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The Commissioner discusses the new era for live facial recognition after the Coronation

Amid all the traditional pomp and ceremony for which we are known around the world the recent coronation of King Charles III provided a glimpse into the future of policing, not just in this country, but globally. While an estimated global …

Survey launched on police use of surveillance camera systems

CCTV Control Room with a number of monitors

I am beginning the process of gathering the latest information from all police forces under my jurisdiction on their use of overt surveillance camera systems.

What we talk about when we talk about biometrics…*

Technology using biometric data is progressing at a rapid pace. Finding the right balance between the privacy concerns and entitlements of the individual while harnessing new technology responsibly, accountably and proportionately is proving to be a significant challenge for policing today; tomorrow’s technology will make it even more so.  Which is why there needs to be an informed and realistic response to the government’s idea of soaking up the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner functions within a data regulator’s role which is buried at the end of the DCMS’ ongoing broad consultation.

Government launches consultation on proposed revisions to the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice

Photo of CCTV cameras

The government has launched a consultation on proposed alterations to the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice. This is the first revision to the Code since its introduction in June 2013.

Framework Service Level Agreement

The Service Level Agreement (SLA) framework is a guidance document designed to help you and your organisation develop an SLA yourselves. An effective SLA is a crucial part of any partnership working arrangements between organisations. This template has been designed specifically for partnerships between relevant authorities defined at section 33(5) of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (local authorities and police forces) regarding the operation of surveillance camera systems.

“If you’ve done nothing wrong…”: 5 Reasons Why This is No Defence for Surveillance

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Policing, Privacy, Surveillance cameras, Uncategorized

The expression “if you’ve done nothing wrong you’ve nothing to worry about” is not the answer to legitimate public concern over surveillance. Here are 5 reasons for abandoning the argument once and for all.

Appointment of Professor Fraser Sampson - the new Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner

Professor Fraser Sampson

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.

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

Abstract image with the words'local authorities'

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.