Since my last blog about the National Surveillance Camera Strategy not much time has passed but quite a lot has happened.
The working group that I have set up to drive the strategy forward has now met to discuss how we do it and where we focus. We’ve identified key strands that we need to look at, each of these is being lead by and industry expert:
- Training - Gordon Tyerman (CCTV National Standards Forum – Chair)
- Installers and Manufacturers – Simon Adcock (British Security Industry Association – Chair of CCTV Section)
- Horizon Scanning – Professor Dick Lacey (Home Office Centre for Applied Science and Technology)
- Law enforcement – Assistant Chief Constable Mark Bates (National Police Chiefs’ Council – Lead for CCTV)
- Local Authorities – Alan Gardner (Public CCTV Managers’ Association – Chair)
- Voluntary adopters – Philip Jones (British Council of Shopping Centres – Chair of Security Committee)
- Standards – Alex Carmichael (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board – CEO)
- Civil Engagement – Professor William Webster (Centre for Research into Information, Surveillance and Privacy)
Strategy objectives
I've asked each of the strand leads to start thinking about what the main objectives are for each one, how they might be delivered and over what time-frame. I’ll be really interested to see what comes back and where things overlap or complement each other.
I fully expect the members of the group to be reaching out into their professional communities to gather views on what’s important and what should be included in the objectives they’re working on.
One of the key reasons for me starting this work on the strategy is to make sure the public are reassured that surveillance cameras in public places are there to protect and look after them – rather than look at them – and are operated in a way which is proportionate, effective in meeting a stated purpose as well as being operated in a transparent way.
I really think that this strategy will provide direction and leadership in the surveillance camera community, promoting best practice through compliance with the principles and guidance associated with Surveillance Camera Code of Practice regardless of the sector surveillance cameras are used in.
The strands of work I’ve mentioned here are not exhaustive and you may think there are some key areas missing – if you think there are let me know.
There will be lots of opportunities to feed into the strategy and this blog will be one way for me to share ideas about it as it develops so make sure you sign up for email alerts and also follow me on Twitter.
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