The standard provides technical and operational recommendations for the deployment and use of Body Worn Video used for the purposes of recording interactions between the wearer and other parties, or the environments in which the wearer finds themselves.

David Wilkinson, Director of Technical Services at the BSIA and Chairman of the British Standards Institute’s GW1/10 subcommittee comments: “The need for a standard in this area was born from discussions held with the Surveillance Camera Commissioner with regards to guidance for Body Worn Video in relation to the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s Code of Practice.

“The BWV standard development committee was chaired by myself and involved a wide variety of stakeholders, including manufacturers, inspectorates, the Information Commissioner’s Office, the Security Industry Authority and the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s office.

“There are clear advantages for the use of body worn video in a number of applications, however, its usage also brings about challenges in terms of privacy and data security. It is hoped that this standard will support the work of organisations such as the SCC and ICO in ensuring that surveillance remains appropriate, proportionate and that there is a balance between safety, security and the privacy of those being surveilled.”

BS 8593 will be publicly launched by BSI with briefings from both the SCC and ICO’s office, the Metropolitan Police, industry practitioners and Chairman of GW1/10 Dave Wilkinson.