The College values the safety and security of the Ursinus community.  As a result, Ursinus uses security cameras to visually (no audio) record public areas for the purposes of safety and security.  Cameras serve to deter crime and protect the safety and security of community members and their property.

This policy establishes guidelines for the use of such cameras while protecting the reasonable expectations of privacy held by those in the Ursinus community.  This policy will be set forth in the Ursinus College Student Handbook.

Camera Locations

 The reasonable expectation of individual’s privacy will act as a guiding principle when determining camera placements.  Cameras will be deployed in public areas and not in locations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.  Camera placement will be reviewed and approved by the Director of Campus Safety.

 Examples of video recording include, but are not limited to the following: 

Protection of buildings and property

Building perimeter, entrances and exits, lobbies and corridors, receiving docks, special storage areas, laboratories, cashier locations, etc.

Recording of Access Control Systems

Record restricted access transactions at entrances to buildings and other areas.

Verification of security alarms

Intrusion alarms, exit door controls, hold-up alarms

Video Patrol of Public Areas

Transit Stops, Parking Lots, Public Streets (Enclosed and Unenclosed), Shopping Areas and vehicle intersections, etc.

Criminal Investigation

Robbery, burglary, and theft surveillance

Protection of pedestrians

Recording of Pedestrian and Vehicle Traffic Activity

 No recording shall occur within student residence hall rooms, bathrooms, locker rooms or private offices.  Recording for safety and security purposes will not be used in residential hallways and lounges unless Campus Safety determines a specific safety/security risk exists. 

 Ursinus will post signage at appropriate locations stating “This area is subject to video surveillance.” unless Campus Safety determines not to post such signs for specific safety or security reasons.

Cameras

Retention, Release & Viewing

Images and video obtained by security cameras may be viewed live by authorized College personnel or law enforcement officials if deemed necessary for safety and security by the Director of Campus Safety.  Recorded video or images will be retained for no longer than 90 days unless (1) they are necessary for ongoing or anticipated civil, criminal, judicial or administrative investigation or (2) they have other bona fide use, as approved by the Director of Campus Safety.  Recordings will be stored in a manner that prevents access by unauthorized personnel.  Recording equipment will be configured to prevent tampering with or duplication of recorded information.  The Director of Campus Safety may share recordings with others as he or she deems appropriate or necessary. 

Recorded materials will be treated as confidential and will not be used or disseminated except for safety or security purposes.  Only the Vice President of Student Affairs or Director of Campus Safety may authorize personnel to view live or recorded materials. Requests for the release of materials must be submitted to the Director of Campus Safety in writing and state the reasons for the request.  The Director of Campus Safety may, in his or her sole discretion, decide to grant or deny such access.