The CCTV National Standards Forum designed to provide a source of independent and expert advice to the Government, regulators and a wide variety of stakeholders on issues relating to the deployment of CCTV in the UK, whether that be in the public or private sector domains.
It’s considered that the advent of the Protection of Freedoms Bill adds further relevance to the role of the new group and its potential to inform the regulatory process.
Membership comprises representatives from The Security Institute, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), the Association of Train Operating Companies, the Public CCTV Managers Association, the Association of Security Consultants, retail, health and educational establishments as well as many other practitioners who have first-hand knowledge of CCTV operation and management.
An official statement says: “While, as a group, we are mindful of the benefits that CCTV technology brings to the functions of safety and security, we will need to acknowledge, embrace and promote the deployment of the highest ethical standards across the industry.”
Standards, guidelines and processes
In keeping with that objective, the CCTV National Standards Forum seeks to develop a set of standards, guidelines and processes built on the principles of Best Practice.
As part of this process, its constituent members will review existing guidance and procedures that focus on management, training and technical standards currently in place across both the public and private sectors.
The overriding aim is to identify coherent and structured models built on robust professional principles for the deployment of CCTV systems across our communities.
The official statement continued: “Ethics, accountability, proportionality, transparency and responsibility are at the forefront of our considerations.”
Informed by existing legislation
The work will focus on a balanced approach informed by existing legislation and addressing the needs of safety and security within our communities, while at the same time ensuring that the issues of privacy and collateral intrusion are central to the agenda.
“We will need to consider the views of all sections of the community and, where appropriate, seek to address any reasonable concerns that may prevail in a positive, constructive and meaningful way.”
As a group, members of the CCTV National Standards Forum hold the view that, in a modern and fair society, the use of CCTV technology should be about promoting confidence as opposed to concern or anxiety.
It should also be about developing a ‘safe society’ as opposed to a ‘Surveillance Society‘.
“Our vision is to develop an organisation operating within a framework of guiding principles, ethics and values associated with transparency, legality, fairness and accountability and non-discriminatory practices. We are willing to listen and to learn.”
Management structure for the Forum
Brian Pender (head of security for Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust) is the Forum’s appointed chairman and Alan Gardner (of the London Borough of Enfield’s Community Safety Unit) is the group secretary.
Communications and PR activity is being handled by CCTV specialists Gordon Tyerman (lead on training for the Forum) and Simon Lambert, who’s handling technical issues.
Contact Alan Gardner via e-mail at: [email protected] for further information
*Keep checking back on Info4Security for all the latest developments concerning the CCTV National Standards Forum
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