The report makes a number of recommendations about surveillance and data collection in the UK, and includes an independent appraisal of research into the effectiveness of CCTV and a statutory regime for the use of CCTV by both public and private sectors. It also calls for more powers for the Information Commissioner.
Pauline Norstrom, the BSIA’s CCTV Section chairman, commented: “The CCTV industry is – and has long been – committed to safeguarding the privacy of those monitored by the technology. Despite the context of this report, it’s important to note that CCTV doesn’t involve the collection of personal data about an individual. Nonetheless, privacy is protected by standards including the Data Protection Act and the Human Rights Act, regulation of Public Space Surveillance CCTV operators and industry-imposed standards.”
National CCTV Strategy
Norstrom continued: “Through the National CCTV Strategy, the industry is already involved in implementing many of the recommendations of this report, including Codes of Practice that are binding upon CCTV schemes. We would favour further research into the effectiveness of CCTV, and welcome the expansion of the Information Commissioner’s powers to ensure that systems are being operated to the high standards the industry supports.”
Research has shown that, in areas where CCTV has been installed, there is most certainly public support for the technology, reducing fear of crime among communities. CCTV also acts as an important tool for the police, and has contributed to the detection of crime in a number of high profile cases from the murder of Jamie Bulger through to the London bombings and the robbery at Securitas’ Cash Depot in Tunbridge.
Responsible use of surveillance
“CCTV is certainly vital to the protection of our society, and the industry is dedicated to ensuring it’s used responsibly,” concluded Norstrom.
As a result of the media activity following the publication of the report, the BSIA took part in a number of national and regional radio interviews to defend the role of CCTV in our society. Interviews were conducted for BBC Radio Five Live, LBC, Kerrang! Radio, the BBC World Service and various BBC regional radio stations.