This policy applies to use of cameras for St. Cloud State University (SCSU) security operations, including construction. This policy does not apply to the following video cameras:
- Cameras used for instructional purposes, including research with human subjects or animal subjects.
- Cameras used to obtain footage of public spaces, such as for university marketing, athletic events, employee training, or general non-security related observations.
- Cameras used for temporary investigative work by outside law enforcement agencies.
Video Cameras for Safety and Security
It is the responsibility of SCSU Public Safety, administrators, and individuals assigned responsibilities over physical spaces to make recommendations about the level of security required on campus. Decisions to install cameras, as a component of a comprehensive safety and security plan, may be reached through consultation and deliberation with various campus, system and state departments, outside vendors or contractors or law enforcement officials as needed.
Video cameras may be used or relocated on campus to enhance and assist in safety and security. This may include, but is not limited to:
- placement of cameras to deter and/or detect prohibited conduct or criminal activity,
- surveillance of controlled access points or alarms,
- tracking of activities with or around valuable, hazardous, and/or sensitive information or materials, and
- investigation into reported or suspected incidents.
St. Cloud State University allows employees with a legitimate work purpose, and others as allowable by law, to view video images. The existence of this policy does not imply or guarantee that cameras will be monitored in real time, continuously or otherwise, except as circumstances and resources permit.
Video Camera Footage
Recordings from security video cameras may be retained for a period not to exceed 30 days and will be held in a secure location with access by authorized personnel only. After 30 days, they will be erased, unless retained as part of any known investigation or court proceeding (criminal or civil), or other bona fide purpose as approved by the Director of Public Safety or designee, Director of Risk and Emergency Management or designee and the Data Practices Compliance Official as appropriate.
Body Cameras
Public Safety will use body cameras to achieve the following objectives:
- To enhance officer safety by providing opportunities to review incidents and adapt protocols/procedures.
- To enhance the ability to document and review statements, events, and other information or actions.
- To preserve visual and audio information for use in current and future investigations.
- To assist with officer training and performance or field evaluations conducted by supervisors.
- To enhance public trust by providing recorded visual and audio information for processing inquiries or complaints and to preserve such information according to this policy and procedure.
- To ensure accountability on the part of both officers and people they encounter, by allowing for both parties to know they are being recorded.
Body Camera Footage Retention
Body camera recordings will be retained for a minimum of 60 days. The Director of Public Safety or designee, Data Practices Compliance Official, or President or designee, may order the footage to be retained for a period longer than 60 days. Other situations where retention may exceed 60 days will comply with the internal retention policies of SCSU Public Safety and all applicable laws.
Security Camera/Body Camera, Inspection, Export and Release
Monitoring, inspection, export, and/or release of electronic video, security, and body camera recordings and footage will be conducted in a professional, ethical and legal manner. Personnel involved in these activities will be appropriately trained and supervised in privacy practices and the responsible use of security technology. Procedure violations may result in disciplinary action consistent with the rules and regulations governing employees of the University. The following also apply to monitoring, inspection, export, and release:
- Monitoring and inspection will be conducted in a manner consistent with all existing SCSU and Minnesota State System policies, including, but not limited to policies about non-discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
- Monitoring and inspection shall be performed in a manner that does not violate reasonable expectations of privacy, for example, residential living spaces or other locations where heightened privacy protections apply. Security system user accounts will be configured to prevent tampering with, viewing or unauthorized duplication of recorded information. This shall be done to ensure the maintenance and integrity of recordings.
- Information obtained through monitoring or inspection will only be released when approved according to established policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
The purchase, use, set up, installation, maintenance, administration, and removal of electronic video security systems requires the joint coordination of SCSU Public Safety, the VP of Finance and Administration and the CIO. Attempts to use, set up, install, administer, or remove electronic video security systems without direction from Public Safety or in a manner inconsistent with this policy and procedure is prohibited. All University areas using security cameras or any of the integrated systems are responsible for collaborating with Public Safety in implementing this policy and associated procedures in their respective departments.
Public Safety officers who have been issued body cameras will be trained and given guidance on use of cameras and privacy considerations.