• The Data Protection Act
• The Human Rights Act
• The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act

Whether you are a data controller, manager or operator of CCTV, you will be bound by the legislation now in force. This page gives a brief outline of the different Acts of Parliament that apply to your CCTV.

Our expereince in operating and teaching CCTV gives that extra ingredient to just understanding the legislation as appears on paper.

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The Data Protection Act

The Data Protection Act 1998 came into force in 2000 bringing with it a Code of Practice for Public CCTV schemes. There is considerable guidance in this code for CCTV schemes. The public have a right of access to data, which now covers video images. Failure to comply with the Code of Practice may make you liable to breaches of the Act and prosecution.

The Manager's course includes information about the Act and how it applies to your CCTV systems.

Visit the data protection website for more details. Data Protection Act

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The Human Rights Act

The Human Rights Act came into force on 2nd October 2000 bringing with it privacy rights for everyone.

Article 8 introduces the right of privacy for your family life, home and correspondence. If you appear on public video, you are entitled to a degree of privacy.

This effectively means that private and family life issues should not be exposed by CCTV systems in the public domain. There are implications here for operators to use CCTV schemes so as not to intrude unlawfully whilst using the cameras.

Both the Operators Course and the Manager's course include information about the Act and how it applies to your CCTV systems.

Operators attending our courses will be given the skills and understanding to prevent the likelihood of a breach of the Human Rights Act. There have already been cases in court where Human Rights have been challenged and there will be more to follow.

Make sure your system is up to date on current issues. Visit the Home Office web site for more details: The Human Rights Act

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The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act

This Act has also recently become law. This will impact on public CCTV even though it applies more to covert surveillance systems operated by Police forces.

The main thrust of this legislation is to control surveillance and ensure it is appropriately authorised where it is required for criminal investigations.

In respect of public CCTV the Act refers to Directed Surveillance being authorised. An example of this would be the local detective asking your CCTV operators to maintain a watch for a few hours on a specific shop owner dealing in stolen goods. This would require authorisation under the new act.

CCTV Training.com will ensure your staff are up to date with this important piece of legislation.

You can find out more about this act from the Home Office web site: The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act