CCTVImage | News Scottish Lib Dem leader – Someone must watch the watchmen
WILLIE RENNIE MSP, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, has called for Government action to ensure the use of CCTV doesn’t “spi- ral out of control” in Scotland. Figures obtained by The Scotsman news-
paper through a Freedom of Information request found there are now 4,114 public- space CCTV cameras and mobile camera vans across Scotland. This number is more than tre- ble the 1,269 cameras which were operational across the country ten years ago.
The UK Government has recently con- cluded a consultation on a new Surveillance Camera Code of Practice for England and Wales. It aims to ensure cameras concentrate on fighting crime and gives the public power to hold police and local authorities to account through a greater transparency.
Rennie wants the Scottish Government to also look at introducing such a code of practice to protect its citizens. He said ministers have a responsibility to prevent a
“Big Brother Scotland” and appease those who feel CCTV cameras are there to spy on them rather than welcome its use as a crime prevention tool.
“The UK Government has brought for- ward proposals in England and Wales for a new code of practice that would help protect people’s privacy and ensure that cameras are being deployed where they can do the most good,” said Rennie.
“Ministers now need to follow suit in Scotland. The risk is that use of these cameras will spiral out of control without any assur- ance to the public that those who operate them demonstrate integrity and can be held to account.
“The Scottish Government must ensure that someone is watching the watchmen and improve the ways that we regulate the use of CCTV to prevent inappropriate surveil- lance.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said
recorded crime is at its lowest level in 37 years and people are now “feeling safer in their neighbourhoods”. “Everyone should feel safe in their com- munities,” he added. “CCTV has played an important role in making our streets safer by helping our police and prosecuting authorities catch criminals and tackle antisocial behav- iour.”
In March 2011, CCTV Image exclu- sively reported research undertaken by Graeme Gerrard, deputy chief constable of Cheshire and lead on CCTV issues for the Association of Chief Police Officers, which found there were 1.85 million CCTV cam- eras in the UK.
When that figure is divided across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland by population, it equates that Scotland should have closer to 155,000 CCTV cameras, rather than the 4,114 the latest research found.
Annual Conference 2013 10th
The CCTV User Group –12th
June 2013
The Ettington Chase Hotel - Stratford upon Avon Kindly sponsored by:
Seminars, Case Studies, Exhibition, Work Shops, Networking, Consultants Forum, Q & A sessions and so much more - You can’t afford to miss it! Delegate fee includes two nights accommodation.
Keynote Speakers Include:
Andrew Rennison - Surveillance Camera Commissioner Alastair Thomas - Home Office
All speakers, price and other details can be found on the website:
www.cctvusergroup.com | T: 01202 707 552 | E:
debbie@cctvusergroup.com
Issue sponsor
www.securitynewsdesk.com
Spring 2013 9
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