Council adopts CCTV Policy
Central Otago District Council today (25 January) adopted a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Policy to provide guidance on the management and use of Council’s CCTV network.
CCTV cameras operate in Central Otago for the purpose of improving security and deterring offending, to increase public safety, to protect council assets and finances, to monitor and manage traffic and to assist staff in executing regulatory functions.
Council has had CCTV camera and associated location-specific policy in place at Alexandra Pool since 2017. With that policy due for renewal, and in order to include other CCTV cameras installed since such as those at the Cromwell Septic Centre and outside Cromwell Lode Lane public toilets, it was proposed to introduce a general CCTV policy to set the principles and requirements for the entire CCTV network ensuring a consistent framework is used for all access to CCTV data.
There have been requests from teams within council to install further CCTV cameras to deter vandalism and assist in law enforcement purposes when it occurs. This is in response to an increase in incidents at Council facilities. The policy is designed to cover any new cameras added to the network.
The Policy is heavily linked to the Privacy Act and takes a strict approach to CCTV access, including provision for individual cameras and camera areas to be clearly signposted for the public. All CCTV access must have a clear business purpose and be in line with all relevant legislation.
Police may access Council’s CCTV footage for law enforcement purposes. This access will be managed through a memorandum of understanding between Council and the New Zealand Police.
Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said it “was important to note that these are not hidden cameras and aren’t in places people would expect privacy, but coming from a Court background, I know how much such technology deters crime and aids in its detection”.
The policy as adopted, with slight amendments, will be available on Council’s strategies and policies page later this month at www.codc.govt.nz/publications/policies
