Many owners, managers and operators of CCTV schemes are still unaware that it is a criminal offence to use an unregistered scheme in a public place.
Companies challenged over the use of their scheme in publicly accessible areas will need to prove they are operating in consideration of the Data Protection Act 1998 and other related legislation.

To help companies using CCTV schemes, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has launched an audit scheme designed to provide assistance to data controllers to understand their legal obligations and identify where their schemes do not adhere to the required standards of practice.

The audit consists of an examination of the company's facilities and procedures, including visiting the areas under surveillance to ensure the areas are appropriate for monitoring, and that the cameras meet the correct technical requirements.

A written report is produced to document the audit and – providing the standards are met – an Audit Certificate is issued, valid for 12 months.

NSI chief executive Tom Mullarkey commented: "Traditionally NSI has inspected companies which install and maintain CCTV systems. Installing these systems may however be a waste of time if they are not used correctly.

"This new audit scheme provides the whole package: NSI can now help its customers utilise the system to its maximum potential within the requirements of the legislation."