Street camera program

The City Centre Street Camera Program is one of a range of crime prevention initiatives. It aims to provide a safer environment, reducing crime levels by deterring potential offenders and helping in crime detection. Cameras provide ‘eyes on the street’, greatly increasing the surveillance of an area.

The program is funded through a partnership approach with Wollongong City Council, Wollongong City Centre Ltd and the Federal Government Attorney General National Community Crime Prevention Program.

Why a Street Camera Program?
The City Centre Street Camera Program assists Council and the NSW Police to work together to help provide a safer environment, reduce crime levels by deterring potential offenders and aid crime detection and apprehension of offenders.

How does the Street Camera Program operate?
The system will utilise state of the art digital technology, all linked by a fast and secure fibre optic network. The cameras will record events 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and be monitored by specially trained security contractors during specific times. From the control centre, staff record incidents captured by the cameras. Images will be made available to the NSW Police as soon as incidents occur.

The output of the camera is recorded, with recordings held securely for an amount of time in case they are needed for legal proceedings, crime investigations and court cases.

Is my privacy protected?
The operation of the Street Camera Program is governed by a strict and rigorous Code of Practice and Standard Operating Procedures. These protocols govern the objectives and use of the street cameras, and are designed to safeguard the integrity and accountability of the program. Changes will be made to the Code and Standard Operating Procedures as required to ensure they remain relevant to any changes in relevant legislation, technology and security.

The protocols emphasise Council’s commitment to ensuring the privacy of individuals is protected, ensuring cameras are used for their designated purpose only and the protection of the rights of individuals.

Who has access to the Street Camera footage?
All recordings are strictly confidential and can be used only for those purposes outlined in the Code of Practice. Access to the control room and recordings captured by the cameras are not available to members of the public. 

Can the police use the cameras in special operations or emergency situations?
The NSW Police can use the cameras to support a special operation and/or in emergency situations. As well, the cameras might, at times, be used to assist with the management of major events in the city and crowd control. 

What do the cameras look like and how are the locations decided?
From the street, cameras are not visible. They are housed inside a tinted environmental dome to protect them from the weather. Decisions on the location of cameras are made in consultation with the NSW Police. Using crime statistics and known ‘hotspots’, cameras are strategically located.

How can I make a formal complaint?
If you believe the City Centre Street Camera Program has been improperly used against you, there is a procedure in place to check the complaint against recorded material. You must advise Council within seven days of the incident to ensure adequate investigation. You can formally write to the General Manager.