Cctv Storage

[p.jones3]

Hi, I have been asked by the landlord of a local pub to find out how long you should store cctv for to comply with the data protection act!

any ideas the police have told him he should be keeping his "tapes" on a monthly basis roatating over the month. now this makes sense before the introduction of the DVR but to store 16 cams 24/7 at 25fps will need a massive hdd or regular backing up.

any thoughts?

Pete

[billythebellbox]

Hi, I have been asked by the landlord of a local pub to find out how long you should store cctv for to comply with the data protection act

31 days

[p.jones3]

ok so what size hdd should i put in to do 31 days?

31 days

[j.paul]

31 days

From CCTV data protection code of practice:

You should not keep images for longer than strictly necessary to meet your own purposes for recording them. Exceptionally, you may retain images for a short while at the request of a law enforcement body investigating a crime, to give them opportunity to view the images as part of an active investigation.

Example: a system installed to prevent fraud being carried out on an ATMs may need to retain images for over 30 days, since a suspicious transaction may not come to light until the victim gets a bank statement.

Example: A small system in a pub may only need to retain images for a few days because incidents will come to light very quickly.

*Have you decided on the shortest period that you need to retain the images, based upon your own purpose for recording the images?

*Is your image retention policy documented and understood by those who operate the system?

*Are measures in place to ensure the secure deletion of images at the end of this period?

*Do you undertake systematic checks to ensure that the retention period is being complied with in practice?

[p.jones3]

thank you

please can you point me in right direction to get a copy of the act regarding cctv?

From CCTV data protection code of practice:

You should not keep images for longer than strictly necessary to meet your own purposes for recording them. Exceptionally, you may retain images for a short while at the request of a law enforcement body investigating a crime, to give them opportunity to view the images as part of an active investigation.

Example: a system installed to prevent fraud being carried out on an ATMs may need to retain images for over 30 days, since a suspicious transaction may not come to light until the victim gets a bank statement.

Example: A small system in a pub may only need to retain images for a few days because incidents will come to light very quickly.

*Have you decided on the shortest period that you need to retain the images, based upon your own purpose for recording the images?

*Is your image retention policy documented and understood by those who operate the system?

*Are measures in place to ensure the secure deletion of images at the end of this period?

*Do you undertake systematic checks to ensure that the retention period is being complied with in practice?

[billythebellbox]

ok so what size hdd should i put in to do 31 days?

depends on image size,

[j.paul]

thank you

please can you point me in right direction to get a copy of the act regarding cctv?

CCTV Act

[ilkie]

CCTV Act

Although the DPA offers the legal view, this does not reflect the reality of the situation.

The Client should request in writing advice regarding the archive duration required by the Police (who will advise the licensing authority).

At the same time I would suggest the number of cameras and required image sizes (ie establish the operational requirement with the police) and methods of removing images of incidents is also agreed in advance of any equipment design.

After all the client does not want to upset the authority which gives him the licence to trade!

Ilkie

[whistle]

Already had this one with local police and a local night club.

DPA states 7 days local polce say 31 days.

Ended up fitting a second hard drive.

[Doktor Jon]

I'd have to agree with Ilkie's excellent comments.

If CCTV is to be used in licensed premises (or in any other premises for that matter), it is absolutely vital the the operational objectives are clearly defined, and the system designed and operated to meet those parameters.

Whilst the Information Commissioner may suggest a shorter record period for certain types of premises, quite honestly in the real world that is an absolute nonsense. There are many potential situations where officers may require access to video recordings, in order to extract evidential images as part of an ongoing investigation; and seven days retention is rarely if ever going to fit the bill (sorry, pun not intended )

It could be considered that irrespective of the notional requirements of any licensing authority, the police may have just cause to seek access to images recorded at any time, provided of course they are available.

Realistically, it would be advisable to record at maximum resolution and quality, and unless "Real Time" is specifically requested, perhaps with a minimum of 12 ips (per camera), for a period of at least 21 days, and preferably 30 days.

It shouldn't be too difficult to calculate the exact size of HDD required to achieve something useful, where most responsible site managers would normally be more than happy to comply.