| Reasons for Surveillance Cameras in Schools | ||
The following are
Top 10 guidelines and reasons that school boards have
agreed to allow the use of Electronic Surveillance. 1) School division buildings and grounds should be equipped with video monitoring devices. "To best promote the safety and security of students, the protection of Board property, deterrence and the prevention of criminal activities and the enforcement of school rules."
2) Video surveillance cameras should be placed in areas where surveillance has proven to be necessary as a result of threats, prior property damages, or security incidents. Cameras shall not be used to monitor inside change rooms and washrooms.
3) The use of cameras and a real-time display unit without the benefit of a recorder is not recommended. "It is true that a video camera and monitor alone are much cheaper than a complete video system with recording and multiplexing capabilities. However, the hard evidence made available in the form of a video recording can more than make up for the cost of a recording system. Ease of prosecution and the likely prevention of future incidents by this individual are additional benefits."
4) Only individuals authorized by the school principal in accordance with policy, shall have access to video monitors, or be permitted to operate the controls.
5) Signs advising users of the premises of video surveillance practices should notify individuals of the area in which surveillance is conducted; the specific purpose for the surveillance; hours during which surveillance is conducted; who within the organization is responsible for conducting surveillance, and the contact person who can answer questions about the surveillance system, including a telephone number for contact purposes.
6) All staff shall be made aware of the Board’s video surveillance guidelines and practices.
7) All video records not in use should be securely stored in a locked receptacle.
8) Video records shall be retained for one month and then erased completely. Video records that contain personal information used to make a decision directly affecting an individual, however, may be retained for a minimum of one year.
9) Recordings shall not be disclosed except in accordance with this policy. Disclosure of video records shall be on a need to know basis, in order to comply with the Board’s policy objectives, including the promotion of the safety and security of students, the protection of Board property, deterrence, and the prevention of criminal activities and the enforcement of school rules.
10) An individual who is the subject of video monitoring has the right to request access to the recording in accordance with the provisions contained under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Access in full or part may be refused on one of the grounds set out within the legislation.
