Time up for CCTV staff to get surveillance licence

The ruling, in force from March 20, is in line with the Security Industry Authority's introduction of licensing for the private security industry and applies to contract staff only. A PSS CCTV licence will be required if a security operative uses CCTV equipment that is either deployed into fixed positions or has a pan, tilt and zoom capability and they are required to:

Pro-actively monitor the activities of the public, whether they are in public areas or on private property;

Use cameras to focus on the activities of particular people either by controlling or directing cameras at an individual's activities;

Use cameras to look out for particular individuals;

Use recorded CCTV images to identify individuals or to investigate their activities.

A specific CCTV licence will not be required where cameras are monitored in the following situations:

To solely identify intruders/trespassers onto a site and to monitor intruders/trespassers activities; and/or for the protection of vehicles or buildings against theft or damage to that property or premises and not specifically to monitor members of the public who may enter that property. However, a Security Guarding licence is required for these activities. The licence application fee is £190 for a three year licence. For more detailed information go to the SIA website: www.the-sia.orguk