A new organisation has been launched to report on, assess and inspect CCTV systems throughout the UK.
The CCTV Data Protection Inspectorate will operate as a non-profit making organisation allowing inspectors and assessors "to assist the known 250,000+ CCTV owners and users".

The organisation will work to ensure good practice compliance within the CCTV Code of Practice.

The Code of Practice was issued by the Office of the Information Commissioner last summer to assist with compliance of the Data Protection Act which became law in March 2000.

Legally enforceable standards now apply to the collection and processing of images relating to individuals.

The Code of Practice assists owners and operators of CCTV to understand their legal obligations while also reassuring the public about the safeguards that should be in place.

It sets out the measures that must be adopted to comply with the Data Protection Act and gives guidance for the following of good data protection practice.

Full compliance of the Act must be adhered to, to prevent prosecution and keep the owners and users within the law.

On October 23, 2001, the deadline will end for the 'transitional relief' period for CCTV systems installed before October 23 1998 after which time, all users of CCTV systems will be legally liable if they have not registered with the Information Commissioner.

The new Data Protection Inspectorate has produced full pre-compliance and compliance documents.

These will be nationally available for all owners, installers and end users to complete and register and ensure legal and good practice compliance within the CCTV Code of Practice.

To order forms contact CCTV Data Protection Inspectorate Ltd, Charlton House, Chester Road, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0GW
Tel: 0161 877 8817 Fax: 0161 848 8812

Source

Security Installer