Whereas local governments in British Columbia are increasingly seeking to implement closed-circuit television CCTV systems to enhance public safety, deter crime, and support law enforcement investigations and the current interpretation and enforcement of privacy legislation by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner OIPC restrict the deployment of municipal CCTV systems, even when intended for clearly defined public safety purposes; And whereas these privacy-related barriers prevent local governments from proactively using modern surveillance tools that can assist in crime deterrence, improve community safety, and provide evidence in criminal investigations: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province of British Columbia to enact clear enabling legislation that authorizes local governments to implement and operate CCTV camera systems for public safety purposes, including crime prevention and investigation, subject to strict guidelines; And be it further resolved that such legislation include province-wide standards and oversight mechanisms addressing transparency, data retention limits, access controls, signage and notification, and regular privacy impact assessments to ensure a balanced approach between public safety and individual privacy rights.
