Bill Calls For National Strategy On CCTV
Included within the FY 2008 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill recently passed by the Senate is a requirement for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a national strategy for the “effective and appropriate” use of closed circuit television (CCTV) to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism.
The requirement for a CCTV national strategy, sponsored by Sen. Joe Lieberman (ID-Conn.), would direct DHS to develop a plan that incorporates the following elements:
* An assessment on how CCTV systems can be used more effectively as part of an overall anti-terrorism program;
* An examination of the advantages and limitations of closed circuit television;
* Best practices on camera use and data storage;
* An analysis of privacy and civil liberties concerns raised by the use of CCTV; and
* Plans for coordination between federal and state governments and the private sector in the development and use of CCTV and federal assistance for the use of such systems.
The Security Industry Association (SIA) says it will work closely with both DHS and Lieberman’s staff to ensure pro-industry provisions are included in the report.