Security Video Footage Policy

Policy Number: 05.0002

Introduction

This policy concerns security video footage recorded by The New School’s security cameras maintained by the Safety and Facilities Division.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to set forth the maintenance, use, and dissemination of security video footage, which contains sensitive data that is property of The New School and subject to Federal, State, and local laws.

Scope

This policy is applicable to all students, faculty, staff, contractors, vendors, volunteers, guests, the general public and other individuals on property owned, leased, and controlled by The New School, including surrounding public areas (e.g., sidewalks outside a New School building). This policy is not intended to create any contractual rights.

Definitions

N/A

Responsibilities

The Safety and Facilities division centrally manages and maintains The New School’s security camera systems used to record security footage. Campus Safety, a division within Safety & Facilities, is responsible for notifying and forwarding to the Office of the General Counsel of any requests it receives to access security video footage. If Campus Safety receives written approval from the General Counsel's office, Campus Safety may furnish security footage, if any, to a requestor, or to the General Counsel for distribution at their discretion.

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) reviews all requests for access by all individuals, other than authorized personnel in Campus Safety, and if access is permitted, provides written approval.

Policy

1. General. Security cameras are used to monitor and record for legitimate safety and security purposes.
   
2. Maintenance and Retention. Security Cameras will be located in conspicuous areas that do not include locker rooms, restrooms, individual dorm rooms, and other similar indoor areas. Signage stating the presence of cameras is permitted but not required. Security footage is maintained consistent with the storage capacity of the recording device and is erased or overwritten after thirty (30) days. Footage will be otherwise preserved for longer periods pursuant to a lawful order, in connection with litigation or potential litigation, or as part of a University or governmental investigation or an agency or court proceeding (criminal or civil).
   
3. Accessing Footage.
1. Security footage is treated as sensitive data that may only be accessed and/or used by authorized personnel in The New School’s division of Safety and Facilities. Anyone else requesting access to security footage must obtain express authorization from the OGC. Accessing any security footage by any person outside of authorized personnel in Campus Safety without the OGC’s approval is strictly prohibited.
2. The OGC decides whether to permit access to security footage to New School officials on a case-by-case basis, based on a legitimate justification, determined solely by the OGC. If approved, security camera footage may generally be distributed to the following individuals: (a) to authorized agents (e.g., attorneys or insurance providers) on a need-to-know basis, (b) to third parties pursuant to a lawfully issued subpoena or court order, or as otherwise required under applicable law, (c) to law enforcement or other public officials in the case of an emergency situation involving threats to the safety of the campus, to the life health or safety of any person, or of theft or destruction of property, or (d) to New School officials responsible for managing emergency situations relating to administration and operation of the university.

Procedure

To request access, send an email to OGC@newschool.edu with the subject “Security Footage Request”. The following information is required:

1. Exact date and approximate time of the incident
2. Address and specific location within the building
3. Name, title, department of the requestor and, if an employee, the supervisor’s name and contact information
4. Justification/rationale for the request

If a request is approved, the requestor may be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement stating that the requestor is being given access to sensitive information and will ensure that all efforts are made to comply with The New School’s privacy and confidentiality policies.

Enforcement

Unauthorized, unethical, or illegal access and use of security footage in violation of this policy may subject an employee, student, or guest to applicable disciplinary action and criminal proceedings.

Policy Administration

Responsible University Official: Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Responsible Office: Office of the General Counsel and Safety & Facilities

Contact Information: OGC@newschool.edu and campussafety@newschool.edu

Policy History

Effective Date: March 31, 2025

Last Reviewed Date: March 31, 2025

Next Review Date: March 31, 2030

Revision History: N/A