G12.2.2 Video Surveillance Systems
Chapter: Chapter 12: Crime Prevention Community Outreach and Public Information
Sub-Chapter: 12.2 - Physical Security
Effective Date: 06/10/2024
Revised Date: 06/10/2024
Rescinds: None
Purpose
To supplement existing Indiana University (IU) policy PS-02 Video and Electronic Surveillance and define how the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) will use surveillance systems for public safety and law enforcement purposes to protect the campus community.
General Order
IU policy PS-02 Video and Electronic Surveillance governs the use of video and electronic surveillance systems deployed by IU that monitor or record IU facilities, equipment, or grounds, and/or members of the university community using those facilities, equipment, or grounds. The IUPD utilizes IU’s existing video and electronic surveillance systems for public safety and law enforcement purposes and will comply with PS-02 and any other applicable IU policy when using this system.
IU policy PS-02 does not govern the use of video and electronic surveillance systems deployed or used specifically for law enforcement purposes, and therefore this general order governs the use of the IUPD’s temporary deployable cameras, which include both covert and non-covert video surveillance systems. The IUPD may utilize temporary deployable cameras in the prevention or investigation of violations of law or in response to public safety concerns. Covert video surveillance systems will be used for investigations where information of comparable investigative value cannot be obtained by other less intrusive means and is permitted only when reasonable suspicion of criminal activity has been established (12.2.2 e). Covert video surveillance will only be deployed after approval from an investigations unit supervisor.
Monitoring procedures and privacy limitations (12.2.2 a)
Authorized users will monitor the recordings generated by the IUPD’s video surveillance equipment in a professional, ethical, and legal manner, which may include looking for suspicious or unusual behavior and/or evidence of criminal activity or monitoring for public safety concerns. Recordings generated will be used exclusively for public safety and/or law enforcement purposes. IUPD personnel will not access, make copies of, or otherwise view or use the recordings for any unofficial purpose.
The IUPD will use video surveillance equipment consistent with state and local laws for privacy limitations. In areas where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists, the IUPD will only deploy the equipment after obtaining a court order (12.2.2 g).
Testing of video systems (12.2.2 b)
The investigations unit supervisors will ensure the IUPD’s covert video surveillance equipment is maintained in a state of operational readiness.
Prior to the deployment of the any temporary deployable camera, the equipment and system will be tested to ensure it is working properly.
Documentation requirements (12.2.2 c)
The investigator who is deploying covert video surveillance equipment will document the following information within the case report:
- circumstances and reason for deployment,
- date approval was received from an investigations unit supervisor for deployment,
- testing of the equipment was completed prior to deployment,
- date, time, and exact location of deployment, and
- date and time the equipment was removed from the area of deployment.
Records retention of video recordings (12.2.2 d)
Recordings generated by IUPD’s video surveillance equipment are maintained on the IU’s existing video and electronic surveillance system. Recordings that contain evidence of criminal activity will be preserved and stored as evidence in accordance with G14.1.3 Photographing and Videotaping until final disposition of all appeals and order from the court. Recordings that are not known to contain evidence of criminal activity will be preserved no longer than thirty (30) days after the completion of the investigation and/or any adjudication of the case.
Release of video (12.2.2 f)
Any video recordings generated by IUPD’s video surveillance equipment may be considered an investigatory record and/or contain evidence in a criminal investigation, and will only be released in accordance with a court order.
Any video recordings generated by IUPD’s video surveillance equipment that are not considered an investigatory record and/or contain evidence may be released in accordance with the University’s procedures for open records requests. Requests for such video will be directed to the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel’s electronic request form for processing.
The superintendent for public safety and a deputy superintendent may distribute or authorize the distribution of any video recordings generated by IUPD’s video surveillance equipment to any university department as needed for official use through any appropriate method.
Related Information
Indiana University
- PS-02 Video and Electronic Surveillance
Indiana University Police Department
- G14.1.3 Photographing and Videotaping