Security Camera Use

This policy applies to all security cameras, camera installation, camera monitoring, and camera recording with the exception of cameras used for instructional or research purposes at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).

UNL is committed to enhancing the security of the campus community by integrating state-of-the-art technology while preserving reasonable expectations of privacy. A critical technology in a comprehensive campus security and facilities maintenance plan is the use of security cameras.

• Security camera usage (includes purchasing, installing, maintaining, monitoring, networking, duplicating images, managing stakeholder expectations of security, and the publics’ right to know where security cameras is operated). Personnel involved in video/audio monitoring must be appropriately trained in the responsible use of this technology.
• Any diversion of security technologies and personnel for any purposes other than those set forth in this policy would undermine the acceptability of these resources for critical safety goals and is therefore prohibited by this policy. Security Cameras will be used in accordance with university policy and applicable laws.
• Information obtained through the use of a security cameras program, or security cameras technology shall be used exclusively for police and security purposes, facilities operations and department operations; and shall be handled according to accepted law enforcement procedures and rules governing the handling of evidence.
  Dissemination of such information shall be conducted in a need to know basis in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws and University policies.
• Audio recording may be incorporated into a security cameras program.
  • UNL employees will be notified when they are being audio recorded.
  • Notification will take the form of signage posted in the area of recording that notifies employees and the public that conversations are being recorded.
  • Audio recordings may only be monitored or reviewed by the UNL department that employs the personnel being recorded, personnel conducting investigations, and other departments which provide oversight to University operations.
• Video monitoring shall be conducted in a manner consistent with University policies, including but not limited to non-discrimination and sexual harassment.
• Information obtained in violation of the security camera policy shall not be used in an employment disciplinary proceeding against a member of the University faculty, staff, or student body.  A violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action as well as the initiation of appropriate legal action. These recordings shall be disposed of in accordance with UNL guidelines for non-evidentiary video.
• Violations or breaches of any program protocols may subject those involved to civil or criminal liability under applicable state and federal laws governing security cameras video monitoring.
• Violations of procedures adopted by UNL for video monitoring may result in disciplinary action consistent with policies governing employees of the University up to and including discharge.

The highest priority of the security cameras system is to promote campus safety . Due to their work in this environment, University Police are responsible for overseeing and coordinating the use of security cameras and administering operating procedures on UNL’s Lincoln campuses. To maintain an informed University community, University Police will post information describing the purpose and guidelines for use of campus security cameras.

University Police will identify a responsible party for the implementation and oversight of the security cameras program. This designated security cameras UNLPD System Administrator facilitates input from and conducts consultations with the campus community. Such consultations shall identify the aspects of security cameras use, and should work toward securing support for practical and appropriate security cameras use in public places to enhance public safety, security and facilities maintenance.

Additional Responsibilities

• University Police shall monitor and maintain relevant law and security industry practices to ensure that the UNL’s security cameras program is consistent with appropriate industry standards and legal protections.
• All personnel involved in the supervision, application, use or monitoring of security cameras installations, collection of video or digital data, or other aspects of security cameras use, must receive appropriate training including, but not limited to the ethical limits of security cameras use and instruction in applicable campus policies, civil and criminal law, and this guideline. Training in the use of security cameras shall be provided by University Police.
• UNL departments will be assessed an annual maintenance and upgrade fee proportional to the amount of their security cameras usage. This annual fee will reflect costs including, but not limited to, the following: support of the security network infrastructure supporting the campus’s security cameras operations, passive monitoring, and archival video or data retrieval.
• UNL departments shall purchase security cameras systems or components from the campus approved security cameras vendor. The vendor, along with UNLPD, shall provide an overall master plan for security cameras implementation upon request of a department. UNL departments may use this developed master plan as a guideline for their security cameras implementation.
• UNL departments needing to purchase a security camera or system not on the UNL camera system will need to provide UNLPD with details and justification that support the use of a third-party system. (i.e. No campus network, property is outside the city campuses, or purpose is for research). These requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis.If the camera or camera system does not meet approval, the devices will not be allowed and a UNL security camera or system will need to be utilized.
• Unless specified in a written agreement, UNL departments are responsible for the purchase, maintenance, and upgrade of security cameras equipment installed in their facilities.

The use of security cameras on UNL’s Lincoln Campus is for the purposes of safety, security, and facilities management. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance in establishing the responsible use of the security cameras program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Security Camera - A camera used for recording in public areas for the purposes of enhancing public safety, monitoring restricted areas or equipment, to discourage theft and other criminal activities, and for preventing, investigating, and resolving incidents. The most common security cameras rely on closed circuit television or CCTV.

UNL PD - Emergencies

402-472-2222

unl.police@unl.edu