by InTrieste
interviews: Sophie Renhuldt
In a press conference on Thursday morning at the Municipal Council Chamber, Trieste rolled out its revamped video surveillance regulations. The event, attended by City Security Policies Councillor Caterina de Gavardo, Police Chief Walter Milocchi, Deputy Police Chief Paolo Jerman, VI Commission President Salvatore Porro spotlighted the city’s commitment to staying on the cutting edge of security.
“Back in 2017, Trieste set the groundwork with its initial regulations on video surveillance systems across the city. The updated rules we’re presenting today are the product of a collaborative effort involving multiple municipal offices, the Data Protection Officer (DPO), Local Police, and the transparency officer. What sets it apart is its alignment with European standards, specifically EU Regulation No. 2016/679, safeguarding personal data processing and free data movement. This regulation addresses current citywide video surveillance while introducing the integration of emerging technologies,” explained Caterina de Gavardo, City Security Policies Councillor.
“When I talk about new technologies, I’m referring to drones, a passion project of Councillor Vincenzo Rescigno, as well as body cameras (bodycams), wearable recording systems the Local Police is eyeing for the near future and has been experimenting with for a few weeks. I’m also talking about dashcams, cameras embedded in service vehicles, and mobile surveillance systems,” added Caterina de Gavardo.
“This Administration firmly believes in video surveillance, and we’re exploring the potential use of new technologies that are proving invaluable for territorial control,” concluded Caterina de Gavardo.
Police Chief Walter Milocchi stressed that the new regulations aim to bring privacy laws regarding citywide video surveillance up to date. Currently, this surveillance effort is a joint venture between the Local Police and the Trieste Police Headquarters, expanding this year to include the Provincial Carabinieri Command.
“We kicked off testing bodycams in December with two devices, and next week, we’re adding six more to determine which ones best suit our needs. It’s essential to clarify that bodycams aren’t surveillance tools; they’re individual recording systems worn and activated by operators only when necessary – for instance, in escalating situations. During the ongoing trial phase, they haven’t been activated yet,” said Police Chief Walter Milocchi.
“Another facet concerns dashcams, phototraps, cameras triggered by movement, already in use by the Local Police for waste dumping cases, mobile surveillance systems used for police investigations, mobile equipment for enforcing traffic regulations, and drones – all in compliance with current regulations,” he continued.
Deputy Police Chief Paolo Jerman clarified that regarding drones, the Police Chief took preemptive action in anticipation of the regulations. Currently, a type of drone with advanced technological features has been identified, allowing for precise and reliable thermal analysis in the search for missing persons or the detection of fire outbreaks. The significance of training operators to obtain certification in compliance with regulations should not be underestimated.
