NSW Local Councils grapple with using CCTV in public areas

Several NSW Local Councils have made headlines recently regarding their use and deployment of Video Surveillance Cameras.

The recent decision made by the Administrative Decisions Tribunal regarding Shoalhaven Council’s use of CCTV in Nowra CBD resulted in the shutdown of the cameras in Nowra CBD in May this year.

Premier Barry O’Farrell quickly intervened following the ruling, and 2 weeks later the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 was amended and gazetted to allow Councils to continue using video surveillance. The cameras were switched back on, with hope that the amendment will put a stop to any further legal challenges.

With such a sensitive issue Local Councils need to consider their options to protect the community, support local law enforcement and make the best use of their budget.

Recently we worked with Blacktown Council and Westpoint Blacktown in a joint venture to install surveillance cameras around the shopping centre perimeter in an act to stem crime in a known hotspot.

Evan Sieff of The Blacktown Advocate reported in “Council receives CCTV funding” that Blacktown Council’s policy is not to operate CCTV in the public domain, but will enter into partnerships with other providers in the area. With a recent announcement by Justice Minister Jason Clare that the council will receive $199,054 to fund the installation of a video surveillance system we watch with interest to see how this will be spent and managed, as it could very well set a new precedent for other councils trying to make the best use of their budget and reduce crime.