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Street Safety Camera Program

Context

Crime statistics reveal that certain areas within the city experience a higher rate of crimes against the person than others.

The City’s Street Safety Cameras have been installed in these areas to assist NSW Police to detect, prevent and prosecute assaults and robberies as well as other serious offences such as property damage.

Camera Locations

There are over 80 cameras across Central Sydney. NSW Bureau of Crime statistics revealed that certain public areas within Central Sydney experienced a significantly higher rate of crimes against the person than other areas.

Using these crime 'hotspots' as a guide, the City of Sydney worked closely with crime mapping experts within NSW Police to determine appropriate locations for the cameras.

How the Cameras Work

The Street Safety Cameras are monitored 24 hours a day by specially trained security personnel in a control centre at Sydney Town Hall. From the control centre, live TV images can be transferred to police should a person’s safety be at risk, allowing the police to respond quickly.

The output of the cameras is also recorded and held for 28 days, to assist police with their investigations and with legal proceedings if necessary. Areas monitored by the Street Safety Cameras are clearly signposted to deter crime, increase the perception of public safety and alert the public for privacy reasons.

Privacy Protection

The City of Sydney’s Street Safety Camera system is subject to the tightest privacy protection controls. To achieve a balance between crime prevention interests and the rights and privacy of individuals, the decision was taken to strictly limit the scope of the Street Safety Camera Program to crimes against the person, other serious crimes and crowd management.

As a further safeguard, the City of Sydney drew up a rigorous Code of Practice, which governs the use of the Street Safety Cameras. An independent Audit Committee monitors the Street Safety Camera Program to ensure the Code of Practice is upheld. You can download the Street Safety Camera Code of Practcice as a PDF document.

The Committee comprises nominees from the legal and accountancy professions as well as civil liberties advocates.

Downloads

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Last Updated: Tuesday 27 March, 2012

Please Note:
While care is taken to ensure accuracy, the City of Sydney cannot guarantee that information expressed here is correct and recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. The City of Sydney makes no warranty or undertaking, whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect.