Requests for access to and distributions of any security camera recording are processed through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and require express approval of the Executive Vice President or their designee. If approved, security camera recordings may generally be accessed and distributed to the following individuals:

• University officials conducting University investigations;
• University officials responsible for managing emergency situations relating to the administration and operation of the University (e.g., matters involving the health and safety of campus members and the protection of University property);
• University officials responsible for the maintenance, management and operation of security cameras.

The camera system does not use facial recognition tools. However, it is possible that if a University security camera recording is provided to a government agency in response to a search warrant or subpoena, the government agency may use facial recognition or similar technologies on the recording. In addition, face blurring technology will be automatically deployed to ensure that only authorized investigators may view faces in security camera recordings.

No, the cameras do not record audio.

1. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has access to the security camera recordings, as it is the University office responsible for administering the policy on a day-to-day basis. If approved by the Executive Vice President, security camera recordings may generally be accessed and distributed to the following individuals:

• University officials conducting University investigations;
• University officials responsible for managing emergency situations relating to the administration and operation of the University (e.g., matters involving the health and safety of campus members and the protection of University property);
• University officials responsible for the maintenance, management and operation of security cameras;
• Third parties pursuant to a court order or subpoena, or as otherwise required under applicable law; and
• The University’s insurance carriers when a recording is necessary for the carriers to determine liability.

The Environmental, Safety, and Risk Management Committee (ESRM) developed and maintains Princeton University’s Security Camera and Recording Retention Policy. DPS is responsible for administering this policy on a day to day basis.

Each camera is subject to multiple levels of review to ensure its field of view is directed at the door for the intended purpose. The visibility of each camera will include the minimum field of view necessary to capture images of people entering and exiting.

In addition, face blurring technology is automatically deployed to ensure that only authorized investigators may view faces in security camera recordings. DPS will not actively monitor cameras unless safety or security concerns, such as event monitoring, ongoing investigations, or alarms, warrant such monitoring.

Security cameras will only capture locations approved by the Life Safety and Security Committee. They will not capture locations where the privacy interests of the members of the University community take precedence. These areas include, but are not limited to:

• Restrooms;
• Locker rooms, changing rooms, and other areas where a person might reasonably expect to change their clothes in private;
• Residential hallways not in the immediate area of an entryway door;
• Private rooms, or residential college lounges, where students’ living, studying, and social activities take place;
• Offices; and
• Areas dedicated to medical, physical, or mental therapy or treatment.

Due to architectural limitations, in certain buildings, cameras will be installed in residential hallways directly adjacent to doorways to capture video of individuals entering and exiting the building. The field of view will be restricted to only the immediate area near the doorway (ingress and egress).

The cameras are being installed inside near ingress and egress doors to capture video of people entering and exiting the building (dorm).

Camouflage or other deliberate concealment of cameras will not be permitted unless specifically requested by DPS consistent with its use of concealed cameras. For example, law enforcement may require or request the University to place temporary concealed security cameras for use in criminal investigations or in exigent situations involving credible threats to the safety of the campus, to the life, health or safety of any person, or of theft or destruction of property, where, in each case, making the camera visible would undermine the response to the situation.

Cameras may be installed in the following locations across campus:

• Exteriors of high security buildings, including laboratories;
• Exteriors of residential buildings, including residential colleges;
• Major travel paths/roads through the campus;
• Critical buildings such as data centers and energy facilities;
• Areas where hazardous materials are routinely stored, picked up, or dropped off;
• Controlled access points of ingress and egress, such as entrances to residential living spaces;
• Areas with high value or unique objects or materials such as artwork, rare books, confidential or historical documents, high value audiovisual equipment, and high value computer equipment;
• Areas where repeated criminal activity has occurred;
• Plazas, gathering spaces and venues (e.g., the stadium, theaters) to assist with event management and emergency response;
• Bridges and other outdoor structures with means restrictions to prevent intentional or unintentional falls/accidents;
• Rooms and labs containing high value equipment or information; and
• Cash-handling areas where money is exchanged, such as cashier locations.

Cameras outside of this policy include, for example, those used to: monitor facility construction; record public performances and events (such as concerts, plays, or athletic events); monitor certain research and laboratory spaces; and enhance academic instruction and learning.

Also excluded are cameras used by law enforcement in carrying out certain law enforcement functions, such as body worn cameras, and other video technologies such as those found in laptop computers, smart phones, or similar devices in most circumstances.

Security camera recordings will generally be retained for a period no longer than 90 days. The preservation period may be extended in certain cases. Reasons to preserve a security camera recording will generally be limited to: 

• investigating a possible violation of law or University policy;
• complying with federal, state, or local law or rules; and
• complying with validly issued subpoenas, governmental information requests, warrants, court orders, and discovery obligations in a pending or reasonably anticipated legal proceeding.

The primary use of these cameras is to aid in emergency situations and post-incident investigations. Cameras may be monitored in “real-time” when safety or security concerns, event monitoring, ongoing investigations, alarms or other situations warrant such monitoring.