Everyone has a right to privacy. If you are thinking about installing business CCTV cameras to your commercial property, you need to consider how it could impact your staff and the general public. We often expect to be filmed as we enter a supermarket, bank or nightclub for example. However, we don’t expect to be filmed all the time.
This is where you need to consider how your business CCTV will respect people’s privacy and uphold their rights.
For example, CCTV cameras should not be recording in areas that may be considered as private. These include spaces like toilets and changing rooms for example. If, however, there are repeated and serious antisocial behaviours or crimes in these areas it may be necessary to have CCTV recording in these areas. You will need strong justification for this. In addition, there needs to be clear signage, so people know that they are being filmed in these areas of our business.
If you employ staff, it is important that you listen to their concerns about the business CCTV and being filmed. Explain to them where the security cameras will be placed and what will be filmed. Talk to your team about why CCTV cameras and being installed and how it will benefit them too.
If you are using CCTV cameras to monitor your staff, they need to be aware of this. Any employees that feel the CCTV surveillance is being used unfairly can contact the authorities. CCTV cameras can be used for health and safety for example, but employees need to be aware of this and how it will work.
When you are using CCTV surveillance cameras in your business, you need to be aware of people’s information rates. It’s important that you are aware of the responsibilities you have in relation to those rights too. One of the most common rights it is likely you will come across is right of access. This means that your employees or people within your business can ask for copies of your recording. You must be able to provide this on request.
Not sure about the best locations for CCTV cameras in your business premises? Call our CCTV security team now. We can talk through your concerns and security risks and recommend the best locations for you, your employees and your business.
