CCTV CCTV has obvious value as a deterrent against crime or vandalism, as a recorder of evidence and as a source of live visual information for security teams monitoring business premises. A CCTV system can also enable management to monitor staff remotely or – in the interests of market research – to observe customer purchasing habits in real time
CCTV is a valuable aid to business security but all too often cameras are not used to optimum effect or sited strategically. For instance, it is not always true that the more cameras you have, the more thorough is your surveillance. In many cases, less is more. Sometimes cameras can be installed so inadequately or positioned so inappropriately that they fail to record anything of value when an incident does occur.
CCTV systems must be maintained regularly and faults repaired immediately.
Because CCTV technology is constantly improving, businesses should keep it updated to keep pace with changing threats. Also, having the most sophisticated CCTV system in the world is of little use if the staff employed to run it find it too complex to operate. Effective training in operating the equipment and in interpreting the visual material that the cameras capture is paramount.
There are certain rules and procedures that must be followed in relation to the setting up of CCTV systems and the handling, storage and usage of the data that they record. Signs must be placed wherever CCTV is installed to inform the public that it is in operation.
Under current data protection legislation, use of CCTV cameras can, in some circumstances, constitute a breach of privacy, meaning that the evidence recorded may not be admissible in court.
The City of London Police advises that CCTV pictures should be kept for a maximum of 31 days.
It is always advisable to seek reliable professional assistance when setting up or extending a CCTV network, particularly with regard to the legal ramifications. Problems can be avoided by ensuring that the installation and operation of surveillance cameras follows the spirit as well as the letter of the Code of Practice issued by the Information Commissioner.
For advice concerning the correct installation and use of CCTV cameras, and a downloadable version of the relevant Code of Practice, visit the section on CCTV at the Information Commissioner’s web site at
www.ico.gov.uk
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