Cameras on Buses

Security Cameras Policy for GRT Vehicles

Policy Statement:

The Region of Waterloo - Grand River Transit has installed security cameras on all GRT vehicles used to provide conventional transit service and specialized (MobilityPLUS) transit service, 12 years old and newer. The Region of Waterloo makes use of security cameras to assist in protecting the safety of employees, residents and visitors and to monitor and protect physical assets.

Security cameras are used within certain defined procedures as a deterrent, to record significant events, to monitor criminal activity, and to meet legislative requirements as set by provincial law. Security cameras images are not continuously monitored on a real time basis. The systems may include the use of video and audio recording equipment.

Purpose of the policy:

This policy establishes procedures which balance safety and security with an individual's right to privacy. Specifically, the policy addresses the following:

• The installation and operation of security cameras on Grand River Transit vehicles;

• The use of the information obtained through security cameras on Grand River Transit vehicles; and

• Control, access to and retention of records created through security cameras on Grand River Transit vehicles

Camera location and installation:

• Security cameras will be installed to prevent or limit the ability to record images beyond the immediate vicinity of the vehicle
• On all GRT vehicles where security cameras are in use, signage will be prominently displayed at all entrances and in the inside of the vehicle. The signage may vary to suit the circumstances of the vehicle being monitored. All security cameras will be reasonably obvious to persons using the vehicle
• Security cameras, monitors, and image storage will be in a controlled access area restricted from any public or unauthorized viewing
  

All procedures will comply with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), or any other applicable law.

The following Frequently Asked Questions will help to explain Grand River Transit's use of security cameras onboard GRT vehicles.

Q. How is the information collected by cameras to be used?

A.Any information obtained by security cameras may only be used to assist in protecting the Region, their employees, residents or visitors, assessing a threat to safety and security, or to investigate transit service issues and to protect assets.


Q. How are the security camera images stored?

A.All information storage devices will be located in a controlled access area. Storage media capable of being removed from the recording device will be kept in a locked storage container within the controlled access area. Where images are captured on computer drives these will be password protected so only authorized persons can obtain access. Information sent via web or wifi to remote monitoring locations will also be password protected. Access to the recordings is the responsibility of the Supervisor, Security Services or the Director, Transit Services.
Old storage devices will be securely disposed of in such a way that the personal information cannot be reconstructed or retrieved.


Q. What length of time are the security camera images stored?

A.Information collected by a security camera recording system will, unless otherwise requested, be routinely erased or recorded over after a period of 60 hours of vehicle operational time. If required for investigative purposes by a law enforcement agency or for public safety, or for the defence of liability claims against the Region specific images will be copied and retained for more than one (1) year.


Q. Who has access to system records?

A. Only authorized persons as determined by the Director, Transit Services or designate may access security camera images or information. Where systems are in operation, a supervisor/manager has been designated to maintain the list of authorized persons. This designate is responsible for ensuring only the listed people have access to video surveillance.


Q. Do other Transit systems use security cameras?

A.Security camera systems are in use all over the world. In Canada, transit systems using security systems include: Winnipeg Transit, Guelph Transit, Mississauga Transit and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).