The UC Davis Police Department has embarked on a project to upgrade security cameras around the campus and tie them into a single system.

It is a “passive” system: Security officers will not watch monitors continuously, Police Chief Matt Carmichael said.

The project comes with a proposed campus policy authorizing the use of video recording devices for the prevention, deterrence and investigation of criminal activity. Primary locations for cameras include public access areas and parking facilities, public rooms and laboratories containing high value equipment or information, and buildings required to be monitored by law or regulation.

“This is to help ensure the safety of our students, staff and faculty,” Carmichael said.

The policy would require signs notifying people of the presence of video cameras, except in specific instances, and prohibits cameras in restrooms, locker rooms and residential rooms without court approval.

Carmichael said his security team has met with students, staff and faculty to explain the initiative, and unions have had a say in the security camera project as part of collective bargaining.

“Security cameras can provide peace of mind,” Carmichael said, adding that most colleges and universities nationwide have some degree of video surveillance.

The proposed policy puts the Police Department in charge of approving all requests for installation, maintenance and continued use of all video cameras used for security on university property. Approvals would be communicated to all interested parties — such as the Academic Senate, ASUCD Senate, union representatives and the university administration.

Under the policy, the Police Department would conduct all monitoring, and do it in a professional, ethical and legal manner, with operators trained in the proper use of the technology.

All video images would be retained by police and considered confidential, to be released only if a law enforcement agency presents a subpoena or warrant, a private entity presents a subpoena, another campus entity demonstrates a justifiable need, or as required by law in other instances.

The Police Department would maintain custody of all video recordings for no more than 30 days unless needed for evidentiary purposes, or if the police chief determines a recording or recordings must be kept longer.

The first camera upgrade is nearing completion in Dutton Hall, where in August someone broke in and wrote a racial slur on a chalkboard. Police are concerned not only about acts of hate, but the fact that Dutton Hall houses the cashier’s office and other offices that deal with sensitive information regarding financial aid and student employment.

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