How it will ensure that adequate equipment, software and training are in place to facilitate the speedy and efficient sharing of CCTV foota…

We believe that public space CCTV systems can play an important role in the prevention, detection and prosecution of crime. Local authority operated CCTV systems are nearly all linked to local police force operations, and in some areas there are information sharing protocol agreements already established for the sharing of footage and information.
Businesses and organisations are required to operate CCTV systems within the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 and Information Commissioner''s code of practice. We are currently concluding a strategic review of public space CCTV in Scotland, which is intended to clarify its specific role. The report is expected in November. In addition to profiling what public space CCTV infrastructure exists in Scotland, the report will cover strategic issues on its purpose and use; changing technology and data management, plus consideration of the published evidence that exists regarding the evaluation and impacts of public space CCTV. I plan to share the output of the strategic review with key stakeholders early in 2009, and then consider what actions to take in light of its findings.