THE CITYSAFE SAFETY CAMERA PROGRAM

The City of Ballarat established the CitySafe Safety Camera system in the late night entertainment precinct with the support of Victoria Police in 2008. The camera program assists Victoria Police in responding to incidents which occur within the precinct.

The program aims to provide a safer environment and improve perceptions of safety be deterring potential offenders and helping Police with crime detection.

CitySafe Safety Cameras

Twelve closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras are located in areas where anti-social behaviour or criminal activity has an increased chance of occurring.

The cameras are linked to a control room located in the Police station and images are recorded 24 hours a day.

The camera's monitor and record activity within the precinct and Police are able to refer to real time images to respond to incidents.

CitySafe Safety Camera Program Committee

A Program Committee has ongoing responsibility for overseeing and managing the program. The Program Committee will report to the City of Ballarat and Community Safety Committee annually on the program's progress and any issues which require further advice or discussion. The Program Committee will consist of responsible officers from Victoria Police, City of Ballarat and a member of the Community Safety Committee and/or a local representative.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed between Victoria Police as the system operators and the City of Ballarat as the systems owners.

The operation of the safety camera program is governed by protocols and procedural arrangements designed to safeguard the integrity and accountability of the program. A set of standard operating procedures is in place to guide Victoria Police in maintaining the programs integrity.

Council's Privacy Officer, as Governance Officer for the program will provide a report to Council and the Community Safety Committee on an annual basis regarding any complaints which have been made during the previous year.

Program Funding

The CitySafe Safety Camera has been funded by the City of Ballarat and the National Community Crime Prevention Programme (NCCPP). The recurrent costs associated with the system will be funded by Council.