CCTV Cameras
CCTV can be effective in reducing or preventing crime if it is part of a broader crime prevention and
community safety strategy. CCTV should not be implemented as the only means of addressing crime
in public places.
CCTV can bring benefits to the community through a reduction in crime which can lead to
enhanced perceptions of safety in a particular area. On the other hand, CCTV may involve a degree
of cost to the community, for example in terms of the allocation of resources or in implications for
personal privacy.Accordingly, it is essential that the community be fully consulted in any planning for the introduction
of CCTV to ensure that the community is willing to pay the costs in return for the potential
benefits.
CCTV schemes should always be operated with respect for people’s privacy and their right to
conduct or engage in lawful activities. Care should be taken to ensure that schemes are not used to
prevent access to the area covered by CCTV of those who have no criminal intent, but whose
presence might offend against some ‘norm’ of behaviour or dress.
Continuing community support for the operation of CCTV schemes will depend upon the
confidence people have that the scheme is providing the anticipated benefits. It is therefore essential
that:
the recording and retention of images should be undertaken fairly and lawfully;
the purpose for which the information is being obtained is known;
the information not be used for any other purpose than that proclaimed;
people be aware that they may be subject to CCTV surveillance;
the CCTV surveillance should only be used to identify crimes occurring within the CCTV area;
the CCTV surveillance should never be used to monitor or track individuals who have not
obviously been involved in a crime;
the CCTV surveillance should not be used for general intelligence gathering; and
the owners of the scheme are known and accountable for its operation.