Andrew Rennison has been appointed as the UK’s first ever surveillance camera commissioner by the Home Office today.
The role was created with the introduction of the CCTV code of practice as part of the Protection of Freedoms Act earlier this year.
Mr Rennison will report to Parliament on how CCTV and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems are being used, raising any concerns the government should be aware of.
It is hoped that the CCTV code of practice will increase transparency in the use of CCTV, thereby increasing public confidence. The role is designed to protect the interests of the public and to ensure the responsible use of CCTV systems by police and local authorities.
The commissioner will also provide guidance for public bodies to increase image quality and improve the chances of catching criminals.
Andrew Rennison has been the interim CCTV regulator since 2009 and will combine his new role alongside that of the forensic science regulator.
The minister for criminal information, Lord Taylor of Holbeach, said: “Used properly CCTV and ANPR can be valuable tools in the fight against crime, but for too long these systems have grown and developed in the absence of any proper framework or oversight.
“Andrew Rennison has the experience and authority to hold the police and local authorities to account, empowering the public to shine a light on those who operate camera systems in public places, challenging them to show the use of these systems is justified, proportionate and effective.”
The voluntary code of practice is being set out by Parliament and is expected to come into force in April 2013. It will promote technical and occupational standards in order to improve the effectiveness of surveillance camera operations.
Mr Rennison said: “I am very pleased to be taking on this important role. CCTV has proved hugely valuable in public safety and catching criminals but a balance must be struck between keeping people safe and protecting privacy.
“Through the code I believe we can greatly increase the public’s awareness of the type of surveillance taking place around them every day and encourage greater openness among those operating CCTV and ANPR systems. At the same time we want to set robust standards for surveillance systems, to increase image quality so the police can catch more criminals.
“I am now in the process of putting together a good team to help me achieve this goal and support the government in the development of the codes of practice.”