These Terms of Use have been approved by the Director, Campus Security and the University Counsel under section 3 of Policy SC16 (Video Cameras Policy).
1. Overview
1.1. System name: Emergency Blue Phone Camera System
1.2. System identifier: 1
1.3. Camera operator: Vancouver Campus Security
1.4. Short description of system: This system consists of cameras mounted on approximately 89 Emergency Blue Phone pedestals located around Vancouver campus. The cameras have been positioned so that they can only view activity within the proximity of the Blue Phones, not within adjacent buildings.
1.5. Approval Date: March 6, 2016
1.6. Last Revision Date: February 29, 2024
2. Rationale
2.1. The purpose/objective for installing these cameras: The cameras are intended to increase the level of safety of individuals on campus, and situational awareness of incidents. The cameras are intended to provide forensic value to incident investigation.
2.2. The necessity for the use of cameras in this area: In response to a series of sexual assaults on the Vancouver campus in 2013, the University formed a Campus Safety Working Group to examine the issues of campus safety from a strategic standpoint. After consultation with the University community, the Working Group recommended the expansion of the Blue Phone system on campus including camera support.
The Blue Phones are strategically positioned to support pedestrian safety. The use of safety and security cameras at these locations aid incident response and investigations.
2.3. What less privacy-intrusive alternatives to the use of cameras have been considered and why they have been rejected: Increasing Campus Security foot patrols was considered but was rejected due to the significant expense of providing adequate coverage of the campus. The installation of recorded cameras that are not actively monitored except during an emergency and or safety related incident was determined to be the least intrusive method of ensuring coverage.
3. Scope
3.1. Description of area(s) to be monitored and placement of cameras, including diagrams where feasible: Cameras are mounted on each Blue Phone pedestal in the locations on the following map:
3.2. How many cameras will be installed: Approximately 89
3.3. Whose activities will be viewed by these cameras (e.g. public, employees, students): Members of the public, employees, and students may all potentially be viewed by 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): 360-degree view with tilt and zoom on select cameras.
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 proximity of the Blue Phones, not within adjacent buildings. The cameras are not actively monitored (except in Blue Phone activations, emergencies or safety related incidents) and 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 Blue Phone pedestals around the perimeter of the area covered by the cameras. In addition, public notification will be provided through the University Counsel’s website.
4.3. Whether and when the cameras will be monitored in real time: The cameras are not actively monitored (except in Blue Phone activations, emergencies or safety related incidents) and recorded Camera Data will only be viewed for incident investigation purposes.
4.4. Whether and when recording of Camera Data will occur: The Camera Data will be recorded.
5. Security of Camera Data
5.1. The place where Camera Data will be received and/or monitored: Vancouver Campus Security Office, 2133 East Mall.
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. The Video Management Software and cameras are 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 datacenters.
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 University 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 logs 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