Interim regulator appointed

CameraWatch welcomes new interim regulator

CameraWatch has welcomed the December announcement by Policing Minister David Hanson that a new interim CCTV regulator has been appointed.

CameraWatch works closely with National Police Improvements Agency (NPIA) and was aware that the announcement was forthcoming. Indeed Gordon Ferrie, CameraWatch CEO alluded to this at the Edinburgh CameraWatch Forum in October.

CameraWatch has consistently voiced its concerns on the lack of regulation within the CCTV industry and have been extremely proactive in discussing this at meetings with various parties including NPIA, Home Office, ACPO, ACPOS, Information Commissioner and the SIA.

CameraWatch met David Hanson earlier in December to discuss improving the whole perception of CCTV and explaining to him the CameraWatch CCTV Data Protection Compliance Assessment/Assurance Scheme.

This scheme has already commenced with three public space CCTV control rooms in the UK currently being assessed. The scheme is not restricted to just public space CCTV - all CCTV control rooms are included in the scheme.

This fits in with ICO and Home office/ACPO recommendations for annual assessments and is the major message that CameraWatch has proclaimed loud and clear since its inception.

CameraWatch Compliance Director Paul Mackie said: "CameraWatch wants to make a real difference in the industry and we see Data Protection Act (DPA) assessments as paramount to improving the CCTV industry all round. If assessments had been in place a number of years ago we would probably have not needed government regulation. We need to regain the trust of the public in this fantastic tool against crime."

CameraWatch Chief Executive Gordon Ferrie said: "The DPA assessment scheme highlights how CameraWatch is always looking to the future There are many more changes coming.

CCTV is on the move to improve quality and raise standards, but this time is Government-driven. Regulation is soon going to be with us. This has all emanated from the Home Office /ACPO National CCTV Strategy Draft Report.

"CameraWatch hopes to be fully involved in future workings to be able to make a real difference."

Paul Mackie added: "Without doubt the regulation of CCTV has now commenced. CameraWatch intends being instrumental in any new ways of working."

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