Tony Porter

Tony Porter was appointed Surveillance Camera Commissioner in March 2014. He has a combination of business and law enforcement expertise. He is an intelligence specialist (most recently within the financial sector) and retired senior police leader. His experience spans community and business engagement, international counter terrorism and serious and organised crime.

Survey of Local Authorities Compliance with the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

Tony Porter, 20 October 2020 - ANPR, Body worn video, CCTV, Crown Prosecution Service, Drones, Local authorities, National surveillance camera strategy, Policing, Standards, Surveillance camera code of practice, Surveillance cameras, Uncategorized

Earlier this year I sent a survey to LAs in England and Wales to gain a better understanding as to the extent to which they were complying with their statutory responsibilities arising from Section 33(1) of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA) and the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, in connection with their use of overt surveillance camera systems in public places.

What next for automated facial recognition?

Tony Porter, 11 August 2020 - Biometrics, Facial Recognition Technology, Policing, Surveillance camera code of practice

In this blog the Commissioner reflects on the Court of Appeal judgment regarding the police use of automated facial recognition and what steps now need to be taken in relation to it.

Surveillance and COVID-19: Lessons to be learnt

Tony Porter, 21 April 2020 - CCTV, COVID-19, Surveillance camera code of practice, Surveillance cameras

In this blog the Commissioner looks at how surveillance is being used during the COVID-19 pandemic and what lessons could be learnt for the future of overt surveillance.

A farewell - looking back to the future (Part 2)

Tony Porter, 27 February 2020 - Critical National Infrastructure, Local authorities, National surveillance camera strategy, Policing, Standards, Surveillance camera code of practice, Surveillance Camera Day, Training

In this blog the Commissioner looks back over the National Surveillance Camera Strategy for England and Wales, what's been achieved and what the future might hold.

A Farewell – looking back to the future through the camera lens (Part 1)

Tony Porter, 19 February 2020 - Facial Recognition Technology, Policing, Surveillance cameras

This blog is the first in a short series of blogs from the Commissioner looking back over the six years he has held the post.

Regulating law enforcement use of automatic facial recognition

Tony Porter, 1 November 2019 - Biometrics, CCTV, Facial Recognition Technology, Policing

Regulating law enforcement use of automatic facial recognition is a complex area. The Commissioner blogs about the legal framework and the need for regulators and others to work together to ensure that they serve the public interest to the standards they expect, helping those who want to deploy AFR do so within a strong framework of law and guidance

The State of Surveillance

Tony Porter, 31 July 2019 - Surveillance camera review, Surveillance cameras

The way overt surveillance cameras are being used is changing. Should there be an independent review looking at how they are used?

How effective are Video Surveillance Systems (VSS)?

Tony Porter, 28 May 2019 - ANPR, Body worn video, CCTV, Crown Prosecution Service, Drones, Local authorities, Policing, Surveillance camera code of practice, Surveillance cameras, Uncategorized

Video Surveillance Systems are operated by most Local Authorities in England and Wales and are intrinsically linked with operational policing to protect the public and ensure their safety. So how effective are they and is the cost of installing and operating those systems really worth it?

Get involved in Surveillance Camera Day

Tony Porter, 23 April 2019 - Surveillance Camera Day

Thursday 20 June will mark a world first – the first ever National Surveillance Camera Day! Read about how you can join the conversation.

The debate on automatic facial recognition continues

Tony Porter, 21 March 2019 - Facial Recognition Technology, Uncategorized

Once again the issue of police use of Automatic Facial Recognition (AFR) technology has come into public spotlight. This week it was part of an inquiry at the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee – to whom I …

Surveillance Camera Commissioner's Office

This is the official blog for the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s Office. We aim to give you updates on the current issues in the sector, share ideas and importantly invite your views on the use of surveillance cameras.

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