Guidance

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:

  1. You use CCTV to watch members of the public or to identify particular individuals.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. You use CCTV to watch members of the public or to identify particular individuals.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Published 22 April 2013