DCC to trial camera for parking officers

Dunedin (Monday, 2 May 2016) – Dunedin parking officers will trial wearing a video camera on the job, starting today.

The Dunedin City Council has a camera unit on loan. The camera, which is attached to a parking officer’s uniform, will be worn by different parking officers over the next fortnight, as a trial.

Group Manager Customer and Regulatory Services Adrian Blair says, “The key point of these cameras is to increase safety for our staff.

“Our parking officers do a great job of dealing with the public in sometimes difficult circumstances. We don’t have many situations where people become abusive, but the camera should act as a deterrent in those few cases.”

Other councils in New Zealand are using the technology and are reporting it is working well, with lower levels of abuse.

“We think it will be helpful for our staff and members of the public to know any interactions are being recorded.”

A screen on the front of the device shows what is being recorded.

Once the trial was completed, the results would be evaluated and a decision made whether to use cameras on a permanent basis.

Mr Blair says DCC parking officers were keen to take part in the trial.

ENDS

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