2023.03.06 Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038 • (651) 762‐6300 • www.ci.hugo.mn.us Video Camera/Security Surveillance/Dash Camera Policy Purpose The City of Hugo has installed video security cameras to aid the physical security of City owned property and in the pursuit of safety and security of City staff and visitors. The Hugo Fire Department uses dash cameras to capture footage that may become educational or aid in criminal investigations when viewed by authorized personnel. The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the use of video security cameras and dash cameras, as well as the access and retrieval of recorded digital video images from these devices. This policy does not include videos of public meetings, which are subject to City Code, State Statute, and MN Data Practices Act requirements. Security Camera Locations Reasonable efforts are made to safeguard the privacy of visitors and employees. The video security cameras are positioned to record only those areas specified by the City Administrator, and will complement other measures to assist in creating a safe and secure environment. Dash cameras may be located in vehicles driven by authorized Fire Department personnel. Camera locations shall not be changed or added without permission of the City Administrator. Cameras may be installed in locations where an individual would not have an expectation of privacy. Examples include work areas and common areas of the Public Works buildings, building entrances, parking lots, and common areas of the Peder Pedersen Pavilion. Cameras will not be installed in areas where staff and public have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms and changing areas. Security cameras will not be hidden and will be in clear view unless otherwise posted with notice that security cameras are in use, except for dash cameras that will remain inside the vehicles and may not be in clear view at all times. Access to Digital Images Typically, images will not be routinely monitored in real time unless specifically authorized by the City Administrator. Department heads are authorized to access, or assign access to, the recorded digital video images in pursuit of incidents of criminal activity or to investigate or verify compliance with City policies. In addition, the Fire Department Chief, or assignees, will have access to Fire Department dash camera video to extract and retain all or portions of video for training purposes. Access will be given to the Data Practices Compliance Official for the purpose of evaluating data requests. Occasional spot checks of the recorded data will be made by a staff person assigned by the City Administrator to help to verify proper operation of the system. Use/Disclosure of Video Records Video records and still photographs may be used by authorized individuals to identify those responsible for City policy violations, criminal activity on City property or actions considered disruptive to normal City operations. Portions of Fire Department dash camera video may be used for training proposes. Video records and still records may be shared with employees or law enforcement personnel when appropriate to maintain a safe, secure, and policy-compliant environment. Under certain circumstances, 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 City property.