When you have CCTV installed and start operating the surveillance system you have ongoing responsibilities as part of data protection compliance to ensure the quality of the system is maintained.
Guidance issued by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) makes it clear that having regular checks to ensure the CCTV system is working properly forms part of retaining compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
This is because all camera footage is considered to be personal data and therefore the system needs to be maintained to ensure that data is secure. The IP cameras should be protected by firewalls and any updates, particularly relating to the security of the system, need to be made as quickly as possible.
Additionally, the ICO guidance states that as a CCTV operator you must ensure that all images are clear and of a high quality. When a system is installed, therefore, cameras should be correctly located to obtain unobstructed images. Going forward it also means maintaining the cameras by keeping them clean and ensuring views do not become obscured by trees or other plants.
This also means ensuring the video management software is kept up to date and the system is set up properly so that the quality of the information collected is maintained throughout the recording process.
To support our customers when we install a CCTV system, we will maintain it for free for the first year. Following this taking out a support and maintenance contract with us for the subsequent years gives customers the peace of mind that they have a CCTV system they can rely on and ensures they are fully compliant with data protection guidance.
As part of our maintenance agreements, we will undertake annual visits and ensure that all the cameras are thoroughly cleaned. The support and maintenance contracts will also ensure camera systems continue to work properly and that customers are taking advantage of the latest software upgrades.
As an NSI Gold accredited company we are also undertaking regular customer calls to ensure satisfaction continues and to discuss if there are any additional requirements. However, without a maintenance agreement it is likely to cost more in the long-term for customers to ensure their CCTV system is upgraded when necessary and faults are corrected.
CCTV maintenance costs may rise year by year due to rising prices but this increase can be avoided by signing up to a fixed price contract for the forthcoming years. Our CCTV maintenance contracts can range from a 12-month contract to five years depending on a customer’s needs. A longer contract provides customers with a better predicted expenditure for the coming years.
Support and maintenance agreements are therefore advised if you want to ensure your CCTV system is future-proofed and that the system continues to be compliant with data protection regulations. To find out more contact us.