In a move designed to enhance community safety, City of Coffs Harbour proposes to give police live access to its closed-circuit television (CCTV) network.
But to do so will require a change to the City’s Video Surveillance in Public Areas Policy, with Council resolving at its meeting on 26 February to place a new draft policy on public exhibition for feedback.
“A recent survey showed the community ranks highly the ability to feel safe in our streets,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“In order to give authorised officers of the NSW Police real-time access to the City’s video camera network, the two parties would need to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding which would establish the guard-rails.”
The draft policy includes a raft of safeguard measures covering privacy, strictly controlled rights of access and legal covenants.
“The City’s video surveillance network can serve as a deterrent to criminal activity. It also helps us to protect the community’s public assets,” General Manager Murray Wood said.
“It’s worth noting police can already access City video, but there’s a time lag in the request process and the current arrangement is also a drain on staff time.
“The draft policy lists the various forms of video which may be taken in public areas, and how this can – and cannot – be used.
“The City is committed to transparency and the community is encouraged to read the draft policy and provide any feedback.”
The City’s video network includes CCTV, fixed and body-worn cameras, cameras attached to City vehicles and hand-held cameras such as smart phones.
The draft policy can be viewed here and submissions can be made through to 29 March.
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