Policy and Guidelines for Campus Security Cameras
The following are the UMPD standards for the responsible use of security cameras in public areas.
The UMPD seeks to enhance public safety and security and our community's quality of life in a professional and ethical manner, consistent with accepted legal rights of privacy.
The objectives of the current security camera program include:
- Enhancing community safety
- Preventing and deterring crime
- Reducing the fear of crime
- Identifying suspects of criminal activity
Initial and ongoing needs assessments will be conducted.
Information that the UMPD obtains with the use of the video cameras will be used exclusively for safety and law enforcement purposes and will be handled according to the police department's rules governing the handling of evidence.
There will be periodic dissemination to the campus community describing the location of all video cameras.
UMPD employees shall receive appropriate training, including but not limited to, the ethical limits of using video equipment and instruction on applicable civil and criminal laws.
UMPD personnel will monitor new developments in relevant law and in security industry practices to ensure that camera use at UMass Amherst is consistent with the highest standards and protections.
Recorded images will be stored for a period not to exceed 30 days and will be erased unless retained as part of a criminal investigation, court procedure, or other bona fide use.
