Purpose of School Security Cameras

Transcription

1 Purpose of School Security Cameras Maintain Secure Schools, Buses and Facilities: A. Protect Students, Staff and Visitors Security cameras are invaluable tools that help enhance the safety of our students, staff and visitors in our District buildings and facilities. B. Deter crime in our District facilities and on District property Security cameras can serve as a visual deterrent to bullying, vandalism, unauthorized access and criminal activity; such as assaults, theft and break-ins. Activities and behavior of persons in these places are monitored. Security cameras, along with good lighting, can prevent and deter criminal activity on our school and facility parking lots. C. Help in investigations Archived surveillance footage can be used to identify individuals who have committed crimes or breached School District policies.

2 Administrative Procedure Schools and Facilities: Security Cameras PROCEDURES: 1. Installation and/or placement of Security Cameras in District Schools, School Buses and Facilities, must be reviewed by the District General Counsel and pre-approved by the Chief Operational Officer. 2. Every effort should be made to post signs on School District Property and Buses stating: WARNING - This School District Property is under 24 hour video surveillance Any offender maybe subject to disciplinary action and/or criminal reporting. 3. Only School District Administrators designated by the Superintendent as having supervisory responsibilities over the facilities, vehicles or persons involved, shall have access to the images captured by Security Camera monitoring or recording. 4. All camera recordings will be preserved for a minimum of 30 days, contingent upon preservation software. 5. All personnel with access to School District Security Cameras should be trained in the effective, legal, and ethical use of the equipment through a training program offered by the Security and Environmental Management Department and Technology Department and approved by the District General Counsel. 6. Security Camera Monitoring, Recording and Image Review must be in a manner consistent with all District Policies and Procedures and State and Federal laws. 7. When an incident is reported, the Principal or their designee should be notified immediately. 8. If the incident of interest is believed to be captured on video, the Principal will coordinate the review of the video, utilizing only authorized persons. 9. All information and/or observations made in the use of School District Security Cameras are considered confidential, and can only be used for official School District business and as allowable by federal and state law, such as Family Education Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA).

3 Administrative Procedure Schools and Facilities: Security Cameras - continued RETENTION AND RELEASE OF INFORMATION: 1. When a video is recorded, it should be retained for a period of at least 30 days, contingent upon preservation software, unless it is part of an ongoing School District or Law Enforcement investigation. Information that directly affects an investigation will be kept for a period of time determined by the Principal, Department Director, District General Counsel or the requesting Law Enforcement Agency. 2. When an incident is determined to be captured on video and is needed to be retained, a record log (see slide 4) will be kept with the retained portion of the video. The log will include, accounting for the date and time of the incident, a description of the incident, the identity of the persons captured on the video and involved in the incident, the date and time reviewed and the identity of those who participated in the review. The retained video will be maintained in a secure location, with a log reflecting date, time and identity of persons who access it. Any questions regarding the retention of these images should be directed to the District General Counsel. 3. All requests for the release of information and results obtained through Security Camera Monitoring or Recording must be submitted to the District General Counsel for approval prior to release. Personnel are prohibited from using or disseminating information acquired from School District security cameras, except for official purposes and only with District General Counsel approval. Improper release of information that is confidential potentially exposes the District to liability.

4 Surveillance Video Review Log Today s Date School/Facility Date and time of the incident Description of the incident: Identity of the persons captured in the video and involved in the incident: Date and time of review: Identity of those who participated in the review: Results of review: Location of retained video (Is this a secure location?):

5 Legal and Ethical Issues: Legal and Ethics Training Recorded images will be archived in a secure location for a specific predetermined period of time (for a minimum of 30 days, contingent upon preservation software) by the School District, and will be accessible to authorized staff on an as needed basis only. Upon expiration of the predetermined time period for storage, all recorded images will be destroyed except if they are being used as part of an ongoing investigation of criminal or School District policy violations. The alteration of previously recorded images is strictly prohibited. Information obtained from the Security Cameras shall be used exclusively for legal and enforcement related matters; including disciplinary matters. Information obtained through the use of Security Cameras may be released to persons or entities outside the School District (such as law enforcement) only when compelled by lawful means, such as a subpoena, or when approved either by the District General Counsel or by the Chief Operational Officer, and in accordance with School District Policy.

6 Legal and Ethical Issues (contin:): Audio recordings are prohibited. Tampering with tapes or other confidential information is prohibited. Security cameras may not be used in areas of the District Schools or facilities, where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy such as the following: Bathrooms Shower areas Locker and changing rooms Medical areas/clinics Security camera usage or the obtaining of images and information from such usage shall not be used for private purposes. Monitoring individuals based on protected status under law or for purposes of harassing conduct based on sexual orientation, is prohibited.