TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 9, 2024 Report No. ADM-24-051
TO: Council
FROM: Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services
SUBJECT: Proposed Amendments to Video Surveillance Policy ADMIN-76
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve the amendments to Video Surveillance Policy ADMIN-76 as outlined in staff report ADM-24-051.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Township of Esquimalt uses limited video surveillance to ensure public safety and security of staff, clients, visitors, facilities, and assets. As a public body governed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), regular reviews of this policy are required to ensure continued compliance with provisions of FIPPA balanced with an individual's right to privacy while visiting a Township facility or property. Amendments to this policy are proposed to improve clarity of the provisions, reflect changes to current practice, and to authorize additional staff positions to assist the Director of Parks and Recreation in conducting investigations or working with Police in situations where property damage or unlawful activity has occurred.
BACKGROUND:
Council approved Video Surveillance Policy ADMIN-76 (Attachment A) in November 2019 which allowed for the use of video surveillance technology to promote public safety and protect the security of the Township's property and other assets. The policy is regularly reviewed to evaluate whether the systems in place operate in a privacy protective manner. Staff have determined that policy amendments are required to ensure ongoing compliance and implementation of best practices, provide clarity, and maintain operational efficiency. The proposed amendments are highlighted in Attachment 2.
Surveillance systems are considered to be privacy intrusive measures as they can subject individuals to continuous monitoring of their regular everyday activities. Video or recordings capture personal information, and the ...
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