Ian Ross of Acorn Investigations in Manchester is featured in the May print issue of Professional Security magazine, on his use of covert video recording in his work as a private investigator and process server, to protect himself against false accusations.
Headcams and bodycams can be a useful tool for the security industry to record personal interactions and provide evidence of potential criminal offences. So says the regualtor the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
With the increased use of bodycams/headcams by door supervisors and other security operatives, the SIA says that it has received a number of requests to clarify its position in relation to public space surveillance (CCTV) licensing.
The SIA sums up its approach:
If you wear a bodycam but do not view the footage, a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence is not required.
If you view the footage from a bodycam then a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence is required if manned guarding activities are carried out through the use of the CCTV to monitor the activities of a member of the public or identify a particular person – this is regardless of whether or not you are the person wearing the bodycam. However, if the footage is ONLY used to identify a trespasser or protect property, then a Security Guard licence will cover you for this activity. In both sets of circumstances, a licence is only required if the activity is carried out in connection with a contract with a consumer.
Visit http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/pages/licensing-bodycams.aspx
