Security Camera Policy

Bitterroot Public Library Security Camera Policy
 
The Bitterroot Public Library strives to offer a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment.
Security cameras are in use at the Library for the narrow purpose of enhancing the physical
security of the Library, its property, staff and library users. The purpose of this policy is to
establish guidelines for the placement and use of the cameras, as well as the access and retrieval
of recorded images.
Security Camera Purpose and Placement Guidelines
 Security cameras will be used in public places to document events involving the safety
and security of patrons, staff, and Library property. Cameras will not be installed in areas
of the Library where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as
restrooms, private offices, or staff break areas. Cameras will be placed in indoor and
outdoor areas.
 Cameras will not be positioned to identify a person’s reading, viewing, or listening
activities in the Library.
 Notices are posted at the Library entrances informing the public and staff that cameras
are in use.
 Cameras are not installed for the purpose of monitoring staff performance and will not be
used for the purpose of routine staff performance evaluations.
 Cameras are not continuously monitored and therefore individuals should continue to
take appropriate precautions for their safety and for the security of their personal
property.
 Camera locations will not be changed without permission from the Director or designee.
Use and Disclosure of Video Records
 Digital records may be used to identify the person or persons responsible for Library
policy violations, criminal activity, damage or destruction of Library property or actions
disruptive to normal Library operations.
 Data from the cameras is recorded and stored. Recorded data is considered confidential
and secure. Access to recorded data is limited to the following Library staff: Director or
the Director’s designated appointees. Authorized individuals may review recorded data in
order to identify those responsible for suspected Library policy violations or criminal
activity on Library property.
 Digital security records are not to be used to identify the activities of individual Library
patrons except as viewed in relation to suspected criminal activity, suspected violation of
the Library’s policies, or incidents where there is reasonable basis to believe a claim may
be made against the Library for civil liability.
 
 The Director or their designee may use a still shot or selected portions of recorded data to
request law enforcement review of a specific individual or for investigating a crime on
Library property.
 A copy of digital security data will be made available to law enforcement upon request
and with the approval of the Director or their designee. Recorded data will be accorded
the same level of confidentiality and protection provided to Library users by Montana
state law and the Library’s policies.
 Images may be shared with Library staff to identify person(s) suspended from Library
property.
 Images may be shared by Library staff upon request by law enforcement for suspected
criminal activity on Library property provided that the requested video has been retained
and is available.
 Confidentiality and privacy issues prevent the Library from allowing the public to view
security camera footage. If the Library receives a request from the general public to view
recorded camera footage, the public will be advised to file a police report or appropriate
Court order.
 Video images are stored digitally and retained for approximately 30 days.
 In the event notice of a suspected crime or incident is made known or provided to the
Library Director, still shots or selected portions of the recorded data will be maintained
until resolution of the specific incident.
 Occasional spot-checking of images and recordings will occur to assure proper operation
of security equipment.
 Live viewing of data may occur to alert staff to customers in an unstaffed public area of
the Library or in cases of suspected criminal activity, Library policy violations, damage
or destruction of Library property or actions disruptive to normal Library operations.
 Recordings shall not be used or disclosed other than as specifically authorized by this
policy. Staff who misuse this data will be subject to disciplinary action.
 
Policy will be reviewed at least every three years by the Board
 
Approved by the Bitterroot Public Library Board of Trustees