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Estimates suggest there are over four million CCTV cameras in the UK, with this number expected to rise as technology becomes cheaper and public security concerns increase. Indeed, recent reports suggest the UK´s CCTV market will be worth an unprecedented $1.92m by 2012.
While the Home Office and the Information Commissioner produce the overarching guidelines and codes, there appears to be different expectations for the installation and operation of cameras throughout the nation´s councils and constabularies.
We have trawled the internet to find the guidelines that your local government, constabulary and licensing authority expect you to follow.
The Local Council
Your local council sets guidelines for all CCTV systems in the area. These are usually general guidelines to ensure that your system is not in breach of a series of legal Acts, including the Human Rights Act and the Data Protection Act.
The guidelines are also set to ensure that CCTV systems operate for the right reasons (e.g. crime prevention) and that CCTV systems are in keeping with the wider aims of the council.
There are exceptions. Many cities, shopping centres and even car parks have their own Codes of Practice regarding their CCTV surveillance systems, but these are usually issued to assure the public of honest intentions and proper practice, rather than as guidelines.
The Police
Your local constabulary sets guidelines for CCTV surveillance systems in licensed premises. As they are in charge of licensing across the region, they may well refuse an establishment the right to operate if their CCTV system does not meet their standards.
Each police force throughout the country is at liberty to set its own requirements, although some simply refer people to the Information Commissioners website (listed below).
Find out more Click on the links to the right to find out more, or investigate the sites listed below.
PLEASE NOTE:
When installing CCTV system, there are national and legal requirements, and the following links can offer you advice:
If you intend to use your CCTV evidence in a prosecution at any time, your system MUST adhere to the Information Commissioners generic Code of Practice
The Home Office also offer advice guidelines for digital CCTV systems that could be used as evidence. Click here
The Information Commissioner is already conducting an extensive review of the existing CCTV Code of Practice to make sure it has kept up-to-date with technological and other developments. This review will also take into account the changes to the interpretation of the Data Protection Act. The revised code should be published later in the year.
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