The UK’s surveillance camera commissioner recently launched a national strategy for England and Wales, which has won the endorsement of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).
James Kelly, chief executive of the BSIA, said: “The BSIA is proud to have been a contributor to the commissioner’s efforts at providing direction and leadership on the appropriate use of such systems to secure the protection of our communities whilst protecting individuals’ rights to privacy.”
The strategy aims to provide direction and leadership in the surveillance camera industry to enable system operators to understand good and best practice and their legal obligations, which are contained within the Protection of Freedoms Act, Data Protection Act and Private Security Industry Act.
Recently Porter voiced his concerns about the creeping privacy infringements on the public, due to advances in areas such as data analytics in combination with CCTV and surveillance.
The commissioner’s strategic vision is to make sure the public is assured that any use of surveillance camera systems in a public place helps to protect and keep them safe, whilst respecting the individual’s right to privacy.
This assurance is based upon deployment proportionate to a legitimate purpose, and transparency, which demonstrates compliance with best and good practice and relevant legal obligations, according to the commissioner.
To help achieve this vision, 11 main objectives are outlined within the strategy, each led by an expert.
Chairman of the BSIA’s CCTV section who is leading the industry strand of the national surveillance camera strategy for England and Wales, Simon Adcock, commented: “The work of the industry strand of the national strategy is focused on educating buyers on what to expect from a knowledgeable, professional service provider as well as providing practical guidance to help them comply with the Code of Practice.
“Ultimately, we are aiming to establish and promote a set of guidelines to ensure that buyers can rely on their service providers for at least good practice.”
Over the coming months, the industry strand will define what it means by good practice, which will be centred on ensuring there is an operational requirement and that the resulting system meets agreed objectives.
“Our end-game is to ensure that anyone providing professional video surveillance services will, as a minimum standard, meet these good practice guidelines,” Adcock said.
The strategy aligns closely to the Home Office responsibilities to keep the UK safe from the threat of terrorism and to reduce and prevent crime.
It will provide the Commissioner with a robust and transparent framework to fulfil his statutory functions as set out in the Protection of Freedoms Act, informing his Annual Report to the Home Secretary.
The BSIA is a longstanding and valued partner of, and exhibitor at, IFSEC International, Europe’s biggest fire and security trade show – taking place 20-22 June 2017, London ExCeL. Get your free badge now.
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