The Town of Greater Napanee has approved an updated policy to govern its growing network of public surveillance cameras.
Council adopted the revised rules Tuesday after the town expanded its Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system from 12 locations to about 48 across the community. The program has operated as a pilot project for roughly 18 months in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police.
Chief Administrative Officer Matthew Grant said the update reflects the growth of the system and clarifies how recorded video can be used and shared.
He told council after a period of a pilot project of approximately 18 months, with lots of views, lots of learning, and lots of collaboration with their partners at the OPP, they think that they’re in a position to upgrade that policy now.
The policy ensures the program complies with Ontario’s Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Grant said video footage that captures an identifiable person is considered personal information and must be handled carefully.
The policy also confirms the town does not plan to use facial recognition technology.
