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 work in a security role and you watch footage captured by a bodycam or a headcam as part of your job, then you are likely to need an SIA licence. The specific licence you need will depend on the activities you carry out.
You need a public space surveillance (CCTV) licence if you are working under a contract for services and you use closed circuit video surveillance to identify people or monitor their activities for either or both of the following purposes:
- to guard premises against disorder or damage
- to guard people against being injured or assaulted because of unlawful conduct by others
This includes using closed circuit video surveillance:
- to stop these things from happening
- to provide information about them if they do happen, including by viewing recorded footage
You need a close protection, door supervisor, security guard or public space surveillance (CCTV) licence if you are working under a contract for services and you use closed circuit video surveillance for either or both of the following purposes:
- to guard premises against unauthorised access
- to guard property against damage or theft
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.
Updates to this page
Published 22 April 2013Last updated 4 November 2024 + show all updates
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Updated the 'When you need a front line licence' section to make it clearer.
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First published.