After the April 2015 launch of Operational Standards for Security Camera Systems, the TRUSTED CCTV Improvement Project are now releasing the revised updated version 2.1.1.
The latest standards are aimed at CCTV users and towards more easily achieving an efficient, effective and responsible level of performance, from their security camera systems.
The new version build on the concept of encouraging operators and users to adopt a strategy of Responsible Societal Surveillance (RSS). Users can choose which level of operational standards compliance best suits their needs, and by following a set of requirements and making an annual review, they will be able to identify and design out many of the current issues and concerns which beset the CCTV and security industries, say organisers.
The standards documents are now available in PDF format from the recently launched TRUSTED CCTV e-Store at: www.trustedcctv.co.uk.
Hardcopy A4 book versions of the updated standards are also due to become available before the end of September 2015. Whilst the standards are currently available directly, subject to wider industry support they may be offered through established ‘partner’ bodies.
Details
Level 1 – ‘PLATINUM’ standard – requires independent expert verification
Level 2 – ‘GOLD’ standard – requires independent expert verification
Level 3 – ‘SILVER+’ standard – requires independent verification
Level 3 – ‘SILVER’ standard – self compliance – no external audit
Level 4 – ‘BRONZE+’ standard – requires independent verification
Level 4 – ‘BRONZE’ standard – self compliance – no external audit
CCTV users can initially obtain an Operational Standards document (from the e-Store), to use as a working tool to help improve the management and operation of their security camera system. Having completed the workflow to the required level, an independent assessment can also be undertaken if required (mandatory for Gold and Platinum standards), to verify that the standard has been achieved.
An optional ‘Compliance Pack’ (CP) will also be available to allow CCTV Operators to complete the process, by entering their Standard’s achievement on a publicly viewable online register. In addition to this, a completion certificate and unique TRUSTED CCTV Compliance Mark are also included as part of the pack.
Subject to demand, the generic versions of the TRUSTED CCTV standards will in time also be further customised to meet the needs of specific sectors; for example schools and colleges, hospitals, retailers and shopping centres, hotels, pubs and bars, petrol retailers, stations, ports and airports, museums, cinemas and theatres. Bespoke versions are also planned for various other global markets, taking account of any specific local requirements.
Standards content:
Part two – EXISTING SYSTEMS Annual Compliance TESTING and EVALUATION v2.1.1 Release – 09/2015
Seven sections covering ….
Operational objectives;
Technical reviews and testing;
Recording review and testing;
System management;
Transparency, accountability, privacy, and data related issues;
Legal considerations; and
System maintenance
Part two relates to the requirements for existing working CCTV systems, to be capable of achieving and maintaining a desired level of operational compliance.
Evaluated systems can opt to receive an annual certificate, TRUSTED Compliance Mark, and online directory listing.
Background
The TRUSTED CCTV Improvement Project was started in 2007, and has since been involved in the development of various documents and materials to help CCTV operators improve the management and operation of their security camera systems.
Although initially outlined in the 1990s, the concept of “Operational Standards” for existing CCTV systems was really only first considered in detail around seven years ago. The development work over the past 20 months, was squarely based on feedback received after the UK’s first National CCTV Improvement Week, which was organised by the TRUSTED CCTV Improvement Project in 2012.
