Video Surveillance Systems for Business Security - What you need to do.

Many businesses recognize the need to add video surveillance to their security systems to reduce workplace fraud, and to protect employees. While video systems are relatively easy to install, company management must give thought to implementing a Video Surveillance Policy to ensure that all employees are aware of the system and its purpose.

In a recent Ontario case, a complaint was brought to the Privacy Commissioner by an inner-city bus employee, who felt that the bus company had not adequately informed employees of monitoring.

The Commissioner ruled in favour of the bus company stating, "the use of the video surveillance system could be supported for the purposes as outlined by the organization — ensuring security and safety, reducing illegal behaviour and limiting the potential for liability."

Elliott Goldstein, B.A., LL.B., writing about this case, pointed to 3 lessons for businesses using video security systems.
"1. Video surveillance in the workplace must be accompanied by sufficient signage to alert employees that they may be monitored.
2. If there is to be video surveillance in the workplace, employees must be informed of the purposes the information will be used.
3. Implied consent of employees for the use of their personal information collected by video surveillance is assumed to have been obtained when the personal information being collected is not sensitive and the express purposes of the video surveillance have been explained so that the employees would reasonably expect that their information be used for those purposes."

The solution is to implement a Video Surveillance Policy and communicate it to all employees.

Areas to address in the policy include;

• Purpose of video surveillance system.
• Where cameras are typically used.
• Where cameras are generally never used.
• Where the video surveillance system is monitored.
• How video is recorded and for what duration.
• Who is responsible for the management of the video surveillance system.
• Who has access to video recordings and for what purposes.
• Procedures for requesting video recordings.
• Archival storage of video recordings related to security incidents.

information source

Here is an example of a Video Surveillance Policy.

Thinking about corporate surveillance? It's important to speak with a professional to find a solution right for your organization and to protect your company against risk.

The Renwick Group is a private investigation firm founded in 1997 and is based in Barrie, Ontario. We have evolved into a focused private investigation firm offering a unique range of regional and national services, including corporate surveillance. Please contact us to discuss your business needs. 1 (888) 722-9807  or visit our website.