New CCTV law a ‘victory for criminals,’ says Tipperary JPC chairman

The chairman of the Tipperary Joint Policing Committee Councillor Noel Coonan has called new CCTV laws a “victory for criminals.”

Cllr Coonan was responding to an update given by Director of Services for Economic, Community and Rural Development Brian Beck to members of the JPC on new legislation that would impact the community CCTV schemes currently in development.
He said it was one of the “worst things he has seen in public life.”

“It is a victory for criminals and for those who want to do wrong and it's a kick in the face to the communities who have raised money to get this over the line.

“Here we are being brought down by one bureaucracy after another. It’s an absolute disgrace.” said Cllr Coonan.

Cllr Coonan praised Mr Beck and his team for their work on developing a policy and said he can “stand tall above all others.”

But he slammed their “national colleagues” for allowing the laws to pass after so many years of trying to get these schemes up and running.

He said they have a lot to answer for to local communities.

“This is absolutely disgraceful carry-on. We have heard the Chief Superintendent speak today about putting the community first. This is a clear example of the community being blaggarded. This has been going on throughout this JPC and before and we are going backwards,” said Cllr Coonan.

THE BAD NEWS

Tipperary County Council adopted a new policy for managing CCTV schemes, including community initiatives in January this year.

But Mr Beck said in February the Government replaced section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána CCTV Order 2006.

These were the legislation that currently allow community CCTV schemes to operate.

These are to be replaced by the new garda recording devices law which means that only local authorities and the gardai will be allowed to manage CCTV schemes.

Schemes already in operation will be allowed to continue for four years or until the Garda Commissioner removes them.

If an amendment, like the addition of a camera, is required the Garda Commissioner will need to review it and decide whether it is a minor change or if new authorisation will be needed.

All new schemes will have to apply again and if approved, will only be allowed to operate for five years before a new application must be made.

All policies and procedures will have to be reviewed and several bodies will have a say in their development.

However, despite being responsible for the schemes, specific local authorities will not be part of that process.

Mr Beck noted that the Local Government Management Agency does have input in the policies but Tipperary County Council will not.

“One of my concerns is that local authorities are not mentioned in that. If local authorities are being asked to participate, we do not seem to have any role in the operation of the code of practice,” said Mr Beck.

Mr Beck also told members that it is now an offence not to comply with the new legislation.

Mr Beck said there is still uncertainty about funding and there the national working group will carry out a review. But, they have not given a timeline for that review.

THE GOOD NEWS

Mr Beck did have some good news.

He said that the policy adopted in January anticipated a lot of the changes and put Tipperary County Council “ahead of the game.”

He said the data management structures are already in place and the gardai have already signed of.

Additionally, new amendments to the Waste Management Act, the Litter and Pollution Act and the Garda Síochána (Mobile Recording Device) Act have all been signed off on.

This will mean that the policy will have to be amended in relation to environmental management for body cams worn by traffic wardens.

But, he said, more information is needed before the council can do that.

Cllr Coonan asked what the implications would be for the Littleton and Borrisokane CCTV applications. Mr Beck said he could not say at this time.

DISGUSTED

Cllr Pat English proposed writing to the minister to “express their disgust” at this new development.

He said the Clonmel plan has progressed but now it will be “kicked down the road.

Cllr English said these schemes benefit everyone including the gardai whose numbers are down.

“I am in shock,” said Cllr English. Cllr Shane Lee agreed with his JPC colleagues.

He acknowledged Mr Beck and his team but said the new law lacked “common sense.”

“We have been at this in Roscrea since 2014. There are groups set up doing their best to bring this to fruition,” said Cllr Lee.
Chief Superintendent Aileen Magner offered her support for the schemes.

“CCTV is an extra ten guards on the street. It’s eyes where we don’t currently have eyes.

“So, any support we can offer in obtaining CCTV in this division we will work with you on that,” said Chief Supt Magner.

She said she “won't pretend” to know the answers to their questions but she will come back to them with answers.