Safety and Security Camera Acceptable Use Policy Announced

UB Seal on Crosby Hall.

Published November 19, 2020

The Safety and Security Camera Acceptable Use Policy, approved and signed by President Tripathi, is available in the University Policy Library

Overview

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The University at Buffalo (UB, university) is committed to enhancing the quality of life of the campus community by integrating the best practices of safety and security with technology. A critical component of a comprehensive security plan is utilizing a security and safety camera system. Surveillance of public areas deters crime and assists in protecting the safety and property of the UB community.

The university uses security cameras and a single centralized video management system to enhance campus safety and physical facility security while respecting and preserving individual privacy. All security cameras placed on university property must be installed and operated in accordance with the Safety and Security Camera Procedures. Unapproved or nonconforming devices will be removed.

Information obtained from security cameras is considered university property and will be used for safety and security purposes and for law and university policy enforcement, including where appropriate, student, faculty, and staff judicial functions. Information obtained from security cameras is considered Category 2 - Private Data and must be handled with an appropriate level of security to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure in accordance with the Protection of University Data Policy.

All appropriate measures must be taken to protect an individual’s right to privacy and secure university information through its creation, storage, transmission, use, and deletion.

Applicability

Unless explicitly exempted, this policy applies to all personnel, departments, colleges, campus organizations, subsidiaries, tenants, and public/private partnerships with the university for the installation and use of security cameras and their video monitoring and recording systems on campus and in any university-owned or leased spaces.

This policy does not apply to:

  • Security cameras used inside University Police headquarters and sub-stations
  • Mobile or hidden video equipment used in criminal investigations conducted by University Police
  • Covert video equipment used for non-criminal investigations of specific instances which may be a significant risk to public safety, security, and property as authorized by the Chief of Police or designee
    • The use of such cameras is subject to applicable state and federal laws as well as University Police internal policies and procedures
  • Automated teller machines (ATMs), which may utilize cameras
  • Cameras used for academic purposes
    • Cameras used for research are governed by policies involving human subjects
    • May not be used as a security camera or in another manner with the intent of circumventing this policy
  • Webcams for general use by university personnel (e.g., webcams installed on individual workstations, laptops, tablets, or cellular telephones) used for legitimate business purposes (e.g., video conferences)
    • May not be used as a security camera or in another manner with the intent of circumventing this policy
  • Use of video equipment to record public performances or events, sporting events, interviews, or other use for broadcast or educational purposes (e.g., videotaping athletic events for post-game review, videotaping concerts, plays, and lectures, or videotaped interviews)
    • May not be used as a security camera or in another manner with the intent of circumventing this policy)

Guidance

Questions can be directed to Daryl Kempf in University Police at dlkempf@buffalo.edu.