The University of Michigan is committed to fostering a safe and secure campus environment for all students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors. This includes the use of Division of Public Safety & Security (DPSS) installed security cameras, which strengthen situational awareness and emergency response capabilities. DPSS ensures proper installation, operation and use of security cameras, including appropriate and legal compliance regarding issues of privacy, retention, release and use of recorded images.
What Security Camera Data We Collect
The following types of data are collected by the service providers on behalf of the university:
- Directly Identifiable Personal Data
Video footage that may show individuals and their visible characteristics. - Indirectly Identifiable Personal Data
Such as video or images of personal effects, vehicles, license plates, and other objects and details that can lead to the identification of an individual. - Location
This includes the precise whereabouts of individuals, as well as their direction of travel. - Timestamp
Security camera video recordings include date and time.
Per Physical Security Technologies (SPG 510.02), cameras are not installed in locations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., bathrooms, locker rooms, lactation rooms, reflection rooms, and the like).
Additionally, U-M security camera systems do not capture audio recording and all audio features of permanently installed cameras are disabled. Security camera footage is retained for 30 days and then deleted. However, if the footage is associated with an incident or investigation, it may be retained longer.
How We Use Security Camera Data
The University of Michigan uses security camera data to support:
- Reducing Threats to Public Safety
Identify and implement proactive security measures that deter criminal behavior. - Strategic Planning
Analyze security camera data to identify trends, assess high-risk areas, and inform resource allocation or policy decisions, leading to long-term improvements in campus safety and emergency preparedness.
The use of security camera data for the purposes outlined above is safeguarded through several mechanisms, including DPSS operational procedures, such as required training for camera operators, the U-M Standard Practice Guide, and the university’s data governance framework.
How We Collect Security Camera Data
- Automatically
When individuals and their activities are automatically captured by U-M security camera systems.
How We Share Security Camera Data
Security camera data is used solely for public safety and law enforcement purposes. It is never used for marketing, commercial, or non-security functions.
When necessary and consistent with law enforcement practices, security camera data may be shared with external law enforcement agencies (e.g., local, state, or federal partners) in support of an active investigation or as required by law.