FEATURE
Formed to overview the proposed installation of CCTV systems in the Katoomba and Springwood town centres.
Downloads
CCTV Sub-Committee
In January 2009 the CCTV sub-committee was formed to overview the proposed installation of CCTV systems in the Katoomba and Springwood town centres.
Membership of the sub-committee is made up of Council, NSW Police and representatives of both Katoomba Chamber of Commerce and Community (KCCC) and Springwood Chamber of Commerce (SCC).The sub-committee was established as a result of the above Chambers of Commerce successfully applying for fund through the Federal Attorney General's Department for the installation of CCTV systems, with KCCC receiving $60,000 and SCC $70,000.
The purpose of the sub-committee is to provide a systematic and co-ordinated approach to the possible establishment and implementation of CCTV in public places in the Blue Mountains. In particular, the main aim is to ensure that any CCTV systems are installed in accordance with the NSW Attorney General's guidelines for CCTV in public places. These guidelines are:
- Identify that there is a crime problem which may be addressed by the introduction of CCTV.
- Establish a Community Safety Committee (note that at a later stage of the process it may be appropriate to establish a sub-committee specifically to deal with the introduction and operation of CCTV).
- Conduct a Crime Assessment to identify more accurately what crime problems are occurring, where and when.
- Consult with the community, including local businesses and other specific groups, especially on matters relating to privacy.
- Develop a Crime Prevention or Community Safety Plan which includes the operation of a CCTV scheme.
- Set objectives for the CCTV scheme and develop evaluation mechanisms.
- Determine the roles and responsibilities of the key players, especially the local authority and the police.
- Develop a Code of Practice to set the standards for and guide the operation of the scheme.
- Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures.
- Develop and implement ongoing monitoring and auditing mechanisms for the scheme.
- Determine the technical requirements of the scheme.
- Develop and implement a complaints mechanism.
- Develop information strategies to inform the public about the operation of the scheme.
- Install and trial the CCTV scheme.
- Conduct an evaluation of the trial and its outcomes and disseminate the results to relevant parties.
- Review the trial and its evaluation to determine the need for the CCTV scheme to be continued.
The CCTV Sub-Committee has already carried out a number of the above steps including the initial stages of community consultation on the matter. In June / July 2009 the sub-committee held two information evenings one each in Katoomba and Springwood. The items presented at these evenings included:
- DRAFT Code of Practice - outlining objectives for the project and the roles and responsibilities associated with the project;
- Information poster - 'Guidelines for the Establishment and Implementation of CCTV in Public Places'; and
- Information poster - 'The Process so far and Code of Practice Summary'.
To view copies of these documents please download at right.
The next steps:
- Determine what Council's roles and responsibilities in relation to CCTV will be, if any;
- Seek details on the preferred systems of both Chambers; and
- Carry out Stage 2 of Community Consultation which gives greater details on the system including roles and responsibilities.
Downloads:
- NSW Government Police Statement and Guidelines for the Establishment and Implementation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in Public Places: Click here.
- DRAFT Code of Practice. Download at right.
- Information poster - Guidelines for the Establishment and Implementation of CCTV in Public Places. Download at right.
- Information poster - The Process so far and Code of Practice Summary. Download at right.
For further information on the Blue Mountains CSPC please contact Council on 4780 5000 or via email on council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au.