Antony Porter is the new Surveillance Camera Commissioner. His three-year term begins on March 10. He takes over from Andrew Rennison whose term of office is up. Home Office minister Lord Taylor of Holbeach said: “I should like to record the government’s appreciation of Mr Rennison’s contribution in laying the foundations for regulation of surveillance camera systems.” To recap, under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 there’s a code of practice for CCTV and ANPR. While it only covers public space systems and you don’t have to follow it, that regulation may become wider and tighter.
Mr Rennison also holds the non-statutory appointment of Forensic Science Regulator. Arrangements for the recruitment of a new Forensic Science Regulator are in hand, and Mr Rennison will continue in that role on a part-time basis. Both men have a senior police background.
Visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/surveillance-camera-commissioner
Comment
Alex Carmichael, Technical Director at the BSIA, says: “Throughout his term in office, Andrew Rennison has provided excellent leadership and the successful production of the CCTV Code of Practice that will improve the quality of public space CCTV. systems The CCTV Code of Practice will ensure that the use of Public Space CCTV systems meet a pressing need, are proportionate, effective and meet relevant legal obligations . I have worked with Andrew since he took over the role of surveillance camera commissioner and his dedication and drive to improve the quality, transparency and legality of Public Space CCTV Systems will be of real benefit to the public and public space operators alike. To this end, I would like to thank Andrew for his leadership, and wish him well in his onward career.
“There is, however, still a lot of work to be done to produce the necessary standards framework to support the Code of Practice. As such, the BSIA is very much looking forward to supporting the new Surveillance Camera Commissioner in meeting his aims and objectives as we continue to raise quality and standards in the public space CCTV arena.”
