Against the backdrop of the prolific uptake of digital video recording by the CCTV industry, there is a pressing need for definitive guidance where digital images are being used for evidential purposes. The reality is that digital video evidence is different, a difference which, if handled correctly, can deliver positive benefits. For the criminal justice system, the police, and end users this requires a change of approach, as images have to be taken off the hard drive of a unit, where the original evidence is stored, and copied onto removable media.
This is an area which I am happy to report has now been addressed by the BSIA (British Security Industry Association) through the development of a Code of Practice for ‘Digital Recording’ systems. Key areas covered include image quality, image authenticity, storage, image export, operator/owner awareness and the critical audit trail.
The demand for a digital recording systems standard - where CCTV images are to be used as evidence in a court of law - is not confined to the UK, as no equivalent exists worldwide. It is not surprising therefore that a great deal of interest has already been expressed in the British Code of Practice by groups including the FBI in the US.
The Code of Practice is available at www.bsia.co.uk/download.html.