ACDB-AP: Video Surveillance & Recording in Schools

Purpose and Scope of Use

The West Fargo Public School District uses electronic surveillance systems in order to help ensure that school premises and individuals on school premises are safe and secure.  Any person entering a school facility, on school property, at a school function, or riding a school bus is subject to being videotaped.

 

Cameras may be used for the following purposes:

 

1. To protect the school premises from property damage.
2. To deter property damage.
3. To ensure the safety and security of all individuals who are on the school premises.
4. To monitor and deter criminal activity from occurring.

 

Camera Locations

Subject to the provisions below, cameras may be placed both in and outside school buildings.   Areas chosen for surveillance should be where surveillance serves the purposes outlined in section one of this policy.

 

1. All cameras must be unconcealed and clearly visible.
2. Cameras shall not be placed in changing rooms, washrooms, and areas where students, staff, and others have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
3. Cameras located internally shall not be directed to look through windows to areas outside the building, unless necessary to protect external assets.
4. Cameras shall not be directed in adjacent, non-district buildings.

 

Use of Recorded Information

District personnel may only export and use recorded information for purposes as outlined in this policy or for purposes expressly stated under state and federal law.

 

Access to and Disclosure of Recorded Information

 

1. Only district administration and contracted School Resource Officers shall have access to the electronic surveillance system while it is in operation.
2. Video monitors for the purpose of investigation will be placed in locations free from public viewing.  Video monitors with live streaming capabilities are located in the main office at each school. 
3. The district shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws related to access, review, and release of video recordings.
   1. Parent/guardians are authorized to view video recordings that include their child(ren), with a school official present. Creation of an audio or visual recording of the footage being viewed is strictly prohibited. In “view only” scenarios, the district is not required to protect the identity of others shown within the recording.
   2. Video recordings that may be utilized to determine fault or liability in a situation must be requested by a law enforcement officer, court official, or insurance agent. Recordings will not be released directly to individuals involved in the situation.
   3. Per the district’s policy on Student Education Records & Privacy, video can be considered part of a student’s educational record and therefore subject to all protocols contained within that policy and as outlined under the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA).
   4. If a copy of a recording is requested, the district may charge fees to the requestor as outlined under state open record laws. Redaction and identity protection measures may also be necessary before the footage can be released.

 

Audits

 

The Superintendent or designee(s) shall be responsible for auditing use and security of surveillance cameras, including recorded information.

 

Retention and Disposal of Recordings

 

1. Unless previously exported by a user, all footage is automatically erased from the surveillance system server after 30 days due to server capacity.
2. All exported information not in use shall be securely stored in a password-protected file storage solution.
3. Recorded information may never be sold, publicly viewed, or distributed in any other fashion except as provided for by this policy and applicable laws.
4. All recorded information used for the purpose of this policy shall be numbered and dated by camera site.
5. All recorded information shall be retained and destroyed in accordance with applicable laws.

 

Non-applicable Provision

 

This policy does not apply to covert or overt surveillance cameras being used by or on behalf of the district as a case specific investigation tool for law enforcement purposes where there is statutory authority and/or the authority of a search warrant to conduct the surveillance.

 

Legal References: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99

Adopted: 01/25/10

Reviewed: 11/24/15

Revised:  11/24/15

11/08/22