New Zealand Privacy Commissioner Talks Body Cameras With Police Group
It's "quite possible" to use body-worn cameras in compliance with New Zealand's Privacy Act, Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster said Thursday, according to a copy of a speech he delivered at a Police Association conference in Wellington.
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It's important, however, for police agencies to define exactly what they will use the cameras for and how they will not be used, he added.
The Privacy Act is clear that someone can collect personal information only if it's for a lawful purpose connected with a function or activity of an agency and the information is necessary for that purpose, Webster said. "The purpose question is critical -- this is not about untethered intelligence gathering or recording -- and clearly defining the purpose for collection is an important step in minimizing the unnecessary collection of personal information."
Once the purpose is clear, it will also be evident that some personal information won't need to be collected, such as private conversations between passing members of the public, Webster said.
In addition, organizations that use body cameras must consider how the wearer can retain some privacy, such as by turning it off during breaks, he said. "My starting point would also be that the cameras should not be used to monitor the officer's own performance or working hours," since there are less intrusive ways to handle that.
Those wearing body cameras and the public should be adequately notified about what information will be collected and what it will be used for, Webster said. He urged police organizations to develop a user guide for officers on how to operate the cameras appropriately, store the audiovisual material and use it once captured.