CCTV Policy

Sycamore House Dental practice has one security camera located in the reception area. The camera records video and audio and is linked securely to a password protected account.

This policy aims to clearly justify the use of the security camera at the practice according to the 12 principles laid out in the Home Office’s ‘Surveillance Camera Code of Practice’.

Principles of the surveillance camera code of practice:

“Principle 1 – Use of a surveillance camera system must always be for a specified purpose which is in pursuit of a legitimate aim and necessary to meet an identified pressing need.”

The purpose of the security camera at Sycamore House is to protect those in the practice (staff and patients) and the building and its contents in the event of possible incidents such as abuse or vandalism. Additionally, the camera serves to prevent and deter crime and monitors for sound and movement alerts when the practice is unoccupied outside of working hours.

“Principle 2 – The user of a surveillance camera system must take into account its effect on individuals and their privacy, with regular reviews to ensure its use remains justified.”

The Camera is in a public and readily accessible location. Both staff and visitors to the practice are aware of its presence and purpose. There are multiple notices displaying a summary of this policy. Audio & video recording from the device are enabled in order to capture instances of antisocial behaviour and for the safety and security of all persons on the premises.

“Principle 3 – There must be as much transparency in the use of a surveillance camera system as possible, including a published contact point for access to information and complaints.”

Signage near the entrance/exit point indicates the use of a security camera.

“Principle 4 – There must be clear responsibility and accountability for all surveillance camera system activities including images and information collected, held and used.”

The responsible individual for the security camera is H Morillo.

“Principle 5 – Clear rules, policies and procedures must be in place before a surveillance camera system is used, and these must be communicated to all who need to comply with them.”

Staff and visitors to the practice are aware of the purpose and use of the camera. The rules and policies of its use are set out in this document.

“Principle 6 – No more images and information should be stored than that which is strictly required for the stated purpose of a surveillance camera system, and such images and information should be deleted once their purposes have been discharged.”

Data collected by the camera is deleted on a rolling basis. No data is stored outside of the password protected camera system.

“Principle 7 – Access to retained images and information should be restricted and there must be clearly defined rules on who can gain access and for what purpose such access is granted; the disclosure of images and information should only take place when it is necessary for such a purpose or for law enforcement purposes.”

Access to images is to the Partners at Sycamore House Dental Practice only when necessary such as to investigate abuse of staff members by the public.

“Principle 8 – Surveillance camera system operators should consider any approved operational, technical and competency standards relevant to a system and its purpose and work to meet and maintain those standards.”

The partners at the practice manage the camera and the data management settings.

“Principle 9 – Surveillance camera system images and information should be subject to appropriate security measures to safeguard against unauthorised access and use.”

Images are accessed only to investigate/review incidents. The data recorded by the camera is  automatically deleted on a rolling basis.

“Principle 10 – There should be effective review and audit mechanisms to ensure legal requirements, policies and standards are complied with in practice, and regular reports should be published.”

Partners at the practice regularly audit and ensure that the continued use of the surveillance camera remains justified. They also consider the location as to allow for other areas in the practice to remain private for staff and patients.

“Principle 11 – When the use of a surveillance camera system is in pursuit of a legitimate aim, and there is a pressing need for its use, it should then be used in the most effective way to support public safety and
law enforcement with the aim of processing images and information of evidential value.”

The camera is well located to record the faces of patients and visitors and their interactions at the reception desk as this is a likely location for possible antisocial behaviour. Video can be exported if required to support an investigation or to provide evidence.

“Principle 12 – Any information used to support a surveillance camera system which compares against a reference database for matching purposes should be accurate and kept up to date.”

The data on the camera is time-stamped and dated for recording the accurate series of events. The camera does not have facial or voice recognition capabilities.