Investigation into use of camera at Bendigo CFA finds no malicious intent

An investigation into the use of a security camera at the Bendigo fire station has found there was no malicious activity involved.

The camera was installed in a shed in the station yard in late 2016 and has since been removed.

Country Fire Authority district 2 operations manager Steve Smith said no one was filmed getting changed, and the shed was not being used as a change room.

The integrated station has toilet and change-room facilities accessible by members 24 hours a day.

“The intent wasn’t malicious and the people who were involved in the installation had no malicious intent,” Mr Smith said.

“It was about trying to set up a process to ensure equipment that’s been primarily purchased by the community was secure and looked after.”

The investigation found there was no malicious activity involved, only procedural matters relating to the camera’s installation, which were being addressed with the individuals involved.

​The shed is used as a workshop for fire extinguisher maintenance and the equipment mainly by brigade volunteers to raise money.

Mr Smith said security in the shed was discussed at brigade level prior to the camera being installed.

“It’s not uncommon for a fire station to have security cameras installed, but if they’re installed they’ve got to comply with legislation,” he said.

“There are some things that should occur within the brigade just to make sure there’s visibility and knowledge of it.”

The CFA launched the investigation into the camera’s use after the matter was raised in February this year.

The organisation referred the matter to Victoria Police, who conducted its own investigation.

“The police didn’t identify anything on any footage that was related to a criminal offence,” Mr Smith said.

Victoria Police confirmed it was no longer investigating the matter and had handed it back to the CFA.

Mr Smith said the CFA member who was stood aside into another position during the investigation would continue in that role.

“What we want to do now is put an end to it and let people know that it wasn’t malicious, it has been concluded and acknowledge that some people have been impacted and move forward so they can actually move forward,” he said.