Redland City Council has responded to a request from the community to broaden its security camera policy to include the term antisocial behaviour.
Mayor Karen Williams said the term had been added to the policy section that described the cameras’ purpose, with antisocial behaviour defined as: ‘riotous, disorderly, indecent, offensive, threatening or insulting behaviour, as described in Schedule 1, 1(a) of Subordinate Local Law No. 4 (Local Government Controlled Areas, Facilities and Roads)’.
“Our policy on security cameras recognises that while Council has an important role to play in creating safe communities, primary responsibility for the prevention and prosecution of crime rests with the State Government through Queensland Police Service (QPS),” Cr Williams said.
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“The term ‘antisocial behaviour’ is subjective – what may be considered antisocial behaviour to one person may be seen as acceptable to another – so it was necessary for Council to also include a definition of what it means in a local law context and in terms of security camera use on Redlands Coast.
“Under the policy, the cameras’ purpose is to collect evidence to support prosecution for matters related to property crime on Council owned or controlled assets, local law infringements and interactions between the public and Council staff in and around Council buildings.
“Their purpose has not changed and the inclusion of the term ‘antisocial behaviour’ does not mean cameras will be installed everywhere on Redlands Coast.
“Council must still be able to meet the costs of sustainably operating and maintaining the equipment.”
Councillor for Division 1 Wendy Boglary requested the policy amendment in response to continual requests and a petition from residents.
Cr Boglary said she would like to thank Council Officers and Councillors for responding to the request.
“I hope the inclusion and definition of antisocial behaviour will give Council greater powers to work with QPS to respond to community requests,” she said.
“Council draws on QPS crime statistics to determine security camera placement, so it is vital that community members contact the police via the various numbers to report all incidents.
“Council is endeavouring to use all tools available for the safety of our community and this is an extension of our ongoing work.
“Council is currently working on a Memorandum of Understanding with QPS and the State Government that would allow cameras in certain areas to be monitored by State agencies where there are existing arrangements.”
Cr Williams said Council remained committed to referring any complaints about antisocial behaviour, traffic related offences and other criminal activity to QPS for appropriate action.
“I don’t want the community to think that because of this change Council is taking responsibility for crime prevention or community safety, as this remains the jurisdiction of QPS and Council will always work with the police to ensure our community is safe,” she said.
