As of 20 March 2006 it will be a legal requirement for all Public Space Surveillance CCTV operators (supplied under contract) to hold an SIA licence. Operators will need a licence if they use CCTV equipment which is deployed into fixed positions or has a PTZ capacity which enables them to:
- proactively monitor the activities of members of the public, whether they are in public areas or on private property;
- use cameras to focus on the activities of particular people, either by controlling or directing cameras at an individual’s activities;
- use cameras to look out for particular individuals;
- use recorded CCTV images to identify individuals or investigate their activities.
Licence application packs may be obtained from the SIA Call Centre on 0870 243 0100.