Secretary of State signs dispatch to run till end October
Drones fitted with CCTV cameras are to start patrolling sensitive forest areas – the idea being to facilitate detection of any kind of suspicious activity, and thus protect against the habitual summer wildfire scourge.
Secretary of State Isabel Oneto has signed a dispatch which authorizes the use of nine portable CCTV systems by drones, to be used in specific locations, particularly areas with a history of fires, during the years 2016-2021, and those covered by any daily heat warnings issued by IPMA (meteorological institute).
A statement put out by the ministry of internal administration explains that due to data protection legislation, “the system of videovigilance must observe the following conditions:
- It is not permitted to capture or record sound
- Use of cameras has to be publicised in advance
- Drones have to be operated at an average altitude of 100 metres from the ground
- Systems have to cease vigilance as soon as means of response are actioned, in case of a fire
- The right to private life has to be safeguarded by the capturing of any images
- Communications between district operational commands must be guaranteed while drones are being used
- All operational anomalies must be registered, and preserved for a minimum period of two years”.
The dispatch comes after Interior Minister José Luís Carneiro warned arsonists that authorities mean business.
natasha.donn@portugalresident.com
