MIA Conducts Surprise Inspections of Video-Surveillance Systems

During the last six months (January-July), 465 businesses were fined for lack of external video-surveillance systems or systems that did not meet legal standards, and 252 businesses were given formal warnings.

On the order of the Minister of Internal Affairs, Giorgi Gakharia, all licensed drugstore chains, gambling businesses (including bookmakers, slot clubs, lotto, and casinos), gas stations, and currency facilities are required to install video-surveillance systems and ensure their uninterrupted operation.

Throughout Georgia, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is constantly carrying out unannounced inspections of surveillance systems, ensuring that external video-surveillance systems are working properly, and, in particular, that the appropriate area of visibility is covered.

If two main cameras are installed on the outside perimeter of the building they must cover a 20-meter radius from the main entrance. The system must save 30-days of recordings. The resolution of the recording must be no less than 3 megapixels and operate in both day and night modes. The goal is that, from the video recording, it should be possible to identify a person's identity in the coverage area.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia is carrying out unannounced inspections together with license issuing entities, including the Ministry of Economy and Healthcare, the National Bank, and the Revenue Service.

Overall, this year has seen unscheduled inspections on 1,640 businesses, and plans to expand its scope.

By Samantha Guthrie

Photo: Ministry of Internal Affairs