This paper provides an overview of CCTV camera monitoring in Australian open- street surveillance systems. Based on interviews with CCTV system managers and police, the significance of monitoring hours and the alternate models of ëactiveí and ëpassiveí surveillance are discussed. In Australia there are four different models of staffing CCTV control rooms: local government staff, private security contractors, police and volunteers. The strengths and weaknesses of these four different models of conducting CCTV surveillance in public areas are analysed. It is argued that in all models a balance needs to be struck between cost-effectiveness and the retention of local government control over the surveillance system. The current procedures for selecting and training CCTV operators are also outlined. Lastly, it is argued that more systematic and uniform training of camera operators, incorporating instruction in the ethical conduct of surveillance, might reduce the discriminatory potential of CCTV surveillance in public areas.