Commercial CCTV Legislation - What You Need To Know!

Following our last post about commercial CCTV systems preventing crime in Essex, we've put together this guide to help business owners understand:

1. The basics surrounding CCTV and Data Protection laws
2. The dos & don'ts
3. The consequences of breaking CCTV legislation
4. What you need to share with your staff and visitors

Installing CCTV around your premises is a different ball game to home surveillance cameras! To avoid frustration and legal issues, absorb the following info...

Is your business in the clear?

What your staff and visitors can expect from your commercial CCTV system

CCTV footage of staff and visitors is considered 'personal data' that your business is expected to protect.

In a nutshell, your business is required to:

• Display clear signs where CCTV is used
• Make sure the Responsible Person is deciding what is recorded, how the images are stored and who they are disclosed to
• Have clear procedures on how to use your CCTV system and when to disclose information
• Make regular checks to ensure the procedure is being followed by staff

When can your CCTV footage be disclosed to third parties?

The public have the right to see CCTV footage of themselves which they can request from your business. Your organisation is required to provide the footage within 30 calendar days - this is called a Subject Access Request.

You're NOT allowed to:

• Disclose images of individuals to unauthorised members of the public
• Disclose images of individuals to the media

If your CCTV footage is being used in a criminal investigation, it will be handled and distributed by the Police.

Things your staff must know

Just like the findings from your Fire Risk Assessment, it is critical that members of staff who are involved with the CCTV system know:

• The procedures in place for the recording, storing and distributing of footage
• Who your business can and can not distribute footage to (see section above)
• Findings and actionable steps from procedure reviews
• When they are being recorded by your CCTV system

Things that can go wrong if the rules aren't followed

Commercial CCTV Law is compiled of 3 legal documents:

1. Protection of Freedom Act 2012
2. Surveillance Camera Code of Practice 2013
3. Data Protection Act 2018

A violation of any of these can lead to criminal charges.

In addition, the law requires any business operating CCTV to be registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £500,000. With the new GDPR regulations now in effect, owners should be aware that personal data demands tight security procedures and transparency. Failure to adhere to regulations can prove very costly!

Wait, there's hope!

Before you slump, with your head in your hands in despair, be reassured that Blake's are here to help.

We understand that CCTV systems are intimidating and confusing without the added legislation stress.

So... our CCTV experts put together a quick and free downloadable guide for you outlining:

• The 6 most common questions Savvy MDs ask about CCTV before buying
• How to invest wisely and get the right system for the right price
• How to get the biggest bang for your buck from your new system and much more!

Click the image below and download your copy in under 2 minutes!