CCTV Regulation - Compliance Aids

CCTV Compliance Assistance

Almost any CCTV system used to record images of individuals (apart from those used within private dwellings) must comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. Failure to comply could result in the personal liability of the system owner leading to a fine of up to £5,000. Basic requirements of the act include:

• Registration of the system with the Information Commissioner
• Display of appropriate signage
• Security of the recording equipment and recordings
• Full audit trail of tapes, etc.
• Erasure of tape before each recording and prior to disposal
• Privacy for subjects recorded, secure storage / restricted access
• Handling requests from / providing subject access to recordings

Registration
WARNING several companies flooding the business world with official looking paperwork and requesting high fees for registration, etc. are currently under investigation by Trading Standards. Registration is a simple matter and can be achieved online via www.dpr.gov.uk or by telephone 01625 545740. Only a small annual administration charge applies. For further information visit www.dataprotection.gov. uk

Warning Signs
Must be displayed advising that CCTV recording is in operation. Wording must comply with the guidelines as set out in the CCTV Code of Practice and must also include contact details for the person responsible for the CCTV system.

Security of recording equipment & tapes
Various steel security housings are available to protect tapes and VCRs against unauthorised access.

Tape use / management
A degausser offers a quick and easy way of wiping data off of recorded tapes prior to re-use or disposal. Flatbed degaussers cost several hundred pounds but are ideal for high volume use, whilst for organisations handling only small quantities of tapes each day, a low cost hand held unit may be preferred. Uniquely identifiable tapes and a tape log detailing a full history of tape usage, access, and whereabouts, are essential for compliance. Our tapes each incorporate a unique serial number and our log book system includes all you need to maintain an adequate record of activity and use.

tape log security tapes degausser VCR enclosure		tape store

At Insight we strive to cut through the hype and to help companies / organisations by delivering 'value for money' solutions to business problems. To help the smaller organisation who may lack the benefit of a dedicated specialist, we have put together two compliance aid starter packs, although we can obviously also provide solutions for organisations of any size.

Conformance is not optional and penalties apply. This is not scare-mongering, but a legal requirement. Registration with the Information Commissioner is simple and involves only a small annual administration charge, beware of companies asking for high registration fees. Whether you are a one man business or a multi national your obligations are similar although the cost of implementing compliance will obviously vary. Whatever your needs, Insight can offer a competitively priced solution.

Compliance Aid Pack 1

Prod Ref VT VRCAP1

• Set of uniquely numbered security tapes
  (31 tapes in plastic library cases)
• Hand held tape degausser
• Tape activity log book system
• 2 A4 size warning signs

Compliance Aid Pack 2

Prod Ref VT VRCAP2

Contents as pack 1 above but with lockable steel tape storage container in addition. (31 + 2 tape capacity)

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