Closed circuit security television could be operating on Oamaru streets by the end of next month.
The 18-month project by the Safer Community Council, in conjunction with the Waitaki District Council, businesses, police and volunteers, took another step forward last week when operational guidelines under the Privacy Act and police crime prevention cameras in public places guidelines were outlined to the council's community services committee.
The council is contributing $20,000 to the project, which will place cameras in business and other areas of the town for crime prevention, as well as gathering information of any incidents which can be used in court.
Council community safety and development facilitator Helen Algar told the Otago Daily Times the first cameras could be operating within two months, depending on resolving technical issues and finalising sites.
''It has taken longer than we hoped, but the priority has been to do it right and ensure people's rights are protected,'' she said.
On Wednesday, the committee recommended the council adopt the privacy guidelines, subject to any amendments.
Mrs Algar and Oamaru police Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy went through the guidelines with councillors, after which further amendments may be made.
The need for a closed circuit television system was identified about six years ago, but the cost was prohibitive.
Costs had now significantly reduced, and a system was now affordable.
Camera sites will be selected by the Waitaki CCTV committee, in conjunction with the council and police.
They will be sited in the Oamaru harbour historic precinct area, central and north end business areas.
Cameras will cover public areas only and care will be taken to ensure they do not encroach on to private premises.
The equipment will be owned by the council and managed through the CCTV committee.
Monitoring and recording equipment will be in a secure area at the Oamaru Police Station with password protection.
The recordings will be kept for no longer than two months, subject to being required as evidence, before being deleted.
Oamaru CCTV
• Cameras in harbour historic precinct, central and north end business areas.
• Could be operating within two months.
• Monitoring traffic, pedestrian activity and crime.
• Filming 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Pictures to be stored.
• Footage monitored by vetted and approved operators during peak crime periods and events.
• Incidents reported by operator to police.
• Annual audit and review of privacy guidelines.
