A Bristol school's controversial use of CCTV cameras to catch vandals was in “contravention of the principles of data protection law”, according to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). It was asked to consider Cotham School's 'covert' camera row at Stoke Lodge playing fields, after complaints from members of the public who use the green space.
It installed hidden cameras inside an electrical junction box last year after being “subject to persistent criminal damage” between 2018 and 2021. The school said its decision to install the cameras was backed by police, who have confirmed they did suggest a school install secret wildlife cameras but only if the school already had clear signs telling people there were cameras in use.
The ICO has now said that the CCTV is “positioned in such a way that they are difficult to detect, and therefore not in a place that individuals would reasonably expect” adding that “the need for transparency is a fundamental aspect of data protection law” and the school must take “immediate steps to address the operation of the junction box cameras during permissive hours”.
