Security Camera Policy

Policy Statement

SUNY Brockport reserves the right to place security cameras on campus where necessary. Security cameras will be limited to uses that do not violate the reasonable expectation of privacy of any individual.

SUNY Brockport respects the privacy of campus community members and is sensitive to balancing privacy with safety needs on campus. Cameras extend the protection of University Police, even when officers are not in an immediate area. Cameras are not a guarantee of safety, but are a tool that assists University Police. Cameras protect campus community members from dangers by serving as deterrents and expediting investigations.

Purpose/Scope

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance and establish parameters restricting the use of security cameras and the recording of public and restricted areas. In addition, this policy provides protocols for determining information technology needs, installation, data storage, camera specifications and standards, monitoring, retrieval and access.

Applicability

This policy applies to all University at Brockport personnel in the establishment, installation and use of university authorized security cameras. This includes all departments, schools, organizations, or clubs on campus that request the installation of security cameras within their designated area. This policy does not apply to covert cameras used by University Police for criminal security as governed by New York State law.

Definitions

There are no definitions for this policy at this time.

Policy Procedures

A. Security Camera Acquisition

1. Prior to the acquisition of any cameras, departments must notify University Police regarding their intention to pursue the acquisition of security cameras, the rationale for the security camera(s), and the point of contact (POC) for the department’s request.
2. Following the initial contact with University Police, the department POC must meet with the Information Technology (IT) Department to discuss the camera type standards, camera installation locations, impacts upon the University’s network, development of network architectural drawings, and other criteria established by the University’s IT Department. Following IT Department authorization and approval, the department POC must meet with the Facilities Department.
3. The department POC will meet with a Facilities Department representative to discuss the proposed location of the camera(s) installation to determine issues related to asbestos abatement (if necessary) or other structural issues, who will be conducting the camera installation (Facilities or contracted vendor), installation location related to IT closet, any other installation equipment support costs, and other criteria established by the University’s Facilities Department.
4. Each department that requests security cameras in their location will be responsible for all costs related to camera purchases (including upgrades and replacements), additional hardware, additional software, license(s), all applicable installation costs, and future repair or maintenance costs to their individual system(s). All purchases must be made in accordance with all University procurement rules and regulations.

B. Security Camera Placement and Identification

The following guidelines apply to the placement of security cameras on campus:

1. Camera installations will be determined in collaboration with University Police and Facilities Services with final approval for locations by division head or designee.
2. Security cameras may not be established in areas of the campus that are traditionally and generally considered to be private. Such areas include private offices, rooms used for providing medical, physical, or mental health therapy or treatment, bathrooms, locker rooms, private living areas of residence halls and hallways of the Hazen Center for Integrated Care. The only exceptions are security cameras used narrowly to protect money, documents, supplies or pharmaceuticals from theft, destruction, or tampering. Different procedures for the residence of the University President (Burlingame House) may apply.
3. Security cameras shall not be directed into the windows of any private residential space or office. To the maximum extent possible, electronic shielding will be placed in relevant cameras so that they do not have the capability to look into or through windows.
4. To the greatest extent possible given the location and intent of the security camera, all security cameras will be placed in easily visible locations or otherwise made identifiable through marking, coloring or signage.  

C. Security Camera Use and Non-Use Guidelines

1. Security cameras shall be used exclusively for campus safety and security purposes. Review of recorded camera footage shall be conducted by the Chief of University Police or designee for these purposes.
2. For the purpose of campus safety and security, if the department director or designee is concerned that a crime or incident may have occurred in the area monitored by cameras, they must report the suspected crime to University Police to initiate an investigation.
3. SUNY Brockport University Police shall be responsible for evaluating and authorizing any release and use of the recordings by non-affiliated entities. 

D. Monitoring and Retrieval of Video Recordings

1. University Police will be solely responsible for any monitoring or review of all campus security cameras. Such monitoring and review shall be conducted in accordance with best law enforcement practices and procedures.
2. All security cameras currently installed on campus that are equipped with viewing stations in their area, will be transferred to a new monitoring platform and will only be viewed and/or monitored at the University Police offices.
3. No students may be employed to monitor recordings or images, unless assisting in an investigation.
4. If the University Police in conjunction with SUNY Brockport President deems it necessary to aid in an investigation or search, recordings or image stills may be released to the media or the public. Prior to releasing the recordings or images, the face and identifying features of all those persons not of interest to the investigation will be de-identified by a face “pixelizer” or similar method.

E. Storage Media

1. Recordings will be stored for a minimum of 30 days. After 30 days, recordings will be deleted from the storage server unless they have been flagged for investigative purposes or other University requirements, the latter being archived appropriately and secured.
2. Recordings will be stored in a manner consistent with available technology and transported in a manner that preserves security and chain of custody.
3. Release of any and all portions of recordings is subject to section C and D above.
4. Length of storage time may be modified to meet hardware requirements as needed as long as the amount of stored video continues to meet the needs of University Police (or other law enforcement agencies) for investigative purposes.
5. Original recordings, not released, shall remain unedited. Editing or otherwise altering recordings or still images, except to enhance quality for investigative purposes or blur features as described above in section D, is not permitted.

F. Destruction or Tampering with Security Cameras

1. Any person who intentionally tampers with or destroys a camera or any part of the electronic security system may be prosecuted in the criminal justice system and/or referral to the student conduct system for possible disciplinary action. 

Links to Related Procedures and Information

There are no links for this policy at this time.

Contact Information

Emergency Manager - (585) 395-5375

History (in descending order)

Approval

This policy was approved by President’s Cabinet on 2019-04-24