The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice published in June 2013, sets out 12 guiding principles which strike a balance between protecting the public and upholding civil liberties. The principles provide a coherent and comprehensive structure to enable good and transparent decision-making that will reassure the public that surveillance cameras are used to protect and support communities rather than spy on them.
The CoP provides guidance on the appropriate and effective use of surveillance camera systems by relevant authorities (as defined by section 33 of the 2012 Act) in England and Wales who must have regard to the code when exercising any functions to which the code relates. Other operators and users of surveillance camera systems in England and Wales are encouraged to adopt the code voluntarily. It is a significant step in the ongoing process of delivering the government’s commitment to the ‘further regulation of CCTV’ which it believes is a task that is best managed in gradual and incremental stages. As understanding and application of the code increases the government may consider including other bodies as relevant authorities who will have to have regard to the code
You can download the following documents to help check if your organisation complies and is read for audit:
First Steps
To assess whether your organisation complies with the 12 guiding principles of the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice you must complete the self assessment toolkit. When you feel that your business is ready, you can then be audited by IQ Verify in one of two ways described below, with a view of attaining the certificate and certification mark issued by the SCC.
Step One - Desk Top Certification
Aimed at organisations that are working to achieve full compliance with the code but are aware they may need more time to become fully compliant.
Step Two - Full Certification
Aimed at Organisations that are close to or fully compliant with the code.
Annual Desk Top Review
To ensure continued compliance, your organisation will need to complete annual desk top reviews.
Please Note: A reduced cost combined SCC-COP + BS 7958:2015 audit is now available. Please get in touch to find out more information about this offer.
Certification is available for any organisation that operates surveillance in a public space. This could be a small or large organisation that wants to show compliance with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice and evidence good practice.
Certification covers a broad spectrum of surveillance camera systems including:
CCTV – Closed Circuit Television
BWV – Body Worn Video
UAS (Drones) – Unmanned Aircraft Systems
ANPR – Automatic Number Plate Recognition
AFR – Automatic Facial Recognition
Copyright © 2020 IQ Verify Ltd - All Rights Reserved.