BSCC-FOI-1623-HD: London protest recorded with surveillance cameras
Updated 10 January 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/biometrics-and-surveillance-camera-commissioner-foi-responses-2023/bscc-foi-1623-hd-london-protest-recorded-with-surveillance-cameras
Office of the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner
2 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DF 05
5 December 2023
Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner
To: [redacted]
Our Ref: BSCC-FOI-1623-HD
Letter by email
Dear [redacted]
I write in response to an email from you to our office on 15 November 2023 “regarding Saturday’s London Protest recorded with Surveillance Cameras” which happened on “Saturday 11th November, 12pm at Hyde Park – Marching to the US Embassy, Nine Elms Lane, London, SW11 7US”. In your email you asked:
- How can we access the measured number of active protestors?
- What method does the head count accurately measure individuals attending?
- Can we receive under request the paper or electronic copies of information?
- Which FOI request should be sent to connected government departments?
Your request has been handled as a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
As Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, I regulate the use of surveillance camera systems by relevant authorities (the police and local authorities) in England and Wales pursuant of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. I do not regulate the use of domestic CCTV systems or systems operated by other organisations, nor do I have powers which enable me to inspect or audit CCTV systems, enforce laws, or otherwise impose a financial or other sanction. My role is advisory.
Unfortunately, I do not hold the information that you have requested. May I also stress that my office is not required to keep this information.
You may wish to consider a separate request to the Home Office or the Metropolitan Police under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act should you still require the information you have asked for.
If you are dissatisfied with this response, you may request an independent internal review of our handling of your request by submitting a complaint within 2 months to the address below, quoting reference: BSCC-FOI-1623-HD. If you ask for an internal review, it would be helpful if you could say why you are dissatisfied with the response.
Mark Greenhorn
14th Floor Lunar House Building
40 Wellesley Road, Croydon
CR9 2BY
Email: sciencesupportfoi@homeoffice.gov.uk
As part of any internal review, our handling of your information request will be reassessed by staff who were not involved in providing you with this response. If you remain dissatisfied after this internal review, you would have a right of complaint to the Information Commissioner as established by section 50 of the Freedom of Information Act.
Kind regards,
Tony Eastaugh CBE
Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner
Email: enquiries@obscc.org.uk