A Home Office consultation seeks views on the scope and clarity of a surveillance draft code of practice and its likely impact. It runs from February until March 21.
A draft code of practice is now prepared for publication alongside this consultation document. The draft code is built upon 12 guiding principles, and for the first time introduces a philosophy of surveillance by consent.
The Coalition government sees an important parallel with the well-established concept of policing by consent, which is based upon a presumption of transparency and accountability. This assures the integrity of police officers and staff as they exercise their powers on behalf of the public.
This consultation seeks your views on the scope and clarity of the draft code and its likely impact, and also seeks to ensure that proper consideration is given to the position of the three non territorial police forces and the Serious Organised Crime Agency.
As political background, the Coalition agreement for government included a commitment to the further regulation of CCTV, which has now been enacted in legislation through the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.
Visit the Home Office website.
