THE City of Greater Bendigo wants to assure people its network of public security cameras will not be misused through a draft policy out of consultation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The council's network of 148 crime-busting cameras have expanded in the city centre in recent decades to track crime and to to monitor crowds at events like the Easter Festival and White Night.
The council was drawing up a policy to be as transparent as possible, community partnerships manager Steven Abbott said.
More news:
"The important thing about any surveillance system is to provide assurances about its use," he said.
"It's not something that just anyone can access and use for any particular purpose. We want to be really clear about why it exists and how we intend to use it.
"If people have comments or views around privacy we will be held to account with regards to the policy."
The council installed its first 28 cameras in the city centre in 1998 and has steadily expanded the network at the behest of traders and members of the public concerned about crime.
The system has also become an important element for monitoring crowd sizes and finding lost children at major events in the middle of the city.
In recent years, the council has used government grants to upgrade cameras and other equipment.
"We wanted to go from an outdated and patchy analogue system that was not to an evidentiary standard ... and give the community assurances we had something fit for purpose," Mr Abbott said.
"That's an important part of providing public safety. It's not the only thing but it is an important part of a contemporary city centre."
To view the draft policy click here.
Tom O'Callaghan
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
