Security Camera Policy

Policy Title: Security Camera Policy

Policy Number: UP-4500-001

Vice Chancellor/Associate Chancellor: Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services

Unit Responsible for Policy: UIC Police Department

Effective Date: June 8, 2020

Contacts: Chief of Police, UIC Police Department (UICPD); Director of Technology and Building Systems, Administrative Services

Policy Statement: UIC is committed to enhancing the quality of life for the campus community by integrating best practices in campus safety with state-of-the-art technology. The presence of security cameras has been found to help deter crime in those areas in which they are placed, and to aid in the investigation and prosecution of crimes.

The purpose of security cameras is to assist the University in protecting the campus community. Information obtained through security camera video recording must be used exclusively for security and law enforcement purposes, and related administrative processes. Authorized members of the UICPD will review stored video images during an investigation of criminal or suspicious activity when recorded images may assist investigators in identifying potential suspects, witnesses, or victims. Information obtained through security camera video recording may only be released outside the UICPD or University when authorized by the Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee, in consultation with University legal counsel, when required by applicable law, court order, or pursuant to a validly issued subpoena.

The continued deployment of security cameras is under the authority of the UIC Chief of Police. Under the leadership of the Chief of Police, UICPD bases security camera placement on mitigating risks, vulnerabilities, and crime data. When developing strategies for camera placement, UICPD conducts security surveys, risk analyses, and threat assessments in individual buildings, and various areas around campus.

Security camera recording of public areas will be conducted in a professional, ethical, and legal manner consistent with existing University policies and applicable law. Cameras will not be installed in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., restrooms, locker rooms, and occupied student residential rooms).

Deans, directors, and department heads who wish to add security cameras in their buildings or work areas, or those with existing security cameras, shall consult the Chief of Police for guidance, approval, and compliance with this policy. Deans, directors, and department heads are responsible for the cost of installation, policy compliance, and the cost of training assigned personnel involved in retrieving security camera recordings. Units and/or departments will only have access to their purchased cameras.

Access to security camera footage, both real-time and historical recordings, will be restricted to authorized administrative personnel as determined by the Chief of Police. Making audio recordings using security cameras is prohibited.

Non-compliance: Failure by individuals, departments, or units to follow this policy and related procedures may result in disciplinary action in accordance with University policies and procedures or in the assessment of additional costs to the department or unit.

Exceptions: The Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services or the Vice Chancellor’s designee may grant exceptions to this policy or related procedures for legitimate law enforcement purposes after a security risk assessment and consultation with the Office of University Counsel.This policy does not apply to the use of personal cellular phones or sworn police officers’ body cameras. This policy also does not apply to any video captured as part of any research, clinical, or patient care activities unrelated to security.

Reason for Policy: To ensure that our current efforts to address safety on campus, as they relate to existing University practices regarding video recording, are structured to satisfy the needs of law enforcement and security while respecting the privacy of students, faculty, staff, and other members of the campus community.

Minority Impact Statement: This policy does not have any disproportionate or unique impact on UIC’s minority students, staff, or faculty.

Who Should Read the Policy: All UIC faculty, staff, or other employees or representatives at the Chicago Campus and its regional or other sites (including but not limited to all UI Health sites)

Definitions:

  • Security camera: a camera used for recording public areas for the purposes of enhancing public safety, recording restricted areas or equipment, discouraging theft and other criminal activities, and preventing, investigating, and resolving incidents. The most common security camera systems rely on closed circuit television.
  • Security camera recording: a digital or analog recording of the feed from a security camera.
  • Security camera systems: any electronic service, software, or hardware directly supporting or deploying a security camera.

Procedures: The FAQs for Security Camera Recording can be found on the UIC Police Department website.

Related Laws, Regulations, Statutes, and Policies:

Document History:

Approved by: Committee on Policy, CVC, Chancellor
Approval date: June 3, 2020
Approved as: New Policy