[Ord. No. 16-2008, § 1, eff. 8-27-2008]
(a)
City public security cameras may be deployed only in those residential and commercial areas experiencing a distinct pattern of crimes being committed on public space where utilization of camera surveillance could detect and/or eliminate such crimes. From and after the effective date of this chapter, a public security camera location shall be approved preliminarily for installation and use by the Chief of Police or his designee upon a finding that:
(i)
the proposed location is a public space experiencing a distinct pattern of crime;
(ii)
the potential to deter and/or eliminate such criminal activity outweighs any concerns asserted by the affected community;
(iii)
there exists significant support from the affected community for the camera(s).
Thereafter the location shall be approved within thirty (30) days upon a finding by the Public Safety Camera Review Committee that the criteria set forth herein have been met. |
(b)
City public security cameras, and any and all footage, may be used only by those persons authorized herein, and may be used solely in the specific instances set forth in this chapter, and use of public security cameras by such persons in any other manner or location, or for any other purpose, is, expressly prohibited. The Chief of Police shall maintain a log of all Public Security Camera locations, the dates of their initial approval by the Chief of Police and of the subsequent approval by the Public Safety Camera Review Committee, and the criteria used for their approval. Such log shall be available to the public.
(c)
Public Emergency. City public security cameras, and any and all footage, may be used for the purpose of providing surveillance during any public emergency, including, but not limited to weather emergencies, fire emergencies, pollution incidents or threat conditions connected with the safety of any person. Neighborhood public security cameras may be so used at the request of the Chief of Police or the discretion of the community group.
(d)
Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention. City public security cameras, and any and all footage, may be used for the purpose of providing surveillance in the service of law enforcement and crime investigation and prevention within the City of Pittsburgh where there is suspected criminal activity or situations causing concerns for public safety or where there is a potential for criminal activity. Neighborhood public security cameras are used primarily for crime deterrence, but footage from neighborhood public security cameras may be made available to the Police Bureau for purposes of investigating a specific crime.
(e)
All public security camera systems and public security cameras, whether owned and operated by the City or by a community group, shall be directed at the public right-of-way so that no recording is performed except of events and persons in the public right-of-way or in public view. Public security cameras in residential areas shall not provide visual access not available to the general public.
(f)
Policies and Procedures. The Department of Public Safety and/or the Public Security Camera Review Committee shall adopt regulations and procedures applicable to City Public Security Cameras which shall take effect before any new cameras are activated pursuant to this chapter.
(g)
Public security camera systems and all public security cameras paid for with government monies which are installed or trained on the City public right-of-way or on City property shall conform to the purposes and objectives set forth in this article.
(h)
It is not the intent of the City by this chapter to regulate in any manner privately owned and operated surveillance or security cameras.