Regional District board to look at video surveillance policy

PENTICTON – The Regional District may soon have extra eyes on its citizens should the board approve a new policy at this week’s meeting.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen board of directors will be asked to approve a video surveillance policy at the Corporate Services Committee meeting on Thursday, June 1.

Legislative services manager Christy Malden says the video policy developed by District staff was prepared after obtaining legal advice to ensure it complies with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act criteria. It stresses surveillance policy must balance security while maintaining the privacy of citizens.

The video surveillance policy would be restricted to use at District facilities in areas identified with high crime rates, areas where public nuisances may exist or where Regional District property has been stolen in the past. Video surveillance of a property may also be restricted to the most common times of the day when incidents are likely to occur.

Video surveillance recordings would be stored for a 30 day period unless kept to investigate an incident.

Malden says the board would have to approve a policy prior to identifying or selecting any specific location for video surveillance.

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