How long should you keep CCTV camera footage
CCTV footage is an invaluable tool for ensuring safety and security, but one key question often arises: how long should you keep that footage? Striking the right balance between retaining data for practical purposes and complying with legal and privacy requirements is critical.
Understanding CCTV footage retention
What is CCTV footage retention?
CCTV footage retention refers to the length of time recorded video is stored before being deleted or overwritten. This period varies depending on the purpose of the surveillance and the storage capabilities of the system.
Common retention periods
In the UK, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for how long CCTV footage must be kept. However, the most common retention periods are:
14 to 31 days: Standard for businesses, covering typical security needs without excessive data storage.
7 to 14 days: Common for smaller systems or locations with limited storage.
Longer periods (up to 90 days): Used for specific industries, such as financial services or healthcare, where regulations or risks require extended retention.
Factors influencing retention periods
Legal requirements
Different sectors and jurisdictions have varying rules regarding CCTV retention. For example:
Data Protection Act (UK): Businesses must justify their retention period based on necessity.
Industry-specific mandates: Retail or banking industries may require longer retention to address fraud investigations.
Type of footage
Retention needs vary based on the nature of the footage:
General surveillance: Covers everyday activity and is often overwritten within 14–30 days.
Incident-specific footage: Footage tied to a specific event, such as theft, may need to be stored longer for investigation or legal purposes.
Storage capacity
CCTV systems with limited storage automatically overwrite old footage once capacity is reached. High-capacity systems or cloud-based storage allow for longer retention but require proper planning to avoid unnecessary costs - take a look at our blog on managing storage for CCTV footage for more advice.
Purpose of surveillance
The purpose of your CCTV system—whether for security, monitoring compliance, or ensuring employee safety—will dictate how long footage should be retained.
Best practices for CCTV footage retention
Developing a retention policy
Create a clear policy outlining retention periods based on legal and operational needs. Regularly review and update this policy to ensure compliance with changing regulations.
Regularly reviewing footage
Routinely review stored footage to identify any content that needs to be saved for longer, such as evidence for ongoing investigations.
Ensuring data security
Retained footage must be stored securely to prevent unauthorised access. Encryption, password protection, and restricted access are essential measures.
Documenting retention procedures
Maintain detailed records of your retention processes, including how long footage is kept and when it is deleted or archived.
Training staff
Train employees on the importance of retention policies, proper data management, and privacy regulations to minimise errors or misuse.
Risks of improper retention
Legal consequences
Retaining footage for longer than necessary or failing to comply with data protection laws can result in fines or lawsuits. Conversely, deleting footage too soon could hinder investigations or legal proceedings.
Security vulnerabilities
Improperly stored or outdated footage can become a target for cyberattacks, compromising sensitive information. Regularly auditing your system reduces these risks.
Leveraging video redaction for privacy
When sharing footage for legal or investigative purposes, sensitive details—such as faces or private information—should be obscured to protect privacy. Tools that offer efficient video redaction software for law enforcement simplify this process, ensuring compliance while preserving the integrity of your footage.
Final thoughts
Determining the appropriate retention period for CCTV footage is more than a technical decision—it’s a legal and ethical responsibility. By considering the factors outlined above and adhering to best practices, you can ensure your system is effective, compliant, and secure.
Whether you’re managing a small business or a large facility, balancing storage capacity with privacy and legal requirements will give you peace of mind. When sensitive footage must be shared, advanced video redaction tools can help meet privacy standards effortlessly.