A COUNCIL report on security cameras says the state government has primary responsibility for crime prevention and prosecution and council should not take on those functions or costs.
The report and a proposed policy on video surveillance cameras will be debated by councillors on Wednesday (July 25).
The draft policy states that council is committed to using security cameras for evidence collection relating to protecting property against vandalism, theft and graffiti on council-owned or controlled infrastructure, buildings, land and public spaces.
It says council would use cameras for local law infringements like illegal dumping and parking, and interactions between public and staff in and around council buildings.
“Security cameras will not be prioritised by council to address traffic offences or anti-social behaviour,” the officer’s report states.
Describing different scenarios, the report states cameras to monitor anti-social behaviour in a council park or other council-controlled public space, and traffic offences on a road, for example, would not be supported and would be matters for police.
A camera requested to monitor criminal property damage in a council-controlled car park would be supported if police statistics indicated a significant need.
READ MORE: Hooning issue resurfaces at Wellington Point
The report states Redlands has a low crime rate compared to neighbouring local government areas.
Cr Wendy Boglary, who has pushed for council to install security cameras in public spaces like the Wellington Point reserve, said she was frustrated and disappointed at the draft policy.
“The report states the use of video surveillance by Queensland local governments is common with over one-third of fixed surveillance cameras operated by Queensland government agencies owned and managed by local government,” she said.
“However the policy before councillors on Wednesday does not agree to cameras being used for community safety … (and) antisocial behaviour in council parks or other council-owned public space.”
Cr Boglary said other south-east Queensland councils’ CCTV policies mentioned enhancing community safety and being pro-active and reactive to crime and antisocial behaviour.
“My concern is this new policy is restrictive and excludes the use of cameras for community safety and only covers illegal dumping, parking, interactions between public and staff, and damage to council assets,” Cr Boglary said.
“My extreme level of frustration is why, when other councils use CCTV to assist as a tool against antisocial behaviour and for increased protection of residents, can’t Redland City Council?”
Is this issue important to you?
Fill in the form below to submit your comments as a letter to the editor. Include your full name, address and phone number. Only your initial, last name and suburb will be published.
