CHAPTER 10-1700. USE OF SURVEILLANCE TAPES IN COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES 348

 

Notes

348	Added, Bill No. 000061 (approved May 16, 2000).

§ 10-1701. Legislative Findings.

   The Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby finds:

   (1)   The Police Department may from time to time utilize the tapes of video surveillance systems in public places to assist in the investigation of a crime;

   (2)   Many times, because of overuse and low quality, the tapes are grainy and not useable by law enforcement;

   (3)   It is the intent of this Section to require the retention of surveillance tapes and that those tapes be of a kind and quality determined by the department through regulation.

§ 10-1702. Definitions.

   In this Chapter, the following definitions apply:

   (1)   Department. The Police Department of the City of Philadelphia.

   (2)   Business. For the purpose of this Ordinance the definition of business in Title 19 Finance, Taxes, and Collections, Chapter 19-2600 Business Income and Receipts Taxes shall apply. 349

   (3)   Video Surveillance System. Any video recording system utilized by a business for the purpose of:

      (a)   Monitoring and maintaining security; or

      (b)   Preventing theft or criminal activity within that store.

 

Notes

349	Amended, Bill No. 110758 (approved December 21, 2011), effective May 1, 2012.

§ 10-1703. Requirements.

   (1)   All businesses utilizing video surveillance systems shall maintain and not recycle surveillance videotapes from that system for a period of thirty days after their initial use or for a period determined by the department.

   (2)   The department may through regulation require businesses to use a type or quality of videotape for the purpose of meeting the requirements of this Ordinance.

§ 10-1704. Penalties.

   (1)   The penalty for violating the provisions of 10-1703(1) and 10-1703(2) shall be a minimum fine of twenty- five dollars ($25).

   (2)   Each day a violation continues or is allowed to continue shall constitute a separate offense for which a separate penalty may be imposed.