Safety and Security Camera Systems Policy

Vancouver Community College (VCC, the College) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Security Camera Systems are used to enhance and support safety and security measures at the College and are a necessary component of protecting members of the VCC community, as well as VCC's property and assets. VCC recognizes that privacy is a fundamental right and is committed to using video surveillance technology only in a way that respects and protects all College members' and visitors' right to privacy.  

This policy identifies how VCC uses video surveillance for safety and security measures, who may access Camera Data, and how that Data may be collected, used, and disclosed in compliance with all applicable laws, including the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act), and College policies.  

This policy applies to all Security Camera Systems that are configured to surveil and/or to record identifiable images of individuals and are operated by on campuses or properties owned, leased, or controlled by VCC. This policy applies to all College members.  

This policy does not apply to video surveillance cameras or recordings used for: communications, including videoconferencing systems; technical support of information technology or audiovisual systems; academic instruction and exam invigilation; research projects; and temporary recordings of specific events (e.g. convocation). 

1. VCC recognizes that all video surveillance cameras in use at VCC, including those outside scope of this policy, are subject to the Act.  


2. VCC collects, accesses, uses, stores, and discloses all Camera Data in compliance with Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Policy 501, the Act, and other applicable laws.  


3. All Camera Data will be treated as though it contains Personal Information and as confidential. 


4. VCC recognizes that Security Camera Systems are an integral part of VCC's Safety & Security operations, and also that Security Camera Systems are only one component of an effective security program, and do not guarantee safety.  


5. VCC will only install Security Camera Systems when the collection of Camera Data is necessary and directly related to safety and security activities, as detailed in this Policy, and as authorized by the Act.  


6. VCC will use and disclose Camera Data only when necessary for the purposes detailed in this Policy and only as authorized by the Act. 


7. All students, employees, and visitors have the right to a reasonable expectation of privacy. Security Camera Systems will not be used to monitor, manage, or surveil students' or employees' performance or productivity.


8. VCC will provide clear public notification of Security Camera Systems in areas subject to video surveillance and will provide full legal notification on its website.


9. Only Authorized Personnel will have access to any Camera Data, including monitoring real-time footage. Authorized Personnel will access Camera Data and Security Camera Systems only when necessary to perform their authorized duties.  

Authorized Personnel

Employees and contracted security officers who have received proper training and are authorized by the Executive Director, SSRP or designate to operate Security Camera Systems and access and review Camera Data.

Camera Data

All information captured by the Security Camera Systems, including real-time footage, recordings, and any still images generated from recordings. All Camera Data may contain Personal Information.

Contact Information

Information to enable an individual at a place of business to be contacted and includes the name, position name or title, business telephone number, business address, business email or business fax number of the individual.

Personal Information

Recorded information about an identifiable individual other than Contact Information.

Security Camera Systems

Any video surveillance camera and/or network of video surveillance cameras on VCC properties that collects Personal Information for safety and security purposes. This includes Shipping & Receiving cameras.

In progress

• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (501)

Legislation

BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act RSBC 1996 c 165