As the new coalition government publishes its plans for civil liberties in the UK, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA)’s CCTV Section has welcomed plans for a further focus on the regulation of video surveillance and calls for the new government to work closely with key stakeholders, including the BSIA, in its decision making.
As the new coalition government publishes its plans for civil liberties in the UK, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA)'s CCTV Section has welcomed plans for a further focus on the regulation of video surveillance and calls for the new government to work closely with key stakeholders, including the BSIA, in its decision making.
Released last week, the coalition document sets out the agreements reached between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats on a range of issues that required urgent resolution in order for the two parties to work effectively together.
Civil liberties form an integral part of this agreement, with the regulation of video surveillance cited as one of the new government's key priorities.
Pauline Norstrom, Chairman of the BSIA's CCTV Section, said: “The BSIA has a long track record in working alongside the UK government to advise on CCTV, most recently to influence the formation of the National CCTV Oversight Body and appointment of an interim CCTV regulator.”
“Regulation represents a key step forward for the industry in terms of the development of national CCTV standards, image quality and training, as well as improving public understanding of CCTV technology and its capabilities,” she said.
“The BSIA has been very active in this area, making significant contributions to the work of the National CCTV Strategy, and as such, the association hopes to continue to advise the coalition government as it plans to further develop this area,” Norstrom said. “It is hoped that the government will continue to engage with industry in order to ensure the effectiveness of such developments.”
“CCTV is vital to the protection of our society and the security industry is dedicated to ensuring it is used responsibly,” she said.