Exhibition Item

Maitland City Council has reviewed and updated its CCTV Policy t​​o ensure it reflects current laws, technology, and best-practice standards for the use of surveillance systems in public spaces.

The policy provides a framework for how Council uses CCTV and other surveillance devices to help improve community safety, protect public assets, support regulatory and compliance activities, and investigate unlawful behaviour.

The revised policy includes:

• Clearer guidance on how CCTV may be used to support compliance and enforcement activities, including investigations into issues such as illegal dumping.
• Introduction of Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) for Rangers and authorised officers to improve safety, assist with de-escalating incidents, and provide evidence when required.
• Stronger privacy and data management requirements to ensure surveillance footage is collected, stored, accessed, and managed appropriately.
• Improved governance and approval processes for the use of surveillance systems.
• Clarification of signage requirements to ensure transparency while allowing flexibility where signage could affect lawful enforcement activities.
• Confirmation that Council does not use CCTV for workplace surveillance of staff.
• Confirmation that Council does not use facial recognition or other biometric technologies through its CCTV systems.

The updated policy ensures Council’s surveillance practices remain lawful, transparent, and aligned with community expectations. It strengthens safeguards around privacy and information management while providing clearer guidance on how CCTV and Body Worn Cameras can be used to support public safety and regulatory activities.

The policy aims to balance the benefits of surveillance for community safety and compliance with the need to protect individual privacy and maintain public trust.

Council is seeking community feedback on the proposed policy before it is considered for final adoption.