GOV.UK
A farewell - looking back to the future (Part 2)
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.
Surveillance camera code of practice
How effective are Video Surveillance Systems (VSS)?
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?
Working together on automatic facial recognition
Regular readers of my blog will know that the Home Office published their Biometric Strategy in June and in doing so established a new board (which I sit on) to develop that strategy. A key challenge for me in participating …
Raising standards through my certification scheme
There’s been a lot of focus recently in the press about the potential mass intrusion of surveillance cameras and I’ve recently blogged myself about CCTV in taxis and the use of automatic facial recognition technology. These are big ticket items …
An ethical approach to Automated Facial Recognition
Regulars to my blog will know that my regulatory role in the context of surveillance camera systems extends to the overt use of automated facial recognition (AFR) technology by the police and local authorities. Over the past few years South …
Disclosure: the importance of complying with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.
The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice (the Code) is prepared by the Secretary of State by virtue of Section 29(1) Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. Its purpose being to drive up standards in the operation of surveillance camera systems in …
Release of Biometric Strategy
Well – the long awaited Government Biometric Strategy was released last week. This Strategy presumes to set the direction for the use of biometrics by law enforcement agencies and Home Office bodies. It proposes to establish an oversight and advisory …
Memorandum of Understanding between the Surveillance Camera Commissioner and the Forensic Science Regulator
As evolving surveillance technologies continue to present both opportunities and challenges for society, regulators have an ever more critical role to play in ensuring that appropriate legal and ethical standards exist, supported by guidance where necessary to govern their use …
The Regulation of Face Identification Technology
I welcome the recent publication of the Big Brother Watch report, concerning face identification technology, as in my view it adds value to a much needed debate on a matter of growing public interest. The public interest demands clear legislation, …
Relevant Authorities – If you are operating Surveillance Camera Systems in public in England and Wales. Are you assured as to your legal responsibilities?
As an operator of a surveillance camera system you are faced with a framework of legal and regulatory requirements and industry standards, some of which place statutory responsibilities upon you in connection with the use of those systems depending upon …