Terms of Use – Biomedical Research Centre Camera System

These Terms of Use have been approved by the Director, Campus Security and the University Counsel under section 3 of Policy SC16 (Safety and Security Cameras).

1. Overview

1.1.  System name: Biomedical Research Centre Camera System

1.2.  System identifier: 50

1.3.  Camera operator: Campus Security, Vancouver Campus

1.4.  Short description of system: This system consists of 8 digital cameras mounted throughout the BC Biomedical Research Facility monitoring egress points and loading dock area.

1.5.  Approval date: June 3, 2020

2. Rationale

2.1.  The purpose/objective for installing these cameras: The camera system is intended to provide situational awareness, deter theft/vandalism and provide forensic evidence during incident investigation.

2.2.  The necessity for the use of cameras in this area: The Biomedical Research Centre is a Containment Level 2 facility that works with hazardous materials. The building is required to maintain a high standard of security by Canadian Government Authorities which includes a security camera system. This building has previously experienced incidents of thefts, forced entry and unauthorized assemblies. The purpose of the camera system is for the protection of individuals, assets and property as well as to aid in the incident investigation.

2.3.  What less privacy-intrusive alternatives to the use of cameras have been considered and why they have been rejected: Less privacy-intrusive measures have been employed and the camera system is part of a holistic safety and security strategy for the building which includes extensive card access control, and intrusion alarm systems. However, these measures alone on their own do not meet the requirements set out by Government Safety Authorities.

3. Scope

3.1.  Description of area(s) to be monitored and placement of cameras, including diagrams where feasible: The 8 cameras are located throughout the interior and exterior of the building overlooking primary access points, loading bay, elevator lobbies, exit stairwells, and corridors to sensitive research areas.

3.2.  How many cameras will be installed: 8

3.3.  Whose activities will be viewed by these cameras (e.g. public, employees, students): Members of the public, employees and students may all be potentially viewed with these cameras.

3.4.  What types of Camera Data will be captured (i.e. video, audio or both): Video only

3.5.  Any special capabilities of the system (e.g. zoom, facial recognition or night vision features): None

4. Privacy

4.1.  How the cameras have been positioned or configured to collect the minimum amount of personally identifiable information necessary to achieve the purpose of the collection: The cameras have been positioned so that they can only view activity within the access points within the building interior and exterior dock areas and not any workspaces or lounge areas. The cameras may be actively monitored for situational awareness. Recorded Camera Data will only be viewed for incident investigation purposes.

4.2.  How individuals will be notified that they are entering an area that is being monitored: Signage will be placed on the perimeter of the building near entrances. In addition, public notification will be provided through the University’s website.

4.3.  Whether and when the cameras will be monitored in real time: The cameras are not monitored in real time.

4.4.  Whether and when recording of Camera Data will occur: Recording of camera data will be continuous.

5. Security of Camera Data

5.1.  The place where Camera Data will be received and/or monitored: Live viewing will occur at the Biomedical Research Centre’s Building Manager, room 129, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z3 and at Campus Security Office 2133 East Mall, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4.

5.2.  Arrangements in place to protect against unauthorized viewing of the Camera Data: Only specific computers assigned to individuals authorized by Campus Security are granted access to camera imagery. Access to the camera system and its Video Management System is password protected.

5.3.  How and where any recorded Camera Data will be stored: Camera Data is recorded and archived on UBC servers, which are located in secure UBC datacentres.

5.4.  The protocol for accessing and viewing any recorded Camera Data: Recorded images can only be accessed by individuals authorized by Campus Security. Recorded images would only be viewed and/or extracted in response to incident investigation.

5.5.  Technical and physical security arrangements in place to protect against unauthorized access or disclosure of any recorded Camera Data: Recorded images are password protected and accessed only through specific machines in the Campus Security office area. Servers are located in UBC datacentres, which are protected in accordance with Information Security Standard #18 (Physical Security of UBC datacentres).

5.6.  The protocol for logging access, use and disposal of any recorded Camera Data: The Video Management Software used by the Camera Operator audits all usage. The software deletes recorded images automatically after no more than 30 days.

6. Legal Authority for Use of Camera System

6.1.  Authority under FIPPA: The University is authorized to collect personal information using this Camera System under section 26(c) of the British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FIPPA”), i.e. the information relates directly to and is necessary for a program or activity of the University. The University is authorized to use this personal information under section 32(a) of the FIPPA, i.e. for one of the purposes set out in Policy SC16, or for a use consistent with one of those purposes.

6.2.  Other legal authority: n/a

7. Who to Contact for More Information

7.1.  Title: Director, Campus Security

7.2.  Mailing address: 2133 East Mall, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4

7.3.  Telephone number: 604.822.2222

7.4.  Email address: campus.security@ubc.ca