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Thames Valley cops to probe Moseley spy cameras controversy
| Published: 14th July 2010 00:18 |
West Midlands Police has again bowed to public pressure after controversially installing a network of spy cameras on the streets of Moseley.
The cameras, paid for out of anti-terrorist funding, have the ability to read car registration plates and track everyone passing along the Moseley Road, Russell Road and past Edgbaston Cricket Ground. They have now been covered by bags to reassure residents they cannot be operational.
Opponents said the choice of camera locations in Sparkbrook and east Birmingham as well as Moseley / Kings Heath identified areas with large Muslim communities as a terrorist ghetto.
West Midlands Chief Constable Chris Sims has asked for a detailed and impartial examination of his force's role in the so-called 'Project Champion' after the force admitted mistakes had been made. At a fiery public meeting in Moseley local police officers and ward councillors both said they had not been consulted about the spy cameras.
Both the Police Authority Chairman Derek Webley and the Chief Constable have now agreed that an impartial, objective review was necessary. That review will be carried out by the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, who will report back by the end of September.
"It is important that we learn from mistakes and the review is intended to ensure that the public has confidence in our future decision making processes," said West Midlands Chief Constable Chris Sims
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