Security Camera Policy

Effective Date: July 2026

Last Reviewed: July 2026

Next Review: July 2027

1. Purpose 

Bentley University is committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and respectful campus environment while protecting individual privacy and academic freedom. The purpose of this policy is to establish clear standards for the planning, installation, use, management, and oversight of security cameras operated by or on behalf of Bentley University. 

This policy is intended to balance the legitimate safety and security needs of the University with the privacy rights of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to all security related video surveillance systems, cameras, and recordings that are: 

• Owned, operated, or maintained by Bentley University; or 
• Installed on Bentley-owned or Bentley-leased property; or 
• Accessed or managed by Bentley personnel or contractors on behalf of the University. 

This policy does not apply to: 

• Cameras used exclusively for instructional, research, athletic or artistic purposes; 
• Cameras used for authorized classroom or lecture capture; 
• Personal devices (e.g., mobile phones, laptops) used for personal photography or video; 

Separate policies govern classroom recording, instructional technology, and research use. 

3. Guiding Principles 

Bentley University’s use of security cameras is guided by the following principles: 

• Legitimacy: Cameras shall be used only for lawful, legitimate institutional purposes. 
• Proportionality: Surveillance shall be limited to what is reasonably necessary to achieve its purpose. 
• Transparency: The community will be informed about the presence and general purpose of surveillance systems. 
• Privacy Protection: Surveillance shall be conducted in a manner that minimizes intrusion into personal privacy. 
• Accountability: Use of camera systems and access to recordings shall be governed by documented procedures and oversight. 

4. Authorized Purposes 

Security cameras may be used only for the following purposes: 

• Protecting individuals and property 
• Supporting campus safety and emergency response 
• Investigating alleged criminal activity or violations of University policy 
• Deterring vandalism, theft, and other unlawful acts 
• Supporting situational awareness during critical incidents 

Security cameras are not intended for use: 

• Monitoring routine work performance 
• Monitoring academic activity or classroom conduct 
• Enforcing non-safety-related policies 
• Conducting surveillance based on protected characteristics or expressive activities 

5. Camera Placement and Prohibited Areas 

5.1 Permissible Locations 

Cameras may be installed in public or common areas of campus facilities, including but not limited to: 

• Building entrances and exits 
• Hallways and common spaces 
• Parking facilities and exterior grounds 
• High-risk or high-value areas 

5.2 Prohibited Locations 

Cameras shall not be installed in locations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, including: 

• Residence hall sleeping spaces 
• Inside bathrooms, locker rooms, or changing areas 
• Medical or counseling spaces 
• Private offices, unless expressly approved for a specific, documented security need 

6. Approval and Oversight 

6.1 Authorization 

The installation or substantial modification of any security camera system must be approved in advance by all the following offices: 

• Bentley University Police Department (or Campus Police);  
• Information Technology; 
• Legal, Privacy, or Risk Management representatives, as appropriate. 

7. Access to Camera Systems and Recordings 

7.1 Authorized Access 

Access to live camera feeds or recorded footage is restricted to authorized personnel with a legitimate business need, such as: 

• University Police / Campus Police 
• Other officials expressly authorized for investigative or emergency purposes 

7.2 Authentication and Logging 

Access to camera systems shall: 

• Require authenticated user access; 
• Be role-based and least-privilege; 
• Be logged and subject to periodic review. 

8. Use and Disclosure of Recordings 

8.1 Internal Use 

Recorded video may be used internally only for authorized purposes described in this policy. 

8.2 External Disclosure 

Recordings may be disclosed externally only: 

• In response to lawful requests (e.g., subpoenas, court orders); 
• To law enforcement agencies as permitted by law; 
• With the consent of identifiable individuals, when required; 
• As otherwise required by Massachusetts or federal law. 

Video recordings that identify students may constitute education records and are subject to applicable student privacy laws. 

9. Retention and Deletion 

9.1 Retention Period 

Security camera recordings shall be retained for a limited period, typically no longer than 30–90 days, unless: 

• Required for an active investigation; 
• Subject to a legal hold; 
• Necessary for specific documented safety purposes. 

Recordings shall be securely deleted at the end of the retention period as outlined in section 4.0 of Bentley’s Record Retention and Destruction Policy. 

10. Notice and Signage 

Bentley University shall provide reasonable notice of combined security camera and audio use through signage in the appropriate areas. 

Signage shall not include camera-specific details that would compromise security. 

11. Individual Rights and Complaints 

Members of the Bentley community may: 

• Inquire about the general use of security cameras; 
• Submit concerns regarding inappropriate use or placement; 
• Request review by the offices identified in section 6.1. 

Requests for access to recordings shall be handled in accordance with applicable law and University procedures. 

12. Policy Violations 

Unauthorized installation, access, use, or disclosure of security camera systems or recordings may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or referral to law enforcement. 

13. Review and Updates 

This policy shall be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with legal requirements, technological changes, and institutional needs. 

14. Related Policies 

• Student Records and Privacy (FERPA) Policy 
• Acceptable Use Policy 

• Record Retention and Destruction Policy

   

Revision History