Security cameras are used to enhance the safety and security of Cook Memorial Public Library District (CMPLD or “the Library”) patrons and staff by discouraging violations of the Use of the Library Policy, assisting library staff in preventing the occurrence of any violations, and when necessary, providing law enforcement assistance in prosecuting criminal activity while adhering to the applicable federal, state and local law concerning the confidentiality of library records and the protection of individual privacy.
Article I. Security Camera Purpose and Placement Guidelines.
- Security cameras are used in public spaces in the library to discourage criminal activity and violations of the Use of the Library Policy. Video footage is recorded and stored digitally. Facial recognition software and the recording of audio will not be used.
- Cameras may be installed in outdoor and indoor places where individuals lack a reasonable expectation of privacy. Examples include public common areas of the library such as parking lots, entrances, seating areas, service desks, and areas prone to theft or misconduct, or areas where money is stored or handled.
- Cameras will not be installed in areas of the library where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy such as restrooms or private offices.
- Signs will be posted at all public entrances stating that security cameras are in use.
- Because live footage is not continuously monitored, patrons and staff should take appropriate precautions for their safety and for the security of their personal property. The Library is not responsible for loss of property or personal injury.
- Recorded footage is confidential and secured in a controlled area. Recorded footage is typically stored until disc capacity has been reached. As new footage is recorded; the oldest footage is automatically deleted.
- In determining the placement and use of security cameras, staff and patron safety is the first priority with protection of library property of secondary importance.
- While cameras are not installed for the purpose of routine staff performance evaluations, the recorded footage may be used to support the discipline, up to and including termination, of an employee, if appropriate.
Article II. Use/Disclosure of Video Records.
- Access to live video footage in order to monitor current activity is limited to staff members authorized by the Library Director, Assistant Director, and Senior Managers.
- Access to downloaded video in order to document incidents of injury, criminal activity or violation of the Use of the Library Policy is limited to the Library Director, Managers, Maintenance, I.T. Staff and other designated staff specifically authorized by the Library Director. Review of archived video footage should be done in non-public areas of the library.
- Access is also allowed by law enforcement officials when pursuant to a subpoena, court order, or as permitted by law.
- Downloaded video footage will not be retained longer than 30 days or until the completion of any ongoing investigation.
- Video records and still photographs may be used by authorized staff and law enforcement officials to identify those responsible for library policy violations, criminal activity on library property or actions considered disruptive to normal library operations as delineated in the Use of the Library Policy.
- In situations involving banned patrons, stored still images and/or video footage may be shared with staff. Shared images may be posted in restricted staff areas or in a secure file at public desks for the duration of the banning period. After the banning period ends, these images and/or video footage may be archived in the Administrative Offices.
Article III. Disclaimer of Responsibility
The Library disclaims any liability for use of video data in accordance with the terms of this policy, given that the Library is a public facility and the security cameras shall be limited to those areas where patrons and/or staff have no reasonable expectation of privacy.
Adopted: 02/21/17
Revised: 03/16/21
