University Policies

Security Camera Policy

Approved By: President
Effective Date: June 26, 2023

POLICY STATEMENT

The purpose of this policy is to regulate the installation and appropriate use of security cameras on WIU property, along with the temporary storage and use of recorded images.

SCOPE (WHO SHOULD READ THIS POLICY)

WIU Security Camera Policy applies to WIU security cameras and output of security cameras.

DEFINITIONS

  • Security camera: A camera used for monitoring or recording public areas for the purposes of enhancing public safety, monitoring restricted areas or equipment, to discourage theft and other criminal activities.
  • 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.

POLICY

Western Illinois University (WIU) is committed to protecting the safety and property of the university community while respecting the privacy of our students, staff, faculty, and visitors. Security cameras enhance overall campus safety, deter crime, and otherwise support the protection of people and property. 

Control Elements

Camera installation requests are to be sent to University Technology for review and estimation. The department and University Technology will review the camera placement and appropriateness with the Office of Public Safety (OPS).

Audio recordings are prohibited except in criminal investigations conducted by OPS.

Security camera recordings may not be used in the course of personnel investigations such as those related to (but not limited to) workplace attendance or work quality, without the approval of Human Resources and Legal.

Security camera recordings will be conducted in a professional, ethical, and legal manner.

Security cameras may not be used in private areas of campus. Private areas include residence hall rooms, bathrooms, shower areas, locker and changing rooms, and areas where a reasonable person might change clothes. Additionally, rooms for medical, physical, or mental therapy or treatment are private.

All security camera locations will have signs displayed that provide reasonable notification of the presence of security cameras. At a minimum this is to include primary building entrances.

New and replacement security cameras must be connected to the university’s centralized security camera system which is maintained by University Technology.
Security camera recordings will be retained for a minimum of 30 days. After 30 days, the video may be deleted, unless an authorized request for video related to a criminal investigation, student judicial review or criminal/civil court proceeding has occurred.

Exclusions

This policy does not apply to the use of video for non-surveillance purposes. Examples include:

  1. The academic use of cameras for educational and research purposes.
  2. Cameras used for journalistic purposes.
  3. Cameras used for capturing public events and performances.
  4. Webcams and video conferencing systems.
  5. Constructions webcams.
  6. Cameras placed for criminal investigations.

RESPONSIBILITIES (Implementation and Enforcement)

The Office of Public Safety (OPS) is the authority over the administrative aspects of these systems, including: policies, security camera functionality and standards, enforcement, and procedures. OPS will maintain the listing of all security camera locations.

University Technology (uTech) is the authority over the technical aspects of these systems, including specifying, purchasing, installation, and maintenance.