The Public Safety CCTV Network (CCTV Network) is an ACT Government owned network of interconnected CCTV systems located at various public venues and open spaces. These locations include:
- Canberra City
- Braddon
- Haig Park
- Henry Rolland Park (Acton)
- GIO Stadium
- Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC)
- Manuka Oval
- Manuka Shopping Precinct
- Kingston Shopping Precinct
- Greenway Central Business District.
The purpose of the CCTV Network is to support public safety monitoring, resource management, emergency response and for criminal investigation and prosecution purposes. The Network is comprised of approximately 90 fixed/static cameras and moveable pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras.
Live and recorded footage from the CCTV Network is available to government and ACT Policing.
Directorates may elect for their CCTV systems to be connected to the Network, and for live and recorded CCTV information to be available to ACT Policing by entering into an Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding between the Territory and ACT Policing.
What is the purpose and objective of the Public Safety CCTV Network
The primary purpose of the Public Safety CCTV Network is to enhance the safety and security of Canberra’s public places, venues and events.
This purpose is achieved through the following objectives:
- Supporting ACT Policing to monitor and respond to threats to the public;
- Supporting ACT Policing to investigate crime and prosecute offenders;
- Supporting authorised users to deliver and manage business operations, events or responses to emergencies;
- Support authorised users to investigate incidents or complaints.
How does the CCTV Network help to create safer public spaces, venues and events?
The cameras of the CCTV Network are high quality and have been specifically installed at locations where people gather, move or visit. These cameras coupled with signage help to deter anti-social behaviour or the risk of a crime occurring.
The CCTV network records the footage from the cameras on a 24x7 basis. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, staff of ACT Policing actively monitor the CCTV Network. These monitoring staff are specially trained to operate the CCTV network and look-out for suspicious behaviour and crime
If a crime has occurred within the footprint of the CCTV Network, ACT Policing can view recorded footage to help investigate the crime. Where footage is available, it can be used to help identify offenders and support court proceedings.
The ACT Government also uses the CCTV network to support event management, service delivery/operations and incident management
How does the government determine the priorities for CCTV deployment across the ACT?
We work in close consultation with ACT Policing to determine the priorities for CCTV deployment across the ACT. In the hierarchy of controls to solving a public safety or asset security issue, other options should be considered prior to CCTV. However, the technical capabilities of CCTV at increasingly competitive costs has made it a very attractive option.
Who manages the CCTV Network?
The CCTV Network is managed by the Security and Emergency Management Division (SEMD).
Who has access to the CCTV Network?
Access to the CCTV Network is strictly controlled and limited to those that have a need to access live and recorded footage in support of their business need or operation. ACT Policing have continuous access to the CCTV Network.
Which Minister has portfolio responsibility for the CCTV Network?
The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mr Mick Gentleman MLA has portfolio responsibility for the CCTV Network.
How is my privacy assured if I enter an area where the CCTV Network is operating?
Access to and the use of the CCTV Network is strictly controlled.
All CCTV systems are operated by the ACT Government in keeping with applicable legislation, including:
- Human Rights Act 2004
- Information Privacy Act 2014
- Workplace Privacy Act 2011
- Territory Records Act 2002.
In June 2022, the ACT Government released a new CCTV Policy to ensure that personal information gathered through CCTV is managed in strict accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2014.
Solar Powered CCTV
Supporting the CCTV Network are solar powered CCTV cameras. These cameras were first trialled by the government in 2017 as a means to provide CCTV camera where access to power or ICT connectivity is not available.
Solar powered CCTV units require no fixed infrastructure to operate and transmit data securely over the mobile phone network. They provide the government with a cost effective and agile means of providing CCTV at a location for specific public safety or crime deterrence purposes.
There are currently more than 17 of these units operating across the ACT to support public safety, crime deterrence, business monitoring and asset security purposes. The locations include:
- The National Arboretum Canberra
- The Owl Artwork in Belconnen
- Canberra City
- Jerrabomberra Wetlands carpark (Fyshwick)
- Lanyon Homestead
- Mount Taylor
Four roads leading to the rural areas of Canberra (Uriarra Road, Cotter Road, Point Hut Road and Tharwa Drive).
I am the victim of a crime that may have been captured by the CCTV Network. What should I do?
Report the crime as soon as possible by calling 131 444 or visiting your local police station. You should mention that that crime may have been captured by the Public Safety CCTV Network.
Please note that footage from the CCTV system is automatically deleted after 30 days. Due to the variability in camera type, positioning and operation there is no guarantee that footage will be available or suitable for the investigation of crime.
Do not delaying reporting crimes that may have been captured by the CCTV Network to ACT Policing.
Can I get a copy of CCTV footage?
To request a copy of footage from the CCTV Network, please contact Access Canberra. Requests are considered in accordance with the CCTV Policy.
How is the ACT Government working to develop the CCTV Network and CCTV capabilities in the ACT?
In the ACT Budget 2018-19, the government invested $975,000 over four-years to upgrade the CCTV Network. This includes new cameras to enhance the quality and resolution of camera footage, connecting the CCTV system at bus stations to the public safety CCTV network and upgrading software to enhance the capability of ACT Policing to review footage.
On 23 January 2020, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services launched the Strategic Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Plan 2020-2022 to help inform and guide the ongoing development of the CCTV.
I wish to make a more specific enquiry about the CCTV Network
Please contact the Security and Emergency Management Division by calling 13 22 81. Alternatively, please fill out an on-line enquiry using the ACT Government Online Feedback System.
CCTV Annual Reports
