Crime prevention cameras (CCTV) in public places


Crime prevention cameras are installed in public places to help reduce the incidence of crime and disorder.

They help people feel safe when visiting public areas covered by the cameras.
Crime prevention cameras:
  • prevent and detect criminal offences in identified high crime areas
  • are not used to maintain surveillance on individuals or groups
  • must be operated in a manner that complies with the Privacy Act 1993.

Information in this section:

Installation and ownership

Police may support local authorities and other groups to install CCTV (closed circuit television cameras) in public places for crime prevention purposes.
 
The camera system is owned by the local authority and may be monitored by Police or in conjunction with Police.
 

Consultation

Before a public camera is installed, the community is consulted to identify concerns. Consideration is given to:

  • appropriate operation of the cameras
  • privacy of individuals going about their lawful activities.

Location

Cameras are installed in public areas that have a higher incidence of crime. These areas are identified by looking at the types of reported offences (e.g., theft ex-car, assault, fighting, drunkenness, drugs, disorder offences etc.).
 
Individual businesses, people and organisations may install CCTV cameras on their property in order to protect their property from crime.
Top of page
 

Control and operation of cameras

Only authorised people are able to operate public crime prevention cameras. Operators of the camera equipment are accountable for their actions. Camera use is audited and operators may be called upon to justify their interest in a particular member of the public.
 

Cameras must not:

  • track or zoom in on any member of the public
  • be focused on entranceways to buildings or be directed to look through windows into buildings
  • look into private residences except as part of a wide angle or long shot or while panning past them.

Camera officers

Public cameras monitored by Police are looked after by a camera officer to ensure that the installation and operation of the cameras complies with requirements.
Where public cameras are not monitored by Police, a camera liaison officer is assigned who overlooks the monitoring and installation of the cameras.
 
The camera officer is responsible for:
  • liaising with the local authority and other interested groups
  • alerting owners to any problems in the installation and maintenance of the equipment and related signage
     
  • publishing public notices about the cameras
  • implementing and updating local operating instructions or policies
  • maintaining the security of the monitors and tapes/drives/disks
  • arranging camera training for Police and volunteers
  • authorising trained persons to monitor the cameras
  • recording relevant statistics and significant incidents, and reporting these where appropriate to the reviewing officer, local authority and other interested groups
  • liaising with the Police Privacy Officer and the Privacy Commissioner
  • assisting with a general review of the use of the cameras, and when required, providing specific reports on the need or justification for continued operation of the cameras.

Top of page

Monitors

Monitors are installed in Police premises or other secure locations. Only Police employees and authorised people are able to access the Police monitors.
 

Security and retention of information

All information collected by the cameras is stored securely.
Access to camera footage must be authorised by the camera officer or equivalent and all access to and use of recorded material must be logged.
 

Public awareness of cameras

The Privacy Act 1993 requires that people are made aware that information is gathered about them and the purpose for doing so is made clear.
 
Areas where cameras are installed must be clearly signposted to notify the public that a camera is or may be in operation. The signs also serve as a general crime deterrent.
 
Public notices in the news media should also provide detailed information about the purpose and operation of cameras.

Example of public notice.

Top of page
 

General review

Annual reviews of crime prevention cameras are carried out to assess the location, operation, effectiveness and continuing need for the cameras.
 

Privacy Commissioner

The Privacy Commissioner has the right to review the need for, and the use of the Police crime prevention camera operation in any Police district.
 

Use of information collected

Information collected by the cameras will be used:
·         to deter criminal offences
·         to identify criminal offences that occur in view of the cameras
·         with the prior approval of a Police senior sergeant (or higher rank) for:
-      inquiries relating to the investigation and prosecution of other criminal offences
-      training of Police and persons authorised by the camera officer or equivalent
-      research e.g., into the nature of street offences, foot or vehicular traffic systems, or evaluation of the operation of particular camera systems
Top of page
 

How is the CCTV footage used?

Suspects are told early in an interview of the existence of recorded evidence and asked if they would like to see it. Most suspects plead guilty when they are confronted with footage showing themselves offending. The footage can be used as evidence in court but this isn't often necessary.

Access to information by individual concerned

People whose activities have been recorded by a Police crime prevention camera have the right to access and view that personal information, provided it is readily retrievable.
 

Media use of CCTV footage

When they can use, how they can get it, under what circumstances can they use it (ie Police sign off required).
 

Are private camera operators required to provide footage to police?

Camera owners are usually willing to share footage with Police to assist them to identify criminal offenders. Police can obtain a search warrant to seize privately held video footage if they believe it contains relevant evidence.
Top of page
 

What happens when CCTV footage is posted on the internet/publicised?

Images of offenders/wanted persons can only be posted if the person:

  • is the subject of a warrant to arrest
  • is unlawfully at large
  • needs to be identified in relation to an offence punishable by a term of imprisonment
  • when genuine fears are held for a missing person's safety.
An image of a person may only be posted if there are reasons of urgency or that person cannot reasonably be located by other means.
 
Innocent bystanders captured in footage should not be identifiable.
 

How are innocent bystanders protected in CCTV footage?

While CCTV footage identifies suspects it also captures innocent bystanders. Public identification of innocent bystanders is not permitted. However, they may be contacted as witnesses to help with an investigation.

 

Who is responsible for CCTV footage once it has been captured and where is it stored?

Every place that records CCTV footage is required to store it securely and erase any footage not required for evidential purposes. Police has procedures for the safe custody of evidence and exhibits. There are procedures that must be followed where it is necessary to copy hard drive data relevant to an investigation or trial. A record must be kept of all access to and use of recorded material.

Top of page