Policing minister David Hanson said that Andrew Rennison will act as the regulator for up to 12 months, to "address public concern about how CCTV is used". A permanent CCTV regulator will be appointed by Parliament.
Rennison, whose appointment is part of the national CCTV strategy, will advise government on issues including national standards for installation and use of cameras, training and raising public awareness.
"The appointment of the forensic science regulator will bring to his CCTV role the expertise, knowledge, and standing he has gained in operating a suitable framework for forensic services," Hanson told Parliament in a written statement on 15 December 2009. "He will play a leading role in identifying and helping meet the needs of both users and the public."
Rennison will not, however, play any part in deciding where cameras are located or how they are used. However, Hanson added: "He will be able to help explain to the public how they can complain about intrusive or ineffective CCTV placement or usage."
His appointment was criticised by No CCTV, a group campaigning against excessive use of surveillance cameras. In a statement, it described Rennison as a "CCTV yes man", whose previous jobs include membership of the National DNA Database Strategy Board and a career in the police.
