Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Policy

Title

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Policy

Introduction

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to standardize the type and regulate the use of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras owned and/or leased by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ("University") to monitor property for the purposes of safety and security. The University recognizes the need to balance an individual's right to be free from invasion of privacy and the institution's duty to promote a safe environment for all community members. CCTV has been in use for many years by many University departments to serve as a deterrent to crime and to assist in the protection of University property.

This policy is not a guarantee that any camera will be monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Scope of Applicability

This policy applies to the use of CCTV and it applies to all personnel, colleges and departments of the University.

Policy

Policy Statement

All University units using CCTV are responsible for implementing this policy in their respective operations. The cost of design, procurement, installation, and maintenance of any University CCTV system shall be the responsibility of the requesting unit, and shall be conducted by the Life Safety Electronics Shop of the University's Division of Facilities Services. Authorization must be obtained prior to the installation or expansion of any CCTV system. Requests for authorization are to be submitted to the Life Safety Electronics Shop and will be granted upon consultation with the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The guidelines of this policy apply to all CCTV systems currently in use. Non-compliant systems may be taken off-line.

I. Primary Purpose of CCTV at the University

The primary purpose of CCTV at the University is for the safety and security of students, staff, faculty, and visitors. CCTV systems are maintained for law enforcement purposes. System access is obtained through the establishment of a user name and password created by the Life Safety Electronics Shop.

Only the following will be granted access to any CCTV system:

1. Employees of the College/Department that owns the system to which access is being requested and whose names have been submitted to the Life Safety Electronics Shop by the appropriate Dean, Director, or Department Head.
2. Life Safety Electronics Shop employees for the purpose of system maintenance.
3. DPS employees for the following reasons only:
   1. Live monitoring of CCTV systems upon request of the appropriate Dean, Director, or Department Head or his/her designee.
   2. The investigation of crimes against persons or property crimes.
   3. To view an on-going emergency.
   
   (Each time a CCTV system is accessed as part of a DPS investigation, that access will be initiated by DPS personnel. For example, recorded data provided by a College/Department will not be accepted as part of a DPS investigation; however, anytime DPS accesses data from a CCTV system of a College/Department that College/Department will be notified.)
4. University personnel, as authorized by the Director of DPS, with a need-to-know for purposes of compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations or an administrative investigation or proceeding.

II. Restrictions on CCTV Installation and Use

1. The University recognizes the individual right to privacy within residential housing areas. Any camera installed in a residential housing area will provide no greater view than what is available with unaided vision in common spaces.
2. Camera operators will not monitor individuals based on characteristics of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or other classifications protected by the University's Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct Including Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment, Sexual Violence, Interpersonal Violence and Stalking.
3. Camera operators are prohibited from viewing private rooms or areas through windows.
4. The Life Safety Electronics Shop will post signage in locations where CCTV is installed stating the following: THIS AREA IS SUBJECT TO CCTV SURVEILLANCE MONITORING.

III. Recorded Images

1. CCTV will be configured to prevent camera operators from tampering with or duplicating recorded information. DPS will have the ability to duplicate recorded information for investigative purposes.
2. Recorded video will be stored for a period not to exceed 30 days and will then be erased, unless retained as part of a criminal investigation or court proceedings (criminal or civil), administrative action or other bona fide use as approved by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Energy; Environment, Health & Safety; Internal Audit Director; or General Counsel.
3. All recordings will be stored in a secure location with access by authorized personnel only.

Related Requirements

University Policies, Standards, and Procedures

• UNC-Chapel Hill Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct Including Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment, Sexual Violence, Interpersonal Violence and Stalking

Contact Information

Policy Contact

Risk Management Services and Mission Continuity
1120 Estes Drive Extension
CB #1650
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1650
Phone: 919-962-6681
Fax: 919-962-0227
Email: risk@unc.edu

Document History

• Effective Date: September 5, 2013 (date approved by University Safety and Security Committee, chaired by Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration)
• Last Revised Date: September 5, 2013