Will pubs be pushed into CCTV by police?

Story link: Will pubs be pushed into CCTV by police? by Alan Harten

Privacy is at the core of a plea from the Information Commissioner’s Office for tighter control and regulation of the police, amidst public concern that too many businesses feel compelled to install CCTV (closed circuit television) security devices as forms of intelligence.

According to the Deputy Information Commissioner, concern is mounting that information will be gathered such as fingerprints and personal details of pub and club customers without proper warrant.

Smith went on to say that surveillance of businesses should not be to aid police investigations, but to protect the businesses and that CCTV may broach the ethical line and privacy issues of many patrons.

While businesses are free to choose to utilize CCTV technology, concern is high that they are being pressured into its installation by police investigators who may have ulterior purposes.

Currently the Government plans to allow local councils the choice to make CCTV mandatory for pubs and clubs in the interests of safety and security in their own areas.

The ICO also requests that clarity guidelines be issued on the new measures that detail how far local councils and police investigators are allowed to go when seeking information from clubs and pubs.