RUL 05.06.03 – Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

Authority: Issued by the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration

History: First Issued: February 16, 2011.

Related Policies: 
NCSU REG04.05.03 – Electronic Security Management Systems 
NCSU RUL05.06.01 – Designated Emergency Phones (Blue Light Phones)
NCSU RUL05.06.02 – Burglar and Panic Alarms

Additional References: 
Emergency Notification Systems 
Facilities Division Construction Guidelines, Building Security 00712 09-26-2003

Contact Information: Assoc. Vice Chancellor, Environmental Health and Public Safety (919-515-4238)


1. GENERAL

1.1 The purpose of this rule is to regulate the use of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor and record public areas for the purposes of safety and security.  NC State 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.

1.2 Closed Circuit Television, also referred to as CCTV, has been in use for many years by many departments to serve as a deterrent to crime and to assist in the protection of University property.

2. SCOPE

2.1 This rule applies to the use of CCTV for surveillance purposes, and it applies to all personnel, colleges and departments of the University.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 The Division of Environmental Health and Public Safety is the department authorized to oversee and coordinate the use of CCTV monitoring for safety and security purposes at the University.  All University departments using CCTV are responsible for implementing this rule in their respective operations.  The University Police Department has primary responsibility for assisting other departments in implementing their CCTV procedures.  All University areas using CCTV in public spaces where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy must obtain advance written approval from University Police.  All new installations will conform to the Security Applications and Technology Installation and Operating Standards.  All existing CCTV systems will be evaluated for compliance with this Rule.

4. PROCEDURES

4.1 The primary purpose of CCTV at NC  State is for the safety and security of students, staff, faculty, and visitors.  Only sworn law enforcement officers and representatives of Security Applications and Technologies may retrieve CCTV recordings, and then only for the purpose of investigating possible criminal activity or misconduct.

4.2 The Division of Environmental Health and Public Safety has the responsibility and authority to see that CCTV operators, installers and owners follow appropriate practices.

4.3 The department arranging the installation of CCTV is responsible for posting signage at locations where CCTV is installed.  Signage will state:  THIS AREA IS SUBJECT TO CCTV SURVEILLANCE MONITORING.

4.4 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.

4.5 CCTV will be configured to prevent camera operators from tampering with or duplicating recorded information.  Law Enforcement will have the ability to duplicate recorded information for investigative purposes.

4.6 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), or other bona fide use as approved by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Environmental Health and Public Safety, Internal Audit Director or General Counsel.

4.7 All recordings will be stored in a secure location with access by authorized personnel only.

4.8 Camera operators will monitor based on suspicious behavior.  Camera operators will not monitor individuals based on characteristics of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or other classifications protected by the University’s Non-Discrimination Policy.

4.9  Camera operators are prohibited from viewing private rooms or areas through windows.

5. EXAMPLES OF VIDEO MONITORING AND RECORDING OF PUBLIC AREAS

5.1 Legitimate safety and security purposes include, but are not limited to the following:

5.1.1 Protection of Buildings and Property – Building perimeter, entrances and exits, lobbies and corridors, receiving docks, special storage areas, laboratories, cashier locations, etc.

5.1.2 Monitoring of Access Control Systems – Monitor and record restricted access transactions at entrances to buildings and other areas.

5.1.3 Verification of Security Alarms – Intrusion alarms, exit door controls, hold-up alarms

5.1.4 Video Patrol of Public Areas – Transit stops, parking lots, public streets (enclosed and unenclosed), shopping areas and vehicle intersections, etc.

5.1.5 Criminal Investigation – Robbery, burglary, and theft surveillance

5.1.6 Protection of Pedestrians – Monitoring of pedestrian and vehicle traffic activity