Security Camera Policy

General Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to regulate the use of security cameras on campus for the purposes of safety and security. This policy applies to all personnel and property of the College in the use of security camera monitoring and recording. 

General Terms

As used within this policy, the following terms are defined as follows.

• Security camera: a camera used for recording public areas for the purposes of enhancing public safety, monitoring restricted areas or equipment, to discourage theft and other criminal activities, and for preventing, investigating, and resolving incidents. The most common security cameras rely on closed circuit television or CCTV.
• Security camera monitoring: the real-time review or watching of security camera feeds.
• Security camera recording: a digital or analog recording of the feed from a security camera.
• Security camera systems: any electronic service, software, or hardware directly supporting or deploying a security camera. 

General Principles

• Security cameras are utilized to enhance the health and safety of the campus community and protect College property.

• Both Campus Safety and the College are committed to enhancing the quality of life of the campus community by integrating the best practices of campus safety with state of the art technology. A critical component of a comprehensive security program is the use of security cameras.

• Security cameras will be used in a professional, ethical and legal manner in accordance with College policy and local, state and federal laws and regulations.

• Copies of information obtained by security camera recording will be released internally or to law enforcement personnel only as authorized by the Director of Campus Safety and the Vice President and General Counsel.  Copies will not be released to any other party except pursuant to valid subpoena that has been reviewed and approved by the Vice President and General Counsel.

• Use of Security cameras to record public areas for security purposes will be conducted in a manner consistent with existing College policies, including Non-Discrimination Policy, the Sexual Harassment Policy, Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA), and other relevant policies.

• Images and related data collected by security cameras are the property of Lewis & Clark, will be retained for a reasonable period of time, and will be destroyed thereafter.

Responsibilities

• The Director of Campus Safety has the responsibility to authorize all security camera operation for the safety and security purposes at Lewis & Clark in consultation with the Vice President and Provost, Vice President and General Counsel, and Associate Vice President and Director of Human Resources.

• Campus Safety is authorized to oversee and coordinate the use of security camera equipment at the College. Campus Safety has the primary responsibility for disseminating and implementing policy and procedures.

• Campus Safety, Risk Management, and Campus Security Advisory Council will monitor new developments in the law and industry standards and protections.

• There will be no installation of security cameras or CCTV technology without the review and approval of the Campus Security Advisory Council and the written authorization of the Director of Campus Safety.

Procedures

• All operators and supervisors involved in security camera recording of public areas will be regularly trained to perform their duties consistent with College policy and local, state and federal laws and regulations.

• Campus Safety will ensure that appropriate campus signage for security camera and CCTV use is posted.

• Campus Safety will limit camera positions and views of residential academic spaces to exterior spaces and cameras will not be situated to allow viewing of resident hall rooms through windows. Any view given will be no greater than what is available with unaided vision.

• The security camera recording equipment will be configured so as to prevent the tampering with or duplicating of information.

• Security camera recordings will be stored for a period not to exceed 30 days then subsequently erased, unless retained as part of a criminal investigation or court proceedings (civil or criminal), or as approved by the Director of Campus Safety.

• Video Media will be stored in a secure location with access by authorized personnel only.

• Mobile or portable security camera equipment may be used in compliance with this policy to ensure the safety and security of the college community and its property.

• The College bookstore will conduct security camera monitoring in an effort to detect and reduce shoplifting. No other security camera monitoring will be conducted on campus, except for the purposes of opening vehicular gates and periodic testing of cameras to ensure proper operation.

Compliance

The Director of Campus Safety will ensure that records related to the use of security cameras and recordings from security cameras are sufficient to validate compliance with this policy. Units that maintain or support security camera technology must also maintain records and configure systems to ensure compliance with this policy. Security camera systems procured by units will need to ensure compatibility with the system identified as the campus standard by Campus Safety, Risk Management, Campus Security Advisory Council, and College policy.

Policy Revision

This policy is reviewed and approved by the Executive Council of the College, and is subject to change without prior notice.