BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association
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An updated video surveillance policy was reviewed and approved by Council this week which will guide the use of security cameras around town.
Council received a proposed updated Video Surveillance Cameras Policy at the April 7 Committee of the Whole (CoW) meeting, presented by Brieanne Mader, the Town’s Deputy Corporate Officer.
The proposal intended to “bring the policy up to date with current best practices, and provide additional information regarding the process to add additional video surveillance cameras.“
The edits to the policy range from updated or more clearly stated definitions, to adding new structured elements, and bringing the policy more in line with privacy legislation at other levels of government. The most significant piece of external legislation mentioned was the Freedom Of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).
Several definitions were addressed as part of what the report called “housekeeping” edits. The definitions also encompassed responsibility assignment, with the Corporate Officer or designate in charge of procedures, compliance and audits, and the Chief Financial Officer or designate in charge of managing the devices’ lifespans, specifications, and signage. Currently, only the Chief Administrative Officer is assigned responsibility in the policy.
The requirements for surveillance installation were also addressed in the proposal, with a structured process laid out for that action. Staff would be obligated to “consider less intrusive alternatives first”, and report to Council if surveillance installation is required. Considerations for surveillance would also be a necessity, along with a Privacy Impact Assessment.
The other edit to the policy is the addition of a “Consequences” section, aimed at preventing misuse or unauthorized access of surveillance. Disciplinary action could be taken for unauthorized access and/or misuse, and systems can be shut down if not installed according to procedures.
Separately from the proposal, it was mentioned that updated signage has already been introduced to the general public. The new signage is installed at locations where video surveillance is present, which includes 20 cameras, 10 interior and 10 exterior, at recreation facilities along with 6 Public Works cameras, 6 Finance/Town Hall cameras, and two at the Oliver Airport. The standards outlined by FOIPPA are met with this new signage.
The recreation facilities cameras are explicitly included in the proposed updated policy, with oversight formalized.
With no additional discussion from Council, the motion to accept the proposed updated policy and bring it to a future Regular Council Meeting was approved unanimously by the CoW.
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