The University of Otago has confirmed their intention to install CCTV cameras throughout a number of student populated streets in Dunedin, with the aim being to keep Otago University students safer.
The specific areas intended for the CCTV surveillance are still being finalised, however proposed locations include Castle Street and Hyde Street. News arose recently that the University of Otago had already attached a camera to a University-owned building in early February that was intended to monitor Hyde Street.
According to the University up to fifty cameras are set to be installed, however the final number is yet to be confirmed. A statement released by the Deputy Proctor Andy Ferguson said the purpose of the new measures was based on keeping students safe.
“The purpose is to keep our students and local community safe and prevent behaviour, particularly from non-students attached to the area, that causes harm to others. The frequency of fire lighting in Hyde St is, as a consequence, well down on the previous year due to this camera’s preventative effect alone. We were also recently able to positively assist Police over the alleged theft of a bike in this street.” Said Mr Ferguson.
University of Otago Dean of Law Professor Mark Henaghan said that while cameras are allowed to be installed in public spaces, there could be an issue of legality if they were to breach the privacy of people’s homes.
“There’s always the issue if it’s invading other people’s privacy. If you put a camera pointing straight into someone’s living room, even if it’s on the street, I think you could argue it’s an invasion of their privacy but if you put a camera in a street that’s not looking into someone’s house just looking at the street, I think that would be technically allowed”, said Professor Henaghan.
However, Professor Henaghan believed that cameras were a mostly unnecessary measure and reflected a “sad” trend in Dunedin life.
“I can understand why people feel cameras provide safety and various things but I personally feel it’s very sad when we have to put cameras up in our society. There are cameras, for example, right now when you go into supermarkets, there’s a camera watching you when you go to the petrol station. So I think in those situations you probably don’t even notice them in those public spaces. But I think in streets where people live I think people feel a bit uncomfortable.”
Otago University Students Association President Laura Harris could not be reached for commented, however a member of the OUSA executive who did not wish to be named said the executive were not happy with the President’s position.
“Laura [Harris]’s stance is not hard enough. I think it’s a cop out to say we need more information. There are a number of executive members who do not feel comfortable with the position the President has taken. The Privacy Commission is against this. Pointing cameras down streets is not ok”.