(A) Purpose.
(1) The purpose of this policy is to regulate the use of security cameras to protect the legal and privacy interests of the Town of New Palestine, the community at large and town employees while concurrently assisting in the protection of safety in and property of municipal buildings owned by the town.
(2) The primary use of security cameras will be to record images for future identification, investigation, and possible prosecution related to illegal and/or criminal activity and actions.
(B) General policy. The town is committed to establishing and maintaining a workplace that is secure and safe for employees, town officials and the community at large. To enhance this commitment, the town may install and utilize security cameras. The cameras will be used in a professional, ethical, and legal manner consistent with all existing town policies, as well as state and federal laws. Camera use will be limited to situations that do not violate the reasonable expectation of privacy as defined by law.
(C) Policy guidelines and procedures.
(1) Security cameras shall only be installed under the authority of the Town Council.
(2) The department heads and/or designees shall coordinate installation of security cameras within buildings used by their departments. The Chief of Police or his or her designee shall advise as to the type and location of security camera.
(3) Placement of cameras shall only be considered for the security and safety of employees and customers or legally mandated reasons. Cameras shall never be placed in areas where privacy would normally be expected. Camera placement must take into consideration any confidential material that could be visible.
(4) Any building where cameras are located upon or in shall have a statement placed conspicuously at each entrance to the building notifying citizens of the presence of audio and/or video recording equipment.
(5) Public display of live video from security cameras is not permitted.
(6) Viewing of recorded video shall be limited to the following:
(a) From Town Hall cameras: Chief of Police, or Town Manager, or designees of any of these parties.
(b) From Police Station cameras: Chief of Police or his or her designee(s) and other law enforcement personnel involved as part of any investigation and/or prosecution effort.
(c) From Sewer Department/Street Department cameras: Town Manager or Chief of Police or designees of any of these parties.
(7) (a) Video recordings shall be maintained and retained by each department according to the following schedule:
1. External building cameras: 30 days.
2. Internal building cameras: 30 days.
(b) It shall be the responsibility of the department head to ensure that all recordings are kept secure and shall permit no individual unless stipulated herein to view recorded material.
(c) In the event of a law enforcement investigation, or in the event of an active claims investigation for insurance purposes, video recordings may be retained for periods of time longer than time limits specified herein.
(8) When an incident is suspected to have occurred, the department head shall immediately take
steps to ensure that any video recording of the incident is preserved pending investigation and shall provide investigative personnel with access to video recordings as requested.
(9) When an incident is suspected to have occurred, designated personnel herein may review the images from security camera data/recordings. Any suspicion of illegal or criminal activity shall immediately be referred to the New Palestine Police Department.
(10) Video recordings shall not be copied or removed except in relation to an ongoing investigation. Investigative personnel and department heads are authorized to copy and remove video recordings from town security cameras.
(D) Violations and penalties. Any person who may violate the terms and conditions of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and possibly including termination.
(Ord. 071520A, passed, 7-15-2020)