Check if you need an SIA licence to use a bodycam
Find out how SIA licensing applies to someone using a bodycam or headcam.
If you are using a bodycam or a headcam for security purposes then you may need an SIA licence.
This page explains when you will and will not need a licence.
You should seek independent legal advice if you are still not sure whether you need a licence after reading this page.
When you need a front line licence
Video from a bodycam or headcam is usually watched live by someone in another location, or is recorded and then watched later.
If you watch video footage captured by a bodycam or a headcam as part of your job then you are likely to fall within the definition of public space surveillance (CCTV) activity.
You need a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence if all of the following statements are true:
- You use CCTV to watch members of the public or to identify particular individuals.
- You use CCTV to guard against disorder or to protect individuals from assault - this includes the use of CCTV to try to prevent these things from happening, or to provide information about them if they do happen.
- Your services are supplied under contract to a client.
You need a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV), Close Protection, Door Supervision or Security Guard licence if all of the following statements are true:
- You use CCTV to watch members of the public or to identify particular individuals.
- You use CCTV to identify a trespasser or protect property - this includes the use of CCTV to try to prevent these things from happening, or to provide information about them if they do happen.
- Your services are supplied under contract to a client.
You still need an SIA licence even if the CCTV footage you are viewing is from a bodycam or a headcam.
When you need a non-front line licence
You need a non-front line licence if:
- you will not personally be doing the activity described above, but will be managing or supervising people who will
- you are a partner or director in a company that uses bodycams or headcams for such purposes
‘Director’ includes executive and non-executive directors, shadow directors, parent company directors, and corporate entities holding a directorship.
When you do not need a licence
You do not need an SIA licence if you wear a bodycam or headcam but do not watch any of the footage from that device.