Interim U.K. CCTV regulator is appointed

The U.K. government has announced the appointment of an interim CCTV regulator in an effort to improve the public’s power in regards to the technology. Andrew Rennison, currently the government’s forensic science regulator, will take on the role for twelve months. During his tenure he will advise government on matters surrounding the use of CCTV in public places, including the need for a regulatory framework overseen by a permanent CCTV regulator.

Crime minister David Hanson said a permanent regulator would enable the police, local authorities, and other agencies to help “deliver safer neighborhoods while ensuring that personal privacy considerations are appropriately taken into account with supporting safeguards and protections”

According to Hanson, CCTV enjoys a high level of public confidence and played a key role in crimes like the London bombings in 2005. CCTV, however, is also criticized by civil liberty groups and local neighborhoods for being intrusive or ineffective.

The United Kingdom is said to have more CCTV cameras per person than any other country in the world.

In a written ministerial statement, Hanson said the establishment of a permanent regulator would be a matter for parliament. The Home Office is currently considering how this will be organized. The interim regulator is an “important step”, Hanson added, to the implementation of a national CCTV strategy. He added:

The interim regulator will work with the national CCTV strategy board on six key areas. These are to: develop national standards for the installation and use of CCTV in public space; determine training requirements for users and practitioners; engage with the public and private sector in determining the need for and potential content of any regulatory framework; raise public awareness and understanding of how CCTV operates and how it contributes to tackling crime and increasing public protection; review the existing recommendations of the national CCTV strategy and advise the strategy board on implementation, timelines and cost and development of an effective evidence base; and promote public awareness of the complaints process and criteria for complaints to the relevant agencies (for example, Information Commissioner, local authority or private organization) or how to deal with complaints relating to technical standards.

Although the regulator will not have the power to control the use and positioning of cameras, the minister said the regulator will “help explain to the public how they can complain about intrusive or ineffective CCTV placement or usage”.

The department is also planning to engage with key stakeholders. It will shortly be establishing an independent advisory group with representatives from business, CCTV operators, community, and third sector groups to monitor and provide direction on implementing the national strategy. The advisory group will advise the interim CCTV regulator and the national CCTV strategy board.