Exhibition Item

The draft CCTV Policy has been developed to provide guidelines for the management and use of CCTV systems operated by Maitland City Council. This policy ensures compliance with statutory requirements and safeguards the privacy of individuals. It applies to CCTV networks in public spaces managed by the Council, including fixed and mobile cameras, and covers their use, maintenance, and governance.

The policy outlines detailed guidance on:

• The objectives of the CCTV network to deter crime and enhance community safety.
• The application of privacy principles under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 and other relevant legislation.
• Processes for the collection, storage, use, and disposal of CCTV footage in accordance with legal obligations.
• Limiting the use of the CCTV network for authorised purposes, explicitly excluding automated biometric identification such as facial recognition.
• Transparency in operations through clear signage at CCTV locations.
• Ensuring secure access to recorded material with strict internal controls.

The policy emphasises that CCTV is one of many crime prevention strategies and promotes the use of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design principles before considering the installation of cameras.

Notable Provisions:

• Public access to CCTV footage will only be granted through formal access applications under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.
• CCTV will not be used for workplace surveillance unless in compliance with the Workplace Surveillance Act 2005.
• Clear signage will inform the public of CCTV operations, and recorded material will not be used for commercial or entertainment purposes.

This policy demonstrates the Council’s commitment to public safety while ensuring compliance with legal standards and privacy protection. The Council invites feedback during the public exhibition period to ensure the policy aligns with community expectations.