Codes
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has established a framework for a uniform approach to CCTV in the transport sector. In this context, airports are a 'mass transport facility'. The framework is as pertinent to state and territory governments as it is to private organisations in the transport sector.
The COAG code of practice
The National Code of Practice for CCTV Systems for the Mass Passenger Transport Sector for Counter-Terrorism (2006) was prepared by the COAG Working Group in June 2006. Compliance with the code is voluntary, but the States and Territories have agreed to ensure that 'appropriate action is taken by security identified surface transport operators within their jurisdictions' in relation to security for mass surface transport (note that the Commonwealth is responsible for maritime and aviation security).
The code describes the desired attributes of CCTV systems for improved counter-terrorism arrangements within the mass passenger transport sector, which includes airports. A risk-based approach to implementation advocated in the code leads to the establishment of graduated levels of CCTV system coverage to match the assessed security significance of the particular service.
The code addresses a range of matters, including:
- performance requirements for implementation
- CCTV systems and technology
- legal issues and accountability
- evidentiary responsibilities
- requirements and storage capacity.
For more information, see the code at www.coag.gov.au/coag_meeting_outcomes/2006-07-14/docs/cctv_code_practice.pdf
Other codes
See also the following British codes:
- BS 7956:2005 Closed-circuit television (CCTV) Management and Operation. Code of Practice.
- BS 8418:2003 Installation and remote monitoring of detector activated CCTV systems. Code of Practice.
- BS 8495:2007 Code of practice for digital CCTV recording systems for the purpose of image export to be used as evidence.
The above codes are available through Standards Australia on www.saiglobal.com/shop.
See also Australian Standards on this website Copies of standards are available from Standards Australia www.saiglobal.com/shop.