Security Camera Policy (Interim)

Effective Date:
January 26, 2026
Applies To:
Classified Staff, Appointed Personnel, University Staff, Students
Responsible Unit(s):
Office of Public Safety
Responsible Unit Email(s):
safety@arizona.edu
Status:
Active

Purpose and Summary

The University of Arizona (University) is committed to promoting a safe and secure University Campus for all members of the University Community. A critical component of a comprehensive security plan is utilizing Security Cameras. Viewing public areas deters crime and assists in protecting the safety of the University Community and University Property. The purpose of this Policy is to establish standards and conditions for the installation, maintenance, and use of Security Cameras on University Property and the use of Security Camera Footage.

The University uses Security Cameras, Security Camera Footage, and the University Video Management System (VMS) to:

  • Enhance the safety and security of the University Community, University Property, and University Assets; and
  • Support the University’s ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

This Policy provides direction on the installation and use of Security Cameras and the handling, viewing, retention, dissemination, and destruction of Security Camera Footage while respecting individual privacy, constitutional protections, and applicable disclosure laws.

Scope

Unless explicitly exempted, this Policy applies to all University Property, all members of the University Community, and all University Units, campus organizations, subsidiaries, and tenants.

This Policy does not apply to the following cameras used on University Property, provided that such cameras are not used as Security Cameras or in a manner intended to circumvent this Policy:

  • Cameras used by the University of Arizona Police Department (UAPD) in the process of carrying out law enforcement duties (e.g., police vehicle dash cameras, body worn cameras, cameras used in investigations, cameras used to record interviews, and all cameras inside UAPD headquarters and substations). The use of cameras by UAPD is subject to all applicable state and federal laws as well as UAPD policies and procedures;
  • Cameras installed and/or used for identifying license plate information for parking services, traffic enforcement, traffic flow monitoring and assessment, or criminal enforcement, which is governed by UAPD Policy 8.16 Automated License Plate Readers;
  • Cameras installed in automated teller machines (ATMs);
  • Cameras installed by tenants on University Property that is leased by the tenant;
  • Food delivery robot cameras;
  • Cameras affixed to unmanned aircraft systems owned or operated by the University, including but not limited to Drones as First Responders;
  • Cameras used for academic and research purposes, which may be subject to policies involving human subjects;
  • Webcams for general use by members of the University Community (e.g., webcams installed on individual workstations, laptops, tablets, or cell phones) used for legitimate business or educational purposes (e.g., video conferences, online courses, video presentations, etc.); and
  • Use of video equipment to record public performances or events, sporting events, interviews, or other use for broadcast or educational purposes (e.g., videotaping athletic events for post-game review, videotaping concerts, plays, and lectures, or videotaped interviews).

Definitions

Confidential Information means information that identifies, relates to, describes, is capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular person, subject to applicable state public records laws, FERPA, and other disclosure requirements.   

Designated Campus Colleagues (DCCs) means affiliates, associates, volunteers, and interns who are granted DCC status by the University, who contribute their time, services, and expertise to help the University accomplish its mission of teaching, research, and service.

Employee means all University employees, including faculty, staff, graduate assistants/associates, and student workers, whether their employment is full-time, part-time, permanent, or temporary.

Security Camera means a device that is University Property and that records Security Camera Footage primarily for Security Purposes and is connected to and primarily accessed through the University VMS. 

Security Camera Footage means video, audio, or other data captured by Security Cameras, either in live or recorded format. 

Security Purposes means for purposes related to law enforcement, safety, emergency preparedness and response, or security of the University Community, University Property, and/or University Assets. 

Unit means any University college, school, department, program, or other operating unit.

University Assets means all items of tangible or intangible property owned by, leased to, licensed to, or in the possession of the University. University Assets also include items which rightfully should be a University Asset but were diverted due to misuse. Examples of University Assets include without limitation University Property, money, paid employee time, Security Cameras, Security Camera Footage, proprietary information, intellectual property (such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights), improvements, equipment, vehicles, software, supplies, tools, inventory, library volumes, art objects, and museum pieces.

University Community means any of the following individuals: Students; Employees; or third parties, including, but not limited to, contractors, vendors, volunteers, and DCCs. 

University Property and University Campus means all land, buildings, and other facilities owned, operated, leased, or controlled by the University.

University Video Management System (University VMS) means the single, centralized platform through which Security Camera Footage is recorded, processed, stored, and accessed. 

Policy

The University uses Security Cameras and a University VMS to enhance campus safety and security while respecting and preserving individual privacy, freedom of expression, and due process rights. All Security Cameras placed on University Property must be installed and operated in accordance with the Security Camera Procedures. Unapproved or nonconforming devices will be removed.

