Nottingham CCTV scheme receives national accreditation

Following an inspection, Nottingham’s CCTV control room has been accredited with the prestigious British Standard 7958 award and in the process become one of the few control rooms in the country to receive this standard and believe it is the first to be awarded it in partnership with a private sector security company.

The standard provides recommendations for the management and operation of CCTV. This standard is applicable to CCTV schemes used in public places, which include areas where the public are encouraged to enter or have a right to visit, such as town centres, shopping malls and public transport. The standard has been prepared with the assistance of the following organisations the Information Commissioner, Association of Chief Police Officers, Home Office and the Security Industry Authority.

All CCTV schemes that process data in the above circumstances are required to conform to certain legislation, most importantly the Data Protection Act 1998, the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. British Standard 7958 is designed to supplement that legislation in a model code that ensures fairness, purpose and responsibility. The areas covered by the standard include procedures, the Independent Annual Review/Evaluation, privacy and disclosure issues, recorded material management, personnel and security screening.

This award demonstrates the professionalism involved in the management and operation of the public surveillance CCTV scheme. It provides the public with reassurance and confidence that their CCTV scheme and the team that operate it are committed to the very highest levels of integrity and are accountable through a regular inspection process by an independent and authorised professional body. Furthermore, it assists with compliance of legislation including The Data Protection Act 1998, The Human Rights Act 1998 and Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Mr Geoff Tate, Chief Executive, of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board who are the awarding body for this standard will be presenting the award to Allan Breeton, Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Director at the Crime and Drugs Partnership in February.

John Broomfield Surveillance Monitoring Manager said:

"It is vital that we can reassure our citizens that CCTV in the city is accountable and professionally run. The awarding of the standard is an excellent way of demonstrating that we take the legislation which surrounds CCTV very seriously."

City Council Leader, Councillor Jon Collins said:

"Crime in Nottingham is continuing to fall and CCTV plays an important role in helping us achieve this. This accreditation shows that the city continues to be at the forefront of measures designed to help keep Nottingham people safe. I congratulate the team at Woodlands on this achievement."

Allan Breeton added,

"CCTV is a key element in preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, prosecuting criminals and reassuring the residents of the city. This award demonstrates the very high standards of professionalism that have been set by the team at Woodlands and is another example of Nottingham leading the way nationally."