The Surveillance Camera Commissioner has published his third annual report. As laid before Parliament, the Commissioner highlights:
The launch of a third party certification scheme in November 2015 enabling any organisation to show compliance with the surveillance camera code of practice. About 40 organisations have been awarded his certification mark since launch, most recently high street retailer Marks & Spencer, to be featured in the December 2016 print issue of Professional Security magazine; and the University of Salford.
Completion of the review into the impact and operation of the surveillance camera code of practice submitted to Home Office Ministers in February 2016 outlining nine recommendations to Government ministers.
Liaison with all principal local authority chief executives to encourage completion of the self-assessment tool – 85 per cent of local authorities have completed it.
Development on updating the Home Office Centre for Applied Science Operational Requirement into a ‘Passport for Compliance’ for organisations to follow when thinking about the installation of CCTV – due for publication in 2017.
Beginning work on a National Surveillance Camera Strategy for England and Wales aimed at providing direction and leadership in the surveillance camera community to enable system operators to understand best and good practice and then demonstrate compliance with the principles of the surveillance camera code of practice and any associated guidance. That’s out for consultation until December 6; more in the December 2016 print issue.
Work with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) lead on ANPR to promote transparency of its use across all forces to provide greater clarity on governance arrangements and consideration of the legislative framework to support ANPR.
Surveillance Camera Commissioner Tony Porter, pictured, said: “Yet again it’s been an incredibly busy and challenging year. I’ve continued to see lots of great examples of good practice from relevant authorities and those who fall outside the scope of this definition. The completion rates of my self assessment tool amongst local authorities has been astounding at around 85pc. Equally there is room for improvement and I’m determined to continue my push to raise standards across the industry. This is what the National Surveillance Camera Strategy precisely sets out to do.’
