Closed circuit television policy

Policy

Intent and objectives

Policy statement

This policy sets out the framework within which RMIT will use Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).

RMIT will use CCTV to enhance the safety and security of students, staff and property, while protecting individuals' rights to privacy.

CCTV consists of dedicated high-resolution cameras providing continuous real time surveillance through a central monitoring facility. The primary use of CCTV is to discourage the occurrence of unlawful behaviour and enhance the chances of apprehending offenders.

Rationale

RMIT has adopted this policy to reflect its commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment. The use of CCTV is part of an integrated security approach that includes a number of strategies, including physical presence of security staff, access control and alarms.

CCTV will be used only in circumstances where there is believed to be a high risk that unlawful incidents are likely to occur or re-occur.

Measurement

When accepted, measurement of the implementation of CCTV will be undertaken to ensure it meets the stated rationale and that it is not misused. Measurements will be:

  • Number of unlawful acts in the area covered by CCTV.
  • Number of complaints about inappropriate use of CCTV.
  • Degree of timely and complete information in the CCTV register.
  • Degree to which the use and management of recorded material complies with processes, practices and guidelines.

Scope

This policy applies to staff and students employed by or enrolled at RMIT. It also applies to contractors, service providers, clients, customers and visitors. It applies at all RMIT campuses, sites and locations.

Process for demonstrating need and implementing CCTV

(provides commentary and direction for each process step in map)

1. Demonstrate need for CCTV
  • Documented evidence of high risk of unlawful incidents occurring or re-occurring.
  • Request for CCTV to be in writing to General Manager, Facilities Services Branch, Property Services.

2. Develop and record implementation strategy – Security Manager

Monitoring of CCTV recordings can either be in a centralized Control Room or at a local level by a nominated position, which shall be recorded into the CCTV register.

  • Assess effectiveness of alternative security strategies - implement non-CCTV strategy if appropriate.
  • Record a proposal for installation, including:

a. The specific purpose of CCTV monitoring;

b. The time periods during which the monitoring is to take place. The time will be as per each request and logged into the CCTV register, e.g. 24 hours or 9am to 5pm;

c. The physical area to be placed under CCTV monitoring will be as per the CCTV register e.g. Bowen Street /Franklin Street Entrance;

d. On location, the authorized nominee will have viewing access to recordings where it is not monitored through the Security Control Room;

e. Security is responsible for taking action with regards to incidents recorded;

f. Under what circumstances and in what location the recordings will be viewed and reviewed. This would only occur where an unlawful act has been reported;

g. The recordings would be viewed in a secure area not accessible to the general community.

3. Approval for implementation – General Manager, Facilities Services

4. Implement and register CCTV facility, including staff training, and signage.
  • CCTV register will be maintained by Security Manager, Facilities Services – (see Guidelines) and/or be signed off by the initiating manager.
  • All viewing to be recorded into CCTV register, identifying the need to view the recording, who was present and date. (IRIMS report or equivalent number to be recorded.) NB. Where this occurs in the local area the Security Manager must be notified in advance and relevant details registered.
  • The SUC president or a nominee from the SUC or a nominated SRO will have access to the CCTV register.
  • Appropriate signage will be installed (refer Campus Planning) and recorded in the CCTV register.
  • The CCTV register will be made available to the Personal Safety and Security Committee on request.
  • Unlawful acts captured and identified in recordings (as a result of local notification) will be investigated and reported to Police as necessary in line with Security procedures.

5. Monitor and measure

Monitoring will be actioned by the General Manager, Facilities Services Branch and will occur on a monthly basis, including a review of the CCTV registers.

Implementing measurements will be the responsibility of the General Manager, Facilities Services Branch who will review the measurement data regularly and report it to the Director, Property Services with a summary report regarding use and management of CCTV facilities to Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Resources).

6. Reports

Reporting will be the responsibility of the General Manager, Facilities Services Branch, Property Services. The two key reporting lines, via the Director Property Services, regarding CCTV use are:

a) Reporting of incidents identified to Occupational Health and Safety Committee, and

b) Use and management of CCTV facilities to Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Resources).

7. Review

This policy will initially be reviewed by a small panel of stakeholders two years after it is accepted, at the instigation of the General Manager, Facilities Services Branch.

Recommendations arising will then be forwarded to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Resources).

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