Hello! I’m Fraser Sampson, the new Surveillance Camera Commissioner (and Biometrics Commissioner too). I came into post on 1 March and with so much going on in both the world of surveillance and biometrics, I’m sure the next few weeks and months are going to be busy, but I think this is an exciting time and I’m looking forward to the road ahead.
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.
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.
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?
Hello, my name is Dr Rachel Adams and I’m an Early Career Researcher with the Information Law and Policy Centre, Institute for Advanced Legal Studies, University of London. I’m also a member of the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s Automatic Number Plate Recognition Independent …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Alastair Thomas here! Following user testing and stakeholder consultation, we are delighted to announce that the Buyers Toolkit guidance is now available for download from the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s website. The feedback received by the project team helped to fine …
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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.
