East Brunswick Public Library Security Camera Policy
PURPOSE
The East Brunswick Public Library strives to take reasonable precautions to assure a safe and secure environment for its patrons and staff. Since library staff is unable to provide direct supervision over all areas within the library and library grounds, video security cameras may be placed at selected locations in order to observe and record visible activities of persons within the library and library grounds in lieu of direct supervision.
Observation of activity, whether in real time or from digital records storage shall be limited to activities that: 1) are specific to library operations; 2) may affect the safety and security of library patrons and staff; and 3) provide protection for library assets or property.
In the event of a reported or observed incident, the review of recorded information may be used to assist in the investigation of the incident. The library will maintain control of and responsibility for the system at all times.
PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
Camera placement shall be determined by the Library Director or his/her designee. Cameras shall not be placed in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms.
To the extent that any recorded images include identifiable persons requesting information or checking out an item, such record shall be treated as confidential as provided in NJSA 18A:73-43.2. Only designated library staff may view real time images or screen recorded images for potential breach of confidentiality. Any inadvertent views of protected information shall be held in confidence by the library staff under the library’s confidentiality policy.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Signage shall be conspicuously displayed within the library advising of the recording of video images. Conversations or other audible communication shall not be monitored or recorded by the security cameras.
DATA STORAGE
Cameras will record activities in real time and video will be saved to the camera’s internal storage. The capacity of the storage and quality of recording will determine the length of time the video is stored. Current software deletes old video automatically as the capacity of the camera’s internal storage is reached, unless an incident occurs that requires holding the video longer. Recorded information that is subpoenaed will be retained for one year.
Cameras will not be monitored continuously by library staff. Authorization to view stored images may be granted by the Library Director or his/her designee(s).
AUTHORITY TO ACCESS DATA
The Library Director holds the authority to designate library staff members who may access video in real time or in recorded formats. Generally, authority may be delegated to the Assistant Director and/or IT Manager.
Circumstances under which designated staff may access images in real time include, but are not limited to, observation of areas beyond view from designated work stations for assurance of safety and security. Access to real time or recorded imagery is also authorized to designated staff upon report of suspicious behavior, including policy violations, criminal activity, destruction or theft of library property or assets, or other activity that may be disruptive to library operations.
LIBRARY USE OF IMAGES
Video records and still photographs may be used to identify person(s) responsible for library policy violations, criminal activity on library property, or actions considered disruptive to normal library operations or harmful to the provision of library services.
Video records may be shared with authorized library staff when appropriate, or upon approval of the Director, other library staff to identify those suspended from library property and to maintain a safe, secure, and policy-compliant environment.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
All requests for the viewing of real time or recorded imagery by law enforcement officials must be presented to the Library Director. If the Library Director is unavailable, such requests shall be presented to the administrative or supervisory staff designated by the Library Director to hold such authority. Law enforcement may view recorded images unless such images include records protected by NJSA 18A:73-43.2, in which case such records would be released only pursuant to a valid court order.
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:73-43.2, library records which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of libraries are confidential and shall not be disclosed except in the following circumstances:
a. The records are necessary for the proper operation of the library;
b. Disclosure is requested by the user; or
c. Disclosure is required pursuant to a subpoena issued by a court or court order.
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE
All requests for public disclosure of recorded images shall be presented to the Library Director or the administrative staff member designated to act in his/her stead. Guidelines for public disclosure of video imaging shall follow N.J.S.A. 47A:1A-1 et seq.; the common law right of access to any record, including, but not limited to, criminal investigatory records of a law enforcement agency, and; procedures and regulations established by East Brunswick Township.