Signage used by Rocky Mountain House to notify public of the presence of video surveillance

By Adam Ophus

Policy changes

More video surveillance to protect public property

May 27, 2020 | 1:07 PM

In 2016, Rocky Mountain House Town Council approved the initial video surveillance policy to ensure that the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) were being strictly followed.

As the Town’s property and infrastructure has grown, they’ve been required to protect their assets and reduce vandalism and theft through video surveillance measures, while still respecting resident’s privacy.

The Town of Rocky Mountain House intends to install additional cameras, but in order to do so, according to the newly approved policy, “The public should be notified of the existence of video surveillance equipment by clearly written signage prominently displayed at the entrances, exterior walls, interior buildings and/or perimeter of the video surveillance areas.”

The policy also states that at no time shall they monitor inside high privacy areas like washrooms and change rooms, but may be set up outside children’s washrooms to deter criminal activity against children.

To reduce the risk of a privacy breach the Town has added a note in the policy to clarify that equipment will be adjusted as to not view into someone’s private property.

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During council’s meeting on May 19, Chief Administrative Officer Dean Krause clarified that although they could be upgraded to do so, none of the cameras currently installed have face recognition software.

$17,000 has already been spent this year towards the video surveillance system with $14,000 left to complete the program.

Councillor Jason Alderson noted his support for the video surveillance policy.

“There is always an outcry for a reduction in crime and this is a good way to do that,” he said.