Before you put the camera up, it is worth establishing the permissions and legal issues that need to be dealt with. It is far easier to establish these issues at the start rather than after the installation.
Check If You Need Planning Permission
For most commercial properties, CCTV does not require planning permission. However, properties such as listed buildings and properties located in conservation areas may require consent for the installation of cameras and cabling to exterior walls.
Register With the ICO
All businesses that capture images of staff or members of the public will require registration as a data controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO website contains a wealth of information regarding the responsible use of CCTV, including details of the necessary registration and the limits placed upon the storage and viewing of recorded footage.
Put Up Clear Signage
Staff, customers and visitors to your premises need to be aware of any CCTV installation. Clear visible signs at entrances to premises and covered areas are generally all that is required to comply with the legislation.
For more on CCTV Installation Swindon, see apmfireandsecurity.com/cctv-installation/cctv-installation-swindon.
Mind Where Cameras Point
Cameras should only be used to cover the business owner’s property. Neighbouring gardens, windows and the public pavement should only be covered by CCTV if there is a valid reason for doing so. Most areas can be covered using adjustable angles and privacy masking.
Check Your Lease First
Also worth remembering is that if you rent your property you’ll need to check your lease for any restrictions on installing CCTV cameras and any requirements for installing fixings into walls and brickwork. This is something you can check before the installation with your landlord, or before the installation engineer arrives to start work on your CCTV Installation Swindon project.
It’s easy when you have sorted the formalities!