Bum Rap for Security Device

By Annette Shailer

A civil libertarian has queried an innovative security devise that comprises a video and audio recording device worn by security guards.

Australian Council for Civil Liberties president, Terry O’Gorman, said cameras were an invasion of privacy that would not make people feel more secure.

“People don’t go to licensed premises to be videotaped,” O’Gorman said.

The eWitness headsets are being used in venues such as the Normanby Hotel in Brisbane and Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast, and are aimed at curbing violence.

The device is one of several new brands now hitting the market, including the EHS Vidmic distributed by Shriro. It is mounted on the shoulder and houses a video recorder, audio recorder and still photo camera.

Shriro corporate sales executive, Jerrold Herrera, said the EHS Vidmic security device passes legal privacy requirements that were checked prior to it being launched.

“As long as the person who is recording is involved in the conversation then it is alright,” Herrera said.

“It is similar to a police warrant in that you should let the person know that they are being recorded. Failing that you can record so long as there is reasonable doubt of suspicious behaviour,” Herrera said.