Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
Use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition by Durham Constabulary
Why we use ANPR
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology is used within Durham Constabulary to help detect, deter and disrupt criminality at a local, force, regional and national level, including tackling travelling criminals, Organised Crime Groups and terrorists. ANPR is also used to protect vulnerable people from harm. ANPR provides extra lines of enquiry and evidence in the investigation of crime and is used by forces throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to identify those who are using our roads for criminal purposes, whilst protecting the privacy, the rights and the safety of those who use our roads legitimately.
How it works
As a vehicle passes an ANPR camera, its registration number is read and instantly checked against database records of vehicles of interest. Police officers can intercept and stop a vehicle, check it for evidence and, where necessary, make arrests. The use of ANPR in this way has proved to be important in the detection of many offences, including locating stolen vehicles, tackling uninsured vehicle use and uncovering cases of major crime. It also allows officers’ attention to be drawn to offending vehicles whilst allowing law abiding drivers to go about their business unhindered.
Access to stored data
ANPR data from Durham Constabulary is submitted to the National ANPR Data Centre (NADC) where it is stored together with similar data from other forces for a period of 12 months.
We have clear rules to control access to ANPR data to ensure that access is for legitimate investigation purposes. Staff only have access to ANPR data if it is relevant to their role, and the majority of those who have permission may only do so for a maximum period of 90 days from the date it was collected. Some staff are authorised to access data for up to 12 months subject to authorisation of a senior officer. After 90 days, access may only be for serious, major or counter terrorism investigations and after 12 months only for major investigations and counter terrorism purposes.
Searches of ANPR data can confirm whether vehicles associated with a known criminal has been in the area at the time of a crime and can dramatically speed up investigations.
Camera locations
In addition to being mounted within police vehicles, ANPR cameras within Durham Constabulary are used at fixed locations where they will help to detect, deter and disrupt criminality. In line with national policy, we do not disclose details of our fixed locations as this information is likely to be of benefit to offenders and if known could reduce the value of ANPR to policing.
National guidelines state that, if Durham Constabulary proposes to install additional ANPR cameras, an assessment must be conducted that demonstrates a clear need, taking account of the following factors:
• national security and counter terrorism;
• serious, organised and major crime;
• local crime;
• community confidence and reassurance, and crime prevention and reduction.
In assessing whether new cameras are to be deployed, a Privacy Impact Assessment will be undertaken. We will consult with persons and organisations with a reasonable interest in the proposal unless that would be contrary to the purpose of the development, namely to detect, deter and disrupt criminality.
Durham Constabulary is also committed to regularly review the location of ANPR cameras, in the context of the above criteria, to make sure that the continued deployment remains justified. All reviews will include consideration of the impacts on privacy.
Further information
Further ANPR information can be obtained from: https://www.npcc.police.uk/FreedomofInformation/ANPR.aspx
Information regarding data subject rights can be found at: National ANPR Service (NAS): data subject rights
The Chief Constable is the data controller for the ANPR system operated within Durham Constabulary. If you have a complaint that relates to ANPR please contact our Professional Standards & Legal Services Department at complaints@durham.police.uk
Alternatively, complaints can be made in writing to:
Professional Standards & Legal Services Department
Peterlee Police Station
St Aidans Way
Peterlee
SR8 1QR