Public Cameras

 

The Borough of State College is committed to enhancing the quality of life of the downtown by integrating professional police practices with available technology. A critical component of security and safety through technology is Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in public areas in which a demonstrated need exists. The principle objectives of CCTV monitoring and/or recording of public areas include:

 

*         Enhancing public safety

*         Preventing/deterring crime and public disorder

*         Reducing the fear of crime

*         Identifying criminal activity and suspects

*         Documenting police actions to safeguard citizen and police officer rights

*         Identifying and gathering evidence

*         Reducing the cost and impact of crime to the community

*         Improving the allocation and deployment of law enforcement assets.

 

Any deviation from these principles for inappropriate reasons (e.g., CCTV monitoring of political or religious activities, or monitoring solely based on race or gender) would undermine the acceptability of these resources for critical safety goals and is strictly prohibited by this policy.

 

Locations

 

Three cameras are deployed at the following locations:

 

*         Corner of East Beaver Avenue and Locust Lane

*         Corner of East Beaver Avenue and Heister Street

*         Corner of East Calder Way and McAllister Alley.

 

Training/Oversight Procedures

 

All personnel operating the CCTV system will be trained in the technical, legal, and ethical parameters of appropriate camera use.

 

*	Personnel will receive a copy of this policy and provide written acknowledgment that they have read and understand its contents.
*	Personnel will receive update training on this policy as needed.

 

 

In circumstances in which CCTV cameras are monitored, all personnel involved in monitoring and/or recording of public areas will perform their duties in accordance with the law and this policy.

 

The Chief of Police or his designee will ensure that responsible and proper camera monitoring/recording practices by personnel are followed by conducting periodic audits of the CCTV camera system.

 

Operating Procedures

 

The CCTV cameras will be monitored by Downtown Safety Enhancement Program (DSEP) personnel during peak activity periods.  The hours of live monitoring will be determined by the Chief of Police based on activity levels and police calls for service, keeping in mind the goals and objectives of the CCTV program.

 

*	The police department will establish camera positions so as to not intrude into dwelling units and/or businesses. Any view provided by a camera will be no greater than what is available from the public sidewalk or street. Furthermore, the view inside a residential dwelling shall not violate the standard of “reasonable expectation of privacy” as defined by law.
*	Personnel shall not monitor/record individuals based on characteristics of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or other classifications protected by the Borough’s Non-Discrimination Policy. Personnel will monitor/record based on suspicious behavior, not individual characteristics.  EXCEPTION:  Police investigations involving person(s) whose description is known.
*	Personnel will not continuously view or record people displaying affection in public areas, unless such activity is criminal in nature.
*	The Borough of State College will post signage near installed camera locations. Signage will state:   THIS PUBLIC AREA MAY BE MONITORED AND/OR RECORDED BY VIDEO CAMERAS.
*	The police department monitoring location will be configured to prevent personnel from tampering with or duplicating recorded information without authorization.
*	Personnel shall not disseminate information learned from monitoring CCTV public cameras unless such release complies with the law, this policy, or other information release policies in the Police Department’s Policy, Rules, and Regulations Manual.

 

Disclaimer:  The information provided herein is excerpted from the Policy and Procedures for Public Cameras and does not constitute the policy in entirety. For a copy of the complete policy, please contact Sgt. Mark Argiro or Chief Tom King at 814-234-7150.