The City of Richmond has clearly stated to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of British Columbia (OIPC) that its Public Safety Camera System Program (PSCS) is lawful and has repeatedly requested over the last 18 months that the OIPC issue an order. Now that the Commissioner has issued an order the City of Richmond is positioned to have the legality of its PSCS determined by the courts.

The use of the PSCS is strictly limited to law enforcement purposes and evidentiary support for prosecutions. The system will not be actively monitored in real time, and video footage retrieval will only be accessible through a production or Court order, ensuring that access is tightly controlled and legally justified. Technological safeguards will be in place, such as tightly controlled restricted access for authorized personnel only. Additionally, the PSCS will operate on its own segregated network to prevent cyberattacks and unauthorized access.

These restrictions and oversight mechanisms are designed to prevent misuse of the system and to adequately protect the privacy of individuals. By implementing robust security measures and adhering to legal requirements, the City aims to balance the benefits of enhanced public safety with the need to protect individual privacy rights. The City’s Public Safety Camera System Privacy Impact Assessment, which was endorsed by Council in 2024, provides detailed information on these safeguards.