Security experts are warning that businesses may be compromising security levels by not complying with new CCTV regulations that come into force at midnight on Nov 1st 2008.

From 1 November, monitored CCTV systems that routinely contact the police to deal with criminal incidents will have to comply with British Standard 8418 to receive a unique police reference number (URN) that entitles them to the fastest, ‘Level 1’ response.

The deadline marks the formal enforcement of BS8418:2003, which covers the code of practice for the installation and remote monitoring of detector activated CCTV systems.

The ad-hoc and unofficial arrangements that have existed between different police forces and security providers for ‘legacy’ CCTV systems not installed in accordance with the standard will no longer be recognised. And without a URN, a business - or its security provider - will be denied official police recognition.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) policy on police response to security systems states that, security systems will only be recognised if they comply with “a recognised standard or code of practice controlling manufacture, installation, maintenance and operation”.Security providers can become BS8418 standard certified, demonstrating adherence to technical standards and codes of practice in system design and installation, detector and camera positioning, configuration, lighting, system performance, equipment integrity and commissioning.

But Guide Security Services (GSS) – the first security consultants in the UK to be awarded the BS8418 accreditation – warned that, CCTV if providers and their systems are if not officially recognised, the implications include an increased risk of errors and delays occurring when the police are called to a serious incident or, ultimately, no police response at all.And, as recently as this summer, the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) reported that 98 per cent of the so-called ‘legacy’ CCTV systems that will need to meet BS8418 were not compliant.

Edward Cusack, GSS managing director, welcomed the deadline for enforcing the CCTV regulations. “It should help drive forward the overall quality of security provided by the industry,” he said.But he warned: “Businesses with non-complaint legacy systems need to be aware of the potential ramifications. It’s possible that despite heavy investment in monitored CCTV protection, some businesses could find their systems do not have the level of security necessary to elicit an effective police response come November.

They could also face potentially serious financial implications of lapsed insurance cover if their CCTV systems are deemed non-compliant.”

AS Big Brother fills our TV screens a Sheffield-based law firm is warning businesses that using surveillance techniques to monitor their staff is a legal minefield.

Matthew Brain, employment law partner for Irwin Mitchell, said: "Organisations are increasingly choosing to monitor staff by introducing their own form of Big Brother with CCTV, phone taps and monitoring of emails."

Although employers are legally entitled to monitor certain aspects of staff activities at work, Mr Brain says businesses must advise their staff in advance and ensure the degree of monitoring is appropriate.

He said: "Failing to inform staff they are being, or can be, monitored can lead to a breakdown in the employment relationship and open companies up to claims, such as constructive dismissal. This is especially true when it comes to CCTV."

At last the CCTV security industry now has an answer to what has been a much-recognized problem of acquiring quality CCTV compliant bespoke signage which is required under the Code of Practice within The CCTV Data Protection Act 1998. News

CCTV Trade Signs is a new and up and coming manufacturing company, which is successfully providing the CCTV industry with a range of bespoke signage that is unmatched within the print industry.

Every one of 60 schools picked at random was found to be ignoring strict guidelines over the use of CCTV Schools across the UK are using CCTV cameras illegally and breaking laws by using footage as evidence in court cases, a new study has found.

Every one of 60 schools picked at random was found to be ignoring strict guidelines over the use of CCTV - with one school even aiming cameras into a neighbour's back garden.

The study, by national advisory body Camera Watch, found that none of the schools met strict standards imposed by the law and as a result evidence gathered by schools in court cases may not even be legal.

The guidelines, which schools are supposed to follow, include warning people what cameras are used for and making sure that cameras are pointing in the right direction.

Schools must also store recording equipment and personal data correctly.

Paul Mackie, CameraWatch's compliance director, warned that images recorded by the schools camera systems tested were grainy, poorly exposed and in most cases illegal because procedures were not adequately followed.