Spy Cams

At Ideal CCTV we have a clear policy regarding requests for installation of hidden cameras, otherwise also called "Spy Cams".

Covert Cameras will only be supplied and installed in extraordinary circumstances and only as a temporary solution. Additionally we advise and prefer the client to contact their local council's Data Protection Officer or the Police Department to hear their view, prior to installation. The policy here might vary from Council to Council.

Hidden Cameras

Please see a relevant paragraph from the CCTV Code of Practice:

9.1 Letting people know

You must let people know that they are in an area where CCTV surveillance is being carried out.

The most effective way of doing this is by using prominently placed signs at the entrance to the CCTV zone and reinforcing this with further signs inside the area. This message can also be backed up with an audio announcement, where public announcements are already used, such as in a station.

Clear and prominent signs are particularly important where the cameras themselves are very discreet, or in locations where people might not expect to be under surveillance. As a general rule, signs should be more prominent and frequent where it would otherwise be less obvious to people that they are on CCTV.

In the exceptional circumstance that audio recording is being used, this should be stated explicitly and prominently.

We have recently decided to not involve ourselves in the new and swiftly groing business sector of selling advanced and yet low cost spy equipment like mini pin hole cams and other hidden video transmission equipment.

How our Data Protection Managerput it recently:

The import of Asian cheap models makes use and mis-use of this technolgy available for everybody. These devices are now in our daily life and many of us were 'surveilled ' secretly without our consent and knowledge.

Now the Data Protection Act and similar legislative directions demand from any surveiller who holds video or any other form of data on public persons.... to make these available on demand! - But how can you demand or requst to be shown electronically data held, if you were not made aware of its existence? There has to be clear CCTV Warning Signage, visible for anyone passing through a surveilled/recorded area, also clearly stating a name and contact of the data protection manager or owner/operator of the system. How does one fulfil these requirements with a hidden camera system?

The only legal use would be in case of a repetitive ongoing crime like theft. In this case the installation would naturally be temporary.