BS 8593:2017

What is this standard about?

Body Worn Video (BWV) incorporates a camera, a microphone and other technology which enables video and audio recordings to be made, stored and subsequently exported. 

BWV’s use has clear advantages, but there are also some challenges around privacy and data security, as well as operational deployment and technical capability. 

BWV is becoming a key technology in the UK video surveillance systems sector. To support its appropriate and proportionate use, this standard provides technical and operational recommendations on BWV’s use and deployment.

Who is this standard for?

• Security companies and agencies
• Building management companies
• Entertainment venues
• Local authorities
• Those promoting compliance with any form of video surveillance system operation

Activities where BWV might be deployed include:

• Emergency services’ response
• Night-time economy operations (e.g. licensed premises)
• Taxi marshalling
• Warden schemes
• Security guarding
• Lone working
• Parking enforcement
• Door supervision

Why should you use this standard? 

The standard aims to help organizations deliver BWV operations that strike a balance between safety and security on the one hand, and the privacy of the people being recorded on the other. It:

• Covers planning and operational recommendations
• Explores device recommendations, such as functionality, weight, image quality, encryption and data management
• Includes data management and security issues, including data integrity, audit trails, storage and sharing, and redaction
• Addresses the training needs of suppliers’ staff, BWV users, data handlers and operators
• Supplies good practice principles for the use and auditing of BWV