Why a CCTV Policy is Crucial 

For those looking to install a CCTV system in their business, or who already have them, it’s crucial to have an effective CCTV policy in place.

An effective system and policy can protect your business from intruders, provide real time monitoring, and save money in the long term.

What is a CCTV Policy?

A CCTV policy is used to plan and explain the procedures that are in place for managing CCTV in a specific business premises.

It would generally need to explain why employees and visitors to the premises are being recorded, including justifying the potential scenarios in which the footage could be used.

It is also common to include details on the system that is being used, including why a specific setup is used, and why specific areas are being recorded.

Is a CCTV Policy Necessary for Businesses that Use CCTV?

The simple answer is yes.

The GDPR act, set up in 2018, requires all businesses who use CCTV to have a policy in place in order to ensure the system adheres to all legal regulations.

Some of the regulations in place include the following:

• Employees must be informed they are being recorded. Posting clear signs around the building is the most effective way to do so.
• The employer must register with the ICO as a data controller. This will include outlining the purpose of the CCTV on the premises - and using the footage for anything outside of these purposes is illegal.
• Cameras should not be installed in areas where privacy is important or where people would be justified in expecting privacy - for example toilets and changing rooms.

• Footage must be provided within 30 days to any individual who has been recorded by the CCTV system and requests to see such footage.

It’s worthy of note that the ICO has the power to fine companies who break these requirements up to £500,000.

Why is This So Important?

The obvious reason is that a CCTV policy is legally required - so failing to have one could open your business up to fines or legal actions.

However, it’s also important to note that if an organisation has a CCTV system in place, but no CCTV policy, any footage captured by them is unlikely to be accepted as evidence in court - meaning the CCTV cannot be used for its primary use.

In fact, operating CCTV without the appropriate policy could even be used against you - as in some situations it could be considered illegally spying on people.

Get Help with CCTV Policy & Setup

phs Compliance are the UK’s leading experts in this area - able to install, maintain and repair CCTV systems in businesses of all sizes, while also complying with all relevant regulations and laws - including help with your CCTV policy if needed.

Our trained technicians can help you protect your business from theft, vandalism, and other risks while also ensuring you are compliant with all applicable laws. They can even enter your business, do this, and leave with zero interruption, allowing you and your internal employees to do what they do best.

We provide a full range of market leading products including Samsung, Hikvision, Dahau and Pelco. phs Compliance's CCTV security team also supplies a self-contained mobile remote monitoring platform, ideal for many non-standard work environments including construction sites, rail and highways.

All our works are delivered in accordance with the National Security Inspectorate's Code of Practice for the Design, Installation and Maintenance of CCTV Systems NCP-104, and we are regularly audited by independent third party accreditation bodies.

To learn more about our what Compliance offers, to get a quote, or simply to ask a query, please feel free to contact us now!