November 13, 2023 |
Photo – A security camera – Courtesy security.org
Discussion of a new security camera policy prompts some Hanna residents to question the town council’s intentions.
During last month’s Hanna town council meeting, Mayor Jon Ostling read a proposed in-house policy governing security camera use. Mayor Ostling explained how security cameras keep people and property safe.
Mayor Ostling said the town has specific regulations that state who can access the security camera tapes and how the images can be shared. The mayor said the recordings must be kept safe from unauthorized handling.
Mayor Ostling said the recordings will be erased every three months. The mayor said the tapes can be held for longer if they are needed for legal or town use.
Mayor Ostling said the security camera system operator must keep a log of every time the recordings are accessed. The mayor said failing to uphold the policy can result in the camera operator’s termination. Mayor Ostling said the logs will be kept for two years.
A resident asked the town council what specific types of security encryption they will use to ensure the recordings are safe. The council said they have employed an information technician to handle the security camera system. The technician was not present at the meeting.
Town Treasurer Ann Calvert said the town installed the cameras half a decade ago. Calvert said the proposed policy will dictate when and by whom the cameras can be used.
Councilman Roger Hawks said the town’s security cameras are the same type used by most businesses. Councilman Hawks said the cameras are hard wired and do not use wi-fi.
A resident asked when the security cameras were installed. Treasurer Calvert said the system was set up two administrations ago. Calvert said several town-owned properties are monitored by security cameras.
Another resident asked why the council was proposing a security camera policy now. Treasurer Calvert said the town wants to ensure future state and federal compliance.
An attendee of October’s town council meeting said the policy does not specify what security cameras are covered under the rules. Town officials said the policy is strictly for town-owned equipment.
Mayor Ostling called for a motion to approve the town’s new in-house security camera policy. Councilman Jason Nordquist made the motion and Councilman Sam Sikes seconded. The motion carried.
