FAQs
- Coolbellup Hub/Len Packham Clubrooms - Coolbellup
- An Electronic Display Trailer
- Mobile Ranger/Parking Compliance Vehicles
- CoSafe Vehicles
- Rapid Deployment Kit - used in conjunction with WAPOL at prime hot spot locations
- Mobile covert camera - used in conjunction with WA Police and the City's internal departments.
- Increasing frequency of CoSafe patrols and improving how CoSafe responds to community concerns
- Increasing presence of CCTV
- Improving lighting at parks and other public places
- Liaising with State Government authorities to increase Police presence and improve enforcement around criminal and antisocial behaviour
- Educating residents about safety and encouraging homeowners to install more security measures including private CCTV systems
- Improving reporting processes and follow-up communications with residents who report issues to the City
- Engaging with youth and provide more youth activities
What is the City's strategy for community safety?
In response to community concerns, local governments throughout Australia are becoming increasingly involved with crime prevention. Security and public safety has been identified amongst the top three priorities for residents of the City and therefore noted in two of five strategic objectives identified in the Strategic Community Plan 2016 – 2026.
The City has developed the Community Safety and CCTV Strategy 2017-2022, available on the City of Cockburn website. The strategy and action plan reflect the City’s continued commitment to its role in improving security throughout Cockburn.
Development of the plan included an evaluation of the current crime prevention initiatives provided, which indicates that while the use of some services has declined, all warrant continuing.
The Community Safety and CCTV Strategy 2017-2022 consolidates previous related plans so that there is one key document to direct the future approach to community safety more generally.
This document establishes a set of objectives for the prevention and mitigation of crime and anti-social behaviour. Significant objectives are the continuation of the rollout of CCTV and the continued provision of mobile security patrols (CoSafe). Traditional ranger services will continue to have a significant role in this area.
The City has also undertaken community consultation and developed a draft Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan 2022-2026 which will be open for further feedback shortly. Further information on this plan can be found on the project’s webpage.
How does CCTV improve community safety?
CCTV does not absolutely prevent crime or anti-social behaviour, but can reduce the incidence of opportunistic anti-social behaviour and may provide forensic evidence when such events occur.
How is CCTV monitored?
CCTV, including mobile and convert cameras as well as artificial intelligence monitoring and alert software are used and based in the CoSafe control room, one of the most advanced in WA. Through the control room, cameras alert the team to any emerging issues in real time, assisting CoSafe to be a responsive and reliable service.
Where in Coolbellup are CCTV cameras currently located?
CCTV is currently operated in the following areas:
What is CCTV footage used for?
Images may be provided to authorised authorities such as the WA Police, if anti-social or criminal behaviour has occurred. Images may also be used to direct CoSafe or other City staff to areas that require attention, for example, maintenance.
How does Cockburn comply with CCTV standards?
The City has established a Policy (view the Policy on the City of Cockburn website) to provide a framework for the overarching use and installation of CCTV. The Policy and our CCTV network aligns to the ISO standards for management and network security.
Does the technology listen and/or record any audio?
No it does not. Some cameras in Cockburn do have the ability to record audio and a microphone, but this is only used when an officer is conversing with someone remotely. Under State legislation it is an offence to record audio if you are not involved in the conversation.
Does the technology have facial recognition?
The cameras to be deployed in the Safer Coolbellup project do not actively use facial recognition technology.
How do cameras detect antisocial behaviour?
Cameras can identify when groups of people start to gather and alert CoSafe officers in real time for an immediate response. As a result CoSafe officers can be patrolling our streets and interacting with our community without having to monitor cameras from a behind a desk. Cameras also have the capacity to capture vehicle number plates.
What other support technology does the City use?
The City has support technology for community safety, including:
The footage captured from cameras may only be released to the Police upon request.
What else is the CIty doing to improve community safety?
For more information visit the Security and Crime Prevention page on the City of Cockburn website here.
Are CCTV cameras used for surveillance on private property?
No. All City installed cameras will focus on publicly accessible spaces such as roads, parks and reserves.
Who can access the images captured?
The City’s secure CCTV network is only accessible to a handful of authorised City employees.
Members of the public will not have access to images or footage recorded by the City’s CCTV systems. Police and law enforcement agencies can be provided access to images and footage following a formal request.
Where can I find crime statistics for my suburb?
You can view crime statistics in your area, by visiting the WA Police and entering your suburb.