Skip to main content

Video Surveillance

1. PURPOSE

This policy sets forth standards for acceptable access and use of security cameras and footage on the property of Brigham Young University–Hawaii ("BYU–Hawaii" or "university") so as to help protect the university and the campus community while respecting the privacy of community members.

2. POLICY

BYU–Hawaii maintains security cameras and video surveillance software on university property to provide a deterrent to crime, assist with overall security measures, and increase the probability of identifying and apprehending persons who breach university policy and/or commit criminal acts. The existence of this policy does not imply or guarantee that security cameras will be monitored in real time, continuously or otherwise. Any use of video recording equipment must conform to state and federal laws and be managed in a professional, ethical manner.

The university may install and use security cameras as set forth herein, including in any community spaces. The university maintains security cameras in most on-campus buildings and in designated areas of campus grounds to monitor and investigate incidents on campus. Such areas include streets, sidewalks, bridges, alleys, plazas, driveways, parking lots, and buildings. Only the University’s Campus Safety & Security (CSS) personnel and other employees who are granted permission by CSS may access these security cameras and/or footage therefrom.

The installation or use of any device for video surveillance on or within university premises must be approved by the CSS director.

University employees who require access to the security camera system must request an account through their respective department director or manager stating the purpose, areas required, and/or computers where the software will be accessed. CSS will review each request and either grant it, deny it, or grant it in part. CSS may withdraw at any time any employee’s access to the Security Camera System, including access to any footage captured or stored thereby or any media produced by or with it.

The security camera system, including any media captured by or stored on the system, may be used only in accordance with state and federal laws and in a manner and for the purposes approved by CSS. Images and footage captured by the security camera system are the property of the university and may not be copied, shared, published, released, or otherwise disseminated to any unauthorized individuals without the express, written consent of the CSS director.

Individuals given access to the Security Camera System and media are responsible for the appropriate use of their account.

3. IMPLEMENTATION

3.1 DEFINITIONS

3.1.1 Security Camera System


The university security camera system includes all security cameras, computers, monitors, and software necessary to maintain a viable video surveillance system for the university as well as any video footage captured or stored thereby. The system does not include equipment specifically used to conduct video conferences, or to record public performances, events, practices, rehearsals, or interviews.

3.1.2 Private Places


For purposes of this policy, private places include any space or room that is generally and reasonably considered to have a heightened level of privacy for those therein, including but not limited to, non-common areas of residence halls (hales), residence hall corridors, bathrooms, showers, and locker and changing rooms. Other private places include private offices, married student apartments, mothers’ lounges used for nursing babies, etc.; and, areas designed for the personal comfort of university employees or the safeguarding of their possessions. Additionally, rooms for medical, physical, or mental healthcare or treatment or where an individual may be in a stage of undress or sexual activity are considered private places.

3.1.3 Community Spaces

For purposes of this policy, community spaces include university areas generally available for use by the public or campus community as well as areas in which persons would not have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including, but not limited to, streets, sidewalks, plazas, parks, driveways, campus grounds, parking areas, building exteriors, loading docks, areas of ingress and egress, classrooms, lecture halls, study rooms, lobbies, theaters, libraries, dining halls, gymnasiums, recreation areas, retail establishments, and storage facilities.

3.2 RESPONSIBILITIES


CSS is specifically authorized to use video surveillance to aid in the protection of students, facilities, and property. CSS is responsible for assigning and granting access to the university security camera system and, except as provided in this policy, access is limited to BYU–Hawaii employees with direct responsibility for campus safety and security. Responsibility for oversight of the security camera system and associated standards and procedures is designated to the CSS director. These responsibilities include the following:

  • Creation, maintenance, and review of a campus strategy for the procurement, deployment, and use of security cameras or other video surveillance devices on university property;
  • Designation of the standard campus security system or service;
  • Authorizing the placement or installation of all security cameras or other video surveillance devices on university property;
  • Reviewing existing security camera systems and installations and identifying modifications required to bring them into compliance with this policy;
  • Creating and approving campus standards for security cameras and their use; and,
  • Creating and approving procedures and training for the use of security cameras and footage.

3.2.1 Applicability


The university may install and use security cameras or other video surveillance devices in any community space. Only authorized CSS and other employees or agents who have a legitimate employment need, and are granted permission by CSS, may access the security camera system.

3.2.2 Video Recordings Used for Non-Surveillance Purposes


Nothing in this policy shall prohibit audio or video recordings made by university personnel for conducting video conferences; academic use of cameras for educational purposes (with appropriate academic approvals); recording of public performances events, practices, rehearsals, or interviews; webcams used for purposes of communication between specific persons; or other university or personal recordings made with the knowledge and permission of those whose actions or communications are recorded.

3.3 UNAUTHORIZED USE


Any video surveillance device installed on or within university property must have the approval of the CSS director. Unless specifically authorized by law, the university will not install, nor will it knowingly permit others to install, or use security cameras or video surveillance devices in private places without the consent of the individual who is entitled to privacy therein.

3.4 SANCTIONS FOR UNAUTHORIZED USE


Any unauthorized or unsanctioned use of the security camera system, including the use of any images or media accessed through the security camera system, by the account owner or any unauthorized person is prohibited. Any person who violates this policy or permits another to use his or her account in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, dismissal from the university, and/or banning from the university campus, in addition to the immediate termination of access to the security camera system. Individuals may also be personally liable for civil and/or criminal penalties for misuse of the university’s security camera system.

4. RELATED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Details

Policy Owner: Campus Safety & Security Director

Executive Sponsor: Operations Vice President

Approved by President’s Council: 05/18/2020

Modified: ---

Full revision history maintained by the Office of Compliance & Ethics.