As a NSI-Gold CCTV installer Ecl-ips is committed to maintaining high standards in our work and we understand that for many of our customers data protection and best practice compliance can be a complex area.
If you are operating a CCTV system understanding your obligations in respect of protecting people’s privacy is increasingly important as technology, such as facial recognition, becomes more advanced.
Surveillance Camera Code of Practice: 12 Guiding Principles
Fortunately, since 2013, there has been a framework for CCTV operators to follow in the form of the 12 Guiding Principles that make up the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice. The Government also appointed a Surveillance Camera Commissioner (SCC), to encourage – but not to enforce – compliance with the Code.
Tony Porter held the post until the end of February 2021 when he was succeeded by Fraser Sampson, who was also appointed Biometrics Commissioner. Fraser has worked in the criminal justice sector for over 40 years having moved from serving in the police force into studying law and becoming a solicitor and most recently working as Chief Executive for Police, Fire & Crime Commissioners in Yorkshire. Fraser is also an Honorary Professor and Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University.
On his appointment Fraser outlined updating the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice as one of his priorities. Tony Porter had carried out a review of the impact of the Code in 2015 and produced recommendations for the government on updating the Code. The government responded to this review but had yet to make changes to the code despite the SCC calling for this.
Changes in Technology prompts calls for Code Update
The need for change has been recognised because of the advances in technology which were underlined recently by a legal case brought by a Cardiff resident Ed Bridges and represented by the human rights campaigning group, Liberty, who challenged South Wales Police’s use of live facial recognition in public.
“Following the Bridges judgment on the proper and accountable use of facial recognition technology, it’s now more important than ever to produce a Code that’s fit for purpose and is designed to stay up to date with the fast-paced evolution of surveillance camera technology,” Fraser said.
Ecl-ips offers CCTV Logbook to support compliance
However, the existing 12 Guiding Principles that make up the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice still provide CCTV operators with a systematic approach to managing CCTV compliance. This is why we now offer our customers access to the CCTV Logbook portal, which within its Compliance Package takes customers through the 12 Guiding Principles using a comprehensive step-by-step checklist.
Without this process compliance could be a burden for our customers but instead by completing all areas of compliance they can print off a certificate to display to others. While this is not an official document it demonstrates that they are taking compliance seriously as a CCTV operator.
How we can help you: Free Trial Available
If you are looking for a CCTV installer that not only provides the best solutions for you but can also help you manage your system and CCTV compliance then Ecl-ips can do this and will help you understand the CCTV Logbook portal. Contact us now to discuss all your CCTV needs either by phoning or booking an appointment online.
For the peace of mind that you are meeting your compliance obligations take a look at the video and sign up for a free product tour and/or a free trial of CCTV Logbook today.