The Old Bridge Public Library (Library) strives to take reasonable precautions to assure a safe and secure environment for our patrons and staff. The Library employs digital surveillance cameras to assist in this effort while protecting the individual’s right to privacy.
Public Notice
Signs will be conspicuously posted at the Library entrance informing the public that video surveillance cameras are in use. Conversations or other audible communications shall not be monitored or recorded by the cameras. Monitoring and recording will be conducted in a manner consistent with all existing local and applicable laws and ordinances.
Surveillance Camera Locations
Cameras are positioned to record activity in public spaces specified by the Library Director such as high traffic areas and will complement other measures to maintain a safe and secure environment in compliance with Library policies. Cameras will be installed in public locations where staff and patrons do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Cameras will not be installed in areas where staff and patrons have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms. Camera locations shall not be changed or added without permission of the Director.
Data Storage
Cameras shall observe and record activities in real time, and images shall be saved to the cameras’ server hard drives for approximately 30 days. Software shall delete the oldest images automatically as the capacity of the hard drives is reached. The Library reserves the right to preserve and archive any surveillance footage in its discretion.
Accessing Digital Camera Footage
Only the Library Director/designee shall have access to video in real time or in recorded format. The Director / designee may observe or review such footage in the interests of verifying operational efficiency such as access issues, facilities usage, and crowding, and in the pursuit of incidents such as criminal activity, possible litigation, or violation of Library policies. Video footage and/or images may be shared with authorized Library staff when appropriate to identify those suspended from Library property and to maintain a safe, secure, orderly and policy-compliant environment.
Public Disclosure of Footage
Requests to view recorded footage will not be granted by the Director except to law enforcement upon presentation of a subpoena or court order or when otherwise required by law. In the event of a search warrant which is executable immediately or law enforcement is pursuing an investigation affecting the Library in cooperation with the Library administration, the Director / designee will comply and consult with legal counsel to determine the legal and appropriate course of action.
Individuals authorized under this policy may use a still photograph or selected portions of recorded data to request law enforcement review for assessing the security risk of a specific individual or for investigating a crime on Library property.
Confidentiality/privacy issues prohibit the general public from viewing or receiving camera footage that contains patron information. If the Library Director receives a request from the general public to inspect camera footage which contains patron information, the general public will be advised to file a police report.
Adopted by Library Board of Trustees: August 9, 2017
Legal Reference:
- N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1 et seq., New Jersey Open Public Records Act / Exceptions
- N.J.S.A. 40:54-1 et seq. Public Libraries, General Powers
- Katz v. United States, 389 U.S. 347 (1967)
- New Jersey Constitution (1947), Art. 1 par. 1, 7
