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

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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.

How effective are Video Surveillance Systems (VSS)?

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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?

Raising standards through my certification scheme

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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 …

Disclosure: the importance of complying with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.

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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 …

Facing Up To Face Identification Systems (AFR)

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In providing regulatory leadership in the context of surveillance camera systems, I remain committed to focusing my energies and influence to support and bring about debate to influence change for the public good. This week I called together many respected …

The Regulation of Face Identification Technology

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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?

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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 …