Video Surveillance and Security Camera Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to enhance the safety and security of students, employees, and visitors, to protect institutional property, and to support law enforcement and administrative investigations, while respecting individual privacy rights and complying with applicable law.

Scope

This policy applies to all video surveillance systems owned, operated, or authorized by Lewis & Clark College, including cameras installed in academic buildings, administrative facilities, outdoor spaces, and residential facilities.

Policy

Lewis & Clark College uses security cameras in campus spaces where surveillance is reasonably necessary to promote safety, security, and operational integrity.

The college recognizes the importance of balancing security needs with individual privacy rights. Security cameras may be installed and operated in both indoor and outdoor spaces across campus. Permissible locations include, but are not limited to:

• Building entrances and exits,
• Residence hall entryways, hallways and common areas (e.g., lounges, study rooms, kitchens, and laundry facilities),
• Academic, athletic, and administrative buildings, and
• Parking lots and exterior spaces.

Security cameras may not be installed or used in locations where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, or within residence hall rooms or apartments.

The placement and use of security cameras will be conducted in a manner that:

• Minimizes intrusion into personal privacy,
• Avoids unnecessary monitoring of individuals, and
• Is limited to legitimate institutional purposes.

All security camera installations must be reviewed and approved by the Vice President of Student Life or the relevant dean, in consultation with the Director of Campus Safety.

To the extent that video recordings directly relate to identifiable students and are maintained by the college, such recordings may constitute education records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Access to such recordings shall be restricted to school officials with a legitimate educational interest. Such recordings may not be disclosed to third parties without student consent, unless an exception under FERPA applies (such as a health or safety emergency or in response to a judicial order or subpoena). Recordings will be released in response to a judicial order or subpoena only with approval of the General Counsel.

Video recordings shall be retained for a period determined by the Office of Campus Safety, consistent with operational needs, legal requirements, and investigative purposes, and then securely deleted.