Tips + Advice
CCTV FAQs & Tips
With CCTV technology becoming more readily available and affordable at the consumer level, we’ve been seeing an increase in inquiries related to homeowners, businesses and landlords who have installed cameras on their property.
FAQs
Whether you’re concerned about an installed CCTV or are thinking about getting a CCTV system setup yourself, here are some common questions you may want to keep in mind.
What is CCTV?
Closed-circuit television (CCTV), also known as video surveillance, is the use of video cameras to privately transmit a signal to a specific place such as a monitor, computer or phone often for recording purposes. Homeowners generally use CCTV to record their property as a deterrent method for would-be burglars or vandals. In the event that an incident has taken place, CCTV footage may be able to assist the Police in an investigation.
What am I able to legally record with my CCTV?
You can record anything on your private property, with some exceptions. If you are a landlord who is renting the property you must disclose and receive consent if you are using CCTV and cannot do so where individuals would expect reasonable privacy (i.e. bedrooms and bathrooms). If part of your CCTV footage captures a neighbour’s property, ensure that it only includes areas that are publicly visible from the road. It is illegal to setup CCTV in public places such as footpaths.
What do I do if I have concerns about a neighbour’s use of CCTV?
If you are concerned about a neighbours use of CCTV we recommend speaking with them directly first. You can also view the CCTV guidelines on the Privacy Commissioner website.
What do I do if someone is in direct breach of privacy laws with their CCTV?
If you feel there has been a breach you can lodge a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner. The Privacy Commissioner investigates the complaint and undertakes a process of conciliation. If the complaint cannot be settled it may be referred to the Human Rights Review Tribunal. If the Tribunal finds there has been a breach it may award a range of remedies including damages and restraining orders. If objectionable material has been recorded and/or shared or promoted Police will need to get involved.
Tips
-
When installing cameras, know what purpose you want them for.
-
Consider having CCTV cameras both inside and outside your home or business.
-
If you use CCTV you must clearly display a sign that CCTV cameras are operating.
-
Make sure you know how to download the footage if required. Footage can be kept on your property or stored online (in the Cloud).
-
Know how much storage your recorder or Cloud has – will footage from two weeks ago still be there?
-
Know how to check your cameras. Are they still active?
-
Check out the app or programme used with the cameras - is it easy to use and does it suit your needs?
-
Cameras can be connected to the internet by cable or Wi-Fi.
-
Consider the power source – plugged in, charged by USB or solar-powered.
-
Lighting is very important for night footage - does your camera have Infared?
-
Don’t direct cameras towards bright lights as it can cause target persons to become silhouetted.
-
It is important to clean your cameras regularly.
FOR BUSINESSES:
-
Install a monitor and surveillance camera at the entrance so customers can see themselves in the monitor when they enter the business, this shows potential offenders the CCTV is active, and they have been recorded.
-
Footage should be recorded and kept for 31 days, and easily downloadable.
-
If possible, look for cameras that shoot and record in 4k resolution. 4k is also known as Ultra HD, or UHD. The frame rate should be at least eight frames per second (8 fps).