City of Sydney Safety Camera Program - CCL calls for changes |
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Monday, 24 August 2009 |
NSWCCL media release: 5/2009
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The Council for Civil Liberties opposes the use of Sydney City Council's CCTV system for police intelligence purposes or other uses which do not relate to street safety.
A new Code of Conduct is being formulated for Council's approval. NSWCCL has participated in the Committee which has worked on the new code.
While the proposed Code recognises the fundamental principle that the CCTV system must be implemented in a way that is consistent with civil liberties, some details of the new Code do not comply with that principle.
"The proposed Code will allow the CCTV system to be used for purposes unrelated to street safety." said Stephen Blanks, secretary of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties. "For example, the new Code will allow CCTVs to be used for police intelligence gathering or in relation to crimes unrelated to street safety."
"Public confidence in the Safety Camera Program will only be maintained if there are appropriate guidelines which will ensure that cameras are only used for a purpose supported by the community - street safety - and not for any other purpose." Mr Blanks said.
The new Code of Conduct is being considered by a Council Committee meeting today, and is due to be considered by Council next week.
"Parts of the Code need to be rethought before it goes to Council", Mr Blanks said.
Further information: Stephen Blanks, secretary, NSW Council for Civil Liberties 041 444 8654
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