London, Dec 14 (IANS): UK's University of Oxford, internationally recognised as the oldest in the English-speaking world, has 200 closed-circuit cameras zooming in on its staff and students, the office of the Surveillance Camera Commissioner said in a report on Thursday.

The number of cameras at the university has grown from an initial six cameras in 1990, with the university saying it has sought to use its camera system to prevent and detect crime, and support a safe environment for staff, students and visitors.

The university has been awarded a certification mark by the commissioner after being audited against the guiding principles of a Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, Xinhua news agency reported.

The code aims to balance the need for cameras in public places with individual's right to privacy.

Lesley Nesbitt, crime prevention design advisor, said: "Oxford University aspires to the highest standards of CCTV surveillance and the commissioner's certification provides confidence to the university staff, students and visitors that the deployment of our CCTV system is proportionate, effective, compliant and deployed to protect and support them."

The Oxford University is one of the largest employers in Oxfordshire, with 24,000 students and more than 13,000 employees.