5-18 Security Cameras
Purpose of Security Cameras
The Chatham Area Public Library has security cameras to enhance the safety and security of library patrons, guests, invitees, staff, and property. Security cameras also discourage illegal behavior and policy violations, enhance the apprehension of offenders, and provide recorded data that enhances and supports library security and operations. Security cameras provide real-time surveillance through a central monitoring facility. There is no audio recording associated with the security cameras.
Signage
Signs posted at both public entrances alert library patrons, guests, invitees, and staff to the use of security cameras to monitor and record on library property, both inside and outside of the building. Security cameras are not installed in areas where library patrons, guests, invitees, and staff have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms.
Staff Access to Digital Images
Real-time surveillance and recorded data are only accessible in staff areas. The Library Director is the only member of staff authorized to view data outside of the Library in order to determine if a course of action, such as contacting law enforcement, is needed.
Only the Library Director, and designated staff members, in the absence of the Library Director are authorized to release recorded archival data to law enforcement in compliance with this policy, and they may direct the Library’s IT vendor to access and isolate real-time or recorded data related to a specific incident, or may direct other staff to view real-time or recorded data in order to ascertain security concerns. Authorized staff must notify the Library Director whenever recorded data is accessed.
Collection of Digital Images
Video footage is collected for Library District purposes. The Library District is under no legal obligation to collect video footage. Only the Library Director and designated staff members in the absence of the Library Director may turn off the security cameras for maintenance, or to ensure patron, guest, invitee, or staff privacy.
Acceptable Use and Patron Privacy
Activity on Library District property
Authorized staff may use real-time surveillance, a still shot, or selected portions of recorded data to assess the security risk of a specific individual, to investigate a suspected or actual crime on Library District property, to request law enforcement assistance, to validate serious or repeated Library District policy violations, to alert staff to the presence of banned or repeatedly disruptive individuals, or to address any internal security or operational concern. In the discharge of those duties, the Library Director, or designated staff members , in absence of the Library Director may compare the recorded digital image with identification data available on the Library District’s patron databases.
Requests from law enforcement and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
The Library District use real-time surveillance or recorded data to cooperate with DCFS, or with law enforcement, concerning investigations of criminal activity, missing persons, or runaways. Video data may be provided to law enforcement or DCFS only with the knowledge and authorization of the Library Director, unless unavailable, in which event a designated staff member may provide authorization.
Privacy
In all other respects, recorded data will be accorded the same level of confidentiality and protection provided to library patrons, guest, invitees, and staff by Illinois State law, the Chatham Area Public Library District’s policies, and the American Library Association’s policies on confidentiality and privacy, with footage released only in accordance with, and as required by, this Policy or law.
LEGAL REF: 720 ILCS 5/16-3, 75 ILCS 70/1 et.seq.
CROSS REF: 5-10
ADOPTED: JULY 16, 2018
AMENDED: JULY 17, 2023