VIDEO MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITIES POLICY PURPOSE
The University of North Alabama is committed to enhancing the quality of life of the campus community by integrating the best practices of safety and security with technology. A critical component of a comprehensive security plan is the proper utilization of a security and safety camera system. The surveillance of public areas is intended to deter crime and assist in protecting the safety and property of the UNA community. This policy addresses the University’s desire to meet its safety and security needs while respecting and preserving individual privacy. To ensure the protection of individual privacy rights in accordance with the University’s core values and state and federal laws, this policy is adopted to formalize procedures for the installation of surveillance equipment and the handling, viewing, retention, dissemination, and destruction of surveillance records. The purpose of this policy is to regulate the use of camera systems used to observe and record public areas for the purposes of safety and security. The existence of this policy does not imply or guarantee that cameras will be monitored in real time 24 hours a day, seven days a week. SCOPE This policy applies to all personnel, departments, and colleges of the University of North Alabama in the use of security cameras and video monitoring and recording systems. Security cameras may be installed in situations and places where the security and safety of either property or persons would be enhanced. Cameras will be limited to uses that do not violate the reasonable expectation of privacy as defined by law. Where appropriate, the cameras may be placed campus-wide, inside and outside buildings. Although the physical cameras may be identical, the functions of these cameras fall into three main categories: 1. Property Protection : Where the main intent is to capture video and store it on a remote device so that if property is reported stolen or damaged, the video may show the perpetrator. Examples: an unstaffed computer lab, an unstaffed science lab, or a parking lot. 2. Personal Safety : Where the main intent is to capture video and store it on a remote device so that if a person is assaulted, the video may show the perpetrator. Examples: a public walkway, or a parking lot. 3. Extended Responsibility : Where the main intent is to have the live video stream in one area monitored by a staff member in close proximity. In this case the video may or may not be recorded. Example: a computer lab with multiple rooms and only one member of staff. Information obtained from the cameras shall be used for safety and security purposes and for law and policy enforcement, including, where appropriate, student conduct functions. However, prudence should be exercised by parties requesting such information to ensure that requests are limited to matters of substantial consequence. The availability of surveillance recordings does not remove the responsibility of supervisors to work to prevent, detect, and address issues as they should normally do. Information must be handled with an appropriate level of security to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.
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