JGGA Use of Surveillance Cameras 

JGGA 

Use of Surveillance Cameras 

The district may use surveillance cameras to monitor student activity. 

Surveillance cameras may be used to monitor students riding in district vehicles and to monitor student behavior in or around any district facility. 

Surveillance footage which is a record of student behavior shall be secured in a secure location until the digital storage mechanism or tape on which the footage is maintained is either reused or erased. Surveillance footage of personally identifiable students depicting their involvement in an altercation or other violation of law or district policy shall be considered a student record and shall be subject to current law for the release of student record information. 

USD 443 Policy on Use of Security Cameras 

Purpose of Security Cameras 

Recording and surveillance devices are used on District property to help maintain the health, welfare and safety of all staff, students and visitors to District properties and to help safeguard District facilities and property. 

Signage and Notification 

Signage will be posted at all buildings that notifies students, parents, staff and the general public of the District’s use of security cameras. Students, parents and staff will receive additional notification regarding the use of security cameras in the schools and on school grounds. Such notification will include, but not be limited to, staff handbooks and student handbooks. 

Camera Placement 

The security cameras will be installed in public areas only. These areas will include, but not be limited to, grounds and parking lots, exterior entrances or exits to the buildings, classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, lobbies and gymnasiums. 

Security cameras will not be used where there is reasonable expectation of privacy, including but not limited to, restrooms, locker rooms, nurse’s offices or private offices.  

Access to Recordings 

Any video recordings used for security purposes in District buildings or grounds are the sole property of the District. Release of such video recordings will be made available only as permissible by applicable laws and with the permission of the school administration, the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee. Access to video recordings from security cameras shall be limited to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee, school administrators or their designee and security personnel. Law enforcement officials shall be granted access to video recordings after receiving parent permission or through a subpoena or court order.  

Viewing of Video Recordings 

Video monitors showing a live feed may be placed in public areas. Video monitors used to view video recordings should not be located in a position that enables public viewing. Video recordings may only be viewed by school administrators, District officials, school security and employees or agents responsible for the technical operations of the system (for technical purposes only). Parents may submit a written request to view video recordings that pertain to their children in relation to a disciplinary issue, but the viewing may be approved only if it does not violate the privacy of other students. Viewing may be refused or limited where viewing may be an unreasonable invasion of a third party’s personal privacy, give rise to a concern for the safety of a third party or where protected from disclosure by law. 

Storage of Recordings 

A copy of a video recording shall be made when an incident results in a long-term suspension or expulsion, when there is a student or staff injury or when there is a possibility of a legal claim against the District. A copy of the video will be kept in a secure location by the school administration. The copy should be kept for a minimum of one year, unless earlier erasure is authorized by or on behalf of the individual or the relevant appeals period has expired. 

Policy Reference: CN

Policy Reference: JR

Adoption Date: 6/8/2009, Revised: 03/03/2014; 06/28/2021