Home Office announces new Surveillance Camera Commissioner
The Home Office today (14 February 2014) announced the appointment of a new Surveillance Camera Commissioner.
Lord Taylor of Holbeach, Minister for Criminal Information
Tony Porter will replace Andrew Rennison, whose term of office came to an end this month.
The commissioner is responsible for:
- encouraging compliance with the surveillance camera code of practice
- providing advice on the effective, appropriate, proportionate and transparent use of surveillance camera systems
- providing advice on operational and technical standards
- reviewing how the code of practice is working and advising the government where any changes may be necessary
Mr Porter’s 3-year term of appointment will start on 10 March 2014. A retired senior police leader whose roles included commanding the North West Counter Terrorism Unit from 2006 to 2012, he received the Queen’s Police Medal in the New Year’s Honours in 2008.
Lord Taylor of Holbeach, Minister for Criminal Information, said:
Tony Porter possesses a combination of business and law enforcement expertise and I am delighted that he has been appointed to this vitally important role.
I should like to record the government’s appreciation to Andrew Rennison for his contribution in laying the foundations for the regulation of surveillance camera systems.
Mr Porter said:
I am delighted to accept this appointment and must first acknowledge the excellent foundations laid for me by my predecessor Andrew Rennison.
This role presents complex and challenging issues that impact on matters of social policy, human rights and crime prevention. My commitment to everyone is to ensure an open and transparent approach to the role.
I will seek to raise levels of confidence across communities and interest groups as to the use of surveillance cameras and the standards against which those systems operate. Technology moves forward at a fast pace which will present new and dynamic issues in the future. I look forward to building close and working relationships with all interested parties to ensure those challenges are managed and seen to be managed in the public interest.
Mr Rennison will continue as Forensic Science Regulator on a part-time basis until a new appointment is made.