Security Camera Footage is considered a University Asset and will be used only for Security Purposes, unless the use is approved by the President or designee for a legitimate business purpose. Information obtained from Security Cameras and/or Security Camera Footage must be handled with an appropriate level of security and confidentiality to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure in accordance with applicable law and Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) and University policies. Confidential Information collected in Security Camera Footage and/or the University VMS will be treated as confidential, only accessed by authorized Employees, and used solely for the intended Security Purpose, except as required by law. Unauthorized disclosure or dissemination of Confidential Information captured by the system is prohibited. 

All appropriate measures must be taken to protect a person’s right to privacy and security and to protect Confidential Information that is obtained by Security Cameras or contained in Security Camera Footage throughout its creation, storage, transmission, use, dissemination, and deletion.

  1. Security Camera Installation
    1. Security Cameras will be installed in compliance with the Security Camera Procedures and all applicable local, state, and federal law.
    2. Security Cameras may be installed on University Property, both indoors and outdoors, to enhance the security and safety of the University Community, University Property, and/or University Assets.
    3. Security Cameras cannot be installed in any location where a member of the University Community has a reasonable expectation of privacy as defined by law, including, but not limited to: residential/dorm rooms, restrooms, shower areas, lactation spaces, locker and changing rooms, private offices, and spaces where healthcare treatment is provided.
    4. The installation of “dummy” or fake cameras that do not operate is prohibited.
    5. All Security Cameras must be connected to the University VMS, unless an exception is approved by the Chief Safety Officer or designee. 

    6. If Security Cameras are installed inside of a building on University Property that is open to the public, signs shall be posted at each entrance to each such building, strategically located in plain view, notifying individuals that they are under video monitoring. The following language shall be used:

      "This building is monitored 24hrs per day by a video security system. For questions, please contact the Office of Public Safety at 520-621-4677.”

  2. Access to and Monitoring of Security Camera Footage
    1. Security Camera Footage must be accessed through the University VMS. Access to the University VMS will be conducted only by the President, General Counsel, or their designees, and Employees who:
      1. Are authorized by the Chief Safety Officer or designee to access Security Camera Footage and the University VMS; and
      2. Have a need to access Security Camera Footage and the University VMS for Security Purposes.
    2. The Office of Public Safety shall maintain the official VMS access list, including documentation of authorized users and their approved level of access.
    3. Provisioning and deprovisioning of access shall occur in a timely manner in response to employment changes, including onboarding, role changes, or separation from the University.
    4. The Chief Safety Officer or their designee shall conduct a formal review and audit of the VMS access list at least twice annually to ensure continued accuracy and compliance with University policy.
    5. Authorized Employees with access to Security Camera Footage and/or the University VMS must be trained in the effective, legal, and ethical use of Security Camera Footage and the University VMS.
    6. Security Camera Footage may only be monitored for Security Purposes. Security Camera Footage may be monitored continuously, at regular intervals, or on an as-needed basis depending on the location of the Security Camera(s), conditions on campus, or for any other legitimate Security Purpose, in the sole discretion of the University.
    7. Only authorized Employees within the Office of Public Safety and Office of the General Counsel are permitted to export, copy, duplicate, or (re)transmit Security Camera Footage.
    8. Security Camera Footage will be maintained and stored in a secure manner and consistent with all applicable ABOR policies, University policies, and the University’s retention schedules.
      1. All Security Cameras and/or the University VMS must have sufficient storage capacity to abide by the University’s retention schedules.
      2. Security Camera Footage may be preserved for longer periods than required by the University’s retention schedules under a lawful order, in connection with litigation or potential litigation, as part of an investigation or agency or court proceeding, or documented approval by the Office of Public Safety consistent with legal and privacy obligations.
  3. Appropriate Use and Confidentiality
    1. Security Camera Footage is a University Asset, and any access to, use of, or distribution of Security Camera Footage must comply with all applicable ABOR policies, University polices, and local, state, and federal laws, including but not limited to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
    2. Access to, use of, and distribution of Security Camera Footage and University VMS will be conducted in a manner that:
      1. Is professional, ethical, and legal; and
      2. Prioritizes the privacy interests of members of the University Community to the greatest extent possible.
    3. Violations of law or University policy discovered via Security Camera Footage may result in discipline relating to the individual's employment and/or student status, up to and including termination or expulsion in accordance with applicable University policy and/or civil or criminal liability.
    4. Nothing in this section is intended to limit the authority of UAPD in law enforcement activities.

Compliance

Office of Public Safety is responsible for overseeing compliance with this Policy.

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