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6.14 Security Cameras

Responsible Position

Safety and Security Compliance Officer

RELATED ITEMS

Minnesota State Board Policy
Minnesota State Board Policy
Minnesota Statutes
Federal Law

 

POLICY STATEMENT

 

Policy

海角社区 Technical and Community College (ATCC) uses security cameras as one resource to enhance safety and security of persons and property.  All security camera installations are approved in advance by designated ATCC personnel, as described in this policy, except in the case of an emergency that makes such consultation impractical.  Placement and use of security cameras conform to applicable state and federal laws in addition to Minnesota State and ATCC campus policies.  Security cameras do not have audio monitoring or audio recording capabilities enabled.  Video monitoring of public areas for security purposes is limited to uses that do not violate the reasonable expectations of privacy, as defined by law. 

Scope

This policy applies to all personnel and departments of ATCC in the use of its equipment for video surveillance, monitoring, and recording on ATCC-owned, leased or controlled properties; this policy does not apply to the use of video applications for academic, research, or educational purposes of ATCC.  

Management and Use of Security Cameras

The primary purpose of security cameras is to assist in the daily operations of campus security and safety in providing a safe and secure environment to the ATCC community including students, employees, and visitors.  Information obtained through video monitoring will be primarily used for security and law enforcement purposes.  

The installation and monitoring of security cameras and equipment must be administered by the ATCC Safety and Security Compliance Officer (SSCO) in a manner consistent with this policy.  The SSCO may authorize the use of video surveillance in a temporary location upon request of a college official if a specific safety or security risk exists; if the request concerns the investigation of individuals, the SSCO shall consult with the Office of General Counsel and/or Human Resources Office of Labor Relations in the Minnesota State System Office prior to approval.  The SSCO shall consult with Minnesota State System Legal Counsel if requested by law enforcement to install video surveillance for a criminal investigation.  

In public areas, signage giving notice of the use of security cameras shall be posted as deemed appropriate by the SSCO.  

If concern over camera placement should arise, concerned persons may submit an email petition to the SSCO for the removal or relocation of an existing camera. See ATCC Procedure 6.14.1 for more information.  

Principles

The following principles shall apply regarding the use of security cameras at ATCC under this policy:

  • All recording or monitoring of activities of individuals or groups by authorized ATCC security cameras will be conducted in a manner consistent with applicable Minnesota State and ATCC policies.  
  • All recording or monitoring of video records will be conducted in a professional, ethical, and legal manner. Campus security and other personnel with authorized access to video recordings must receive a copy of this policy and will receive training on the effective, legal, and ethical use of the monitoring equipment upon assuming their role and at least annually thereafter.  
  • All recording or monitoring for security and safety purposes will be conducted only in areas where the public does not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. There will be no recording in living spaces or restrooms. 
  • Recorded images made by security cameras will be securely maintained by ATCC pursuant to its records retention schedule. The alteration of video images is strictly prohibited. 

Limiting Use, Disclosure, and Retention of Recordings

The SSCO is responsible for controlling access to the security cameras, monitors, and recordings consistent with applicable privacy laws. Security camera data maintained by ATCC may be nonpublic or private data on individuals under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  (Video surveillance data may be nonpublic or private “security information” as defined by Minnesota Statute 13.37 Subd. 1 (a) or private personnel or educational data pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13.43, Subd. 4 and 13.32, Subd. 3, and FERPA, 20 USC 1232g, which may be accessed, used, and disclosed to third parties only as consistent with those laws.)   

Nothing in this policy prevents reporting to law enforcement real-time observations of conduct that appears to constitute criminal activity. 

Violations

Any individual who has concerns about the possible violation of this policy may discuss the matter with the SSCO.  Any individual found to have violated this policy may be referred for discipline under the applicable personnel or student conduct process.