CameraWatch set up to watch the watchers

Published on 28 Jun 2007

A new not-for-profit organisation has been setup to monitor the use of CCTV throughout the UK.

CameraWatch was launched on 30 May and immediately made its presence felt by claiming that up to 90% of UK CCTV camera did not comply with regulations.

Gordon Ferrie, CameraWatch Chairman says,

"We believe that the current situation has profound implications for the reputation of the camera surveillance industry and all concerned with it. It's clear there is a need for an organisation dedicated to promoting the legal and effective use of CCTV."
Ferrie says, "I'm not surprised there's confusion. It's a complex area not just covering appropriate siting and signage issues, but also various pieces of legislation. In particular, the Data Protection Act covers images of people and requires they be held securely if the data is to be used as legal and admissible evidence. Storing images of people is also impacted by the EU Human Rights Act. As things stand today, clever legal counsel could drive a horse and cart through most CCTV evidence and that is not in anybody's best interests."

CameraWatch is currently funded by two security companies, Bell Security Ltd and Norbain, but future funding is expected to come from membership fees and sponsorship.