these would be prejudiced if this information was made available.

The Authority also believes that an exemption also exists under section 38 of the Act which provides that information is exempt if its disclosure would be likely to endanger the safety of an individual.

Section 38 is a qualified exemption in that the Authority must apply the public interest test in weighing up whether there is a stronger public interest in disclosing the information or applying the exemption. In this case the Authority has decided that the public interest lies in applying the exemption as the public interest lies in protecting the health and safety of employees of the Authority. It believes that releasing this information would be likely to endanger the health and safety of employees.

5. The Authority does not have a database or list of locations of the installed cameras.

6. The Authority does not have a database or list of locations of the installed cameras, their capabilities or direction.

7. The Authority does not have a database or list of locations of the installed cameras and therefore is unable to provide you with a copy.

8. The data retention of the recorded images is currently 28 days.

9. The Authority does not have any ancillary equipment that can automatically track a single individual between cameras, or automatically detect an individual within a number of camera feeds based on a previous facial image.

10. I would advise you that the CCTV scheme is not subcontracted.

If you are unhappy with the way the Authority has handled your request, you may ask for an internal review. Please contact the Corporate Complaints Manager, Mr. Huw Evans, on 01792 627347 or by writing to City and County of Swansea, Room 3.3.8, County Hall, Swansea SA1 3SN, who will arrange an internal review of your case.

If you are still unhappy, you can apply under s. 50 of the Act to the Information Commissioner, who will determine whether or not your request has been dealt with correctly. The Information Commissioner for Wales can be contacted by writing to the Information Commissioner's Office - Wales, Cambrian Buildings, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff, CF10 5FL.

Yours Sincerely,

Andrew Brown

Freedom of Information Officer Regeneration