Judgment Approved by the court for handing down
R (Bridges) v CCSWP and SSHD
8.
Surveillance camera system operators should consider any
approved operational, technical and competency standards
relevant to a system and its purpose and work to meet and
maintain those standards.
9.
Surveillance camera system images and information should be
subject to appropriate security measures to safeguard against
unauthorised access and use.
10.
There should be effective review and audit mechanisms to
ensure legal requirements, policies and standards are complied
with in practice, and regular reports should be published.
11.
When the use of a surveillance camera system is in pursuit of a
legitimate aim, and there is a pressing need for its use, it should
then be used in the most effective way to support public safety
and law enforcement with the aim of processing images and
information of evidential value.
12.
Any information used to support a surveillance camera system
which compares against a reference database for matching
purposes should be accurate and kept up to date.”
32.
The Code of Practice concerns “conventional” CCTV systems, but specifically
addresses the use of AFR as part of a surveillance camera system (see paragraph
3.2.3 below). The SC Code also covers the broader spectrum of statutory and
procedural considerations which apply to surveillance camera operators,
including Human Rights, Data Protection, Investigatory Powers and the forensic
integrity of images.
33.
Relevant paragraphs from the SC Code are as follows:
“1.8
This code has been developed to address concerns over the
potential for abuse or misuse of surveillance by the state in public
places.”
“2.1
Modern and forever advancing surveillance camera
technology provides increasing potential for the gathering and use of
images and associated information. These advances vastly increase the
ability and capacity to capture, store, share and analyse images and
information. This technology can be a valuable tool in the management
of public safety and security, in the protection of people and property,
in the prevention and investigation of crime, and in bringing crimes to
justice. Technological advances can also provide greater opportunity to
safeguard privacy. Used appropriately, current and future technology
can and will provide a proportionate and effective solution where
surveillance is in pursuit of a legitimate aim and meets a pressing
need.”