Video Surveillance Policy

About the Video Surveillance Policy


The South Kingstown Public Library strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for its staff and patrons. In pursuit of this objective, selected public areas of the library premises at the Peace Dale and Kingston Free Libraries are under video surveillance and recording. While it is recognized that video surveillance will not prevent all incidents, its potential deterrent effect, and resource as a means of identifying and prosecuting offenders is considered worthwhile. Signage is posted throughout the library at all times, disclosing this activity. Video cameras are not nor shall be positioned in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of personal privacy

Storage of Images


Images from the Library surveillance system are stored digitally on hardware in the Library and may be accessed from both within the building(s) and at the South Kingstown Public Safety Complex by either the Library's Facilities Manager or the Town of South Kingstown Police Department. It is the intent of the Library to retain all recorded images for a maximum of 30 days, or until the image capacity of the system is reached. Then, the oldest stored images will be automatically deleted by system software to make room for new images.

Incidents


The following steps occur when an incident occurs on Library premises.

  • Video image recordings will be used to identify the person or persons responsible for Library policy violations, actions considered disruptive to normal library operations or criminal activity.

  • Video recordings of incidents can be retained and reviewed as long as considered necessary by the Library Director or the South Kingstown Chief of Police.

  • Video recordings will be used to assist law enforcement agencies in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

  • Images may be shared with other Library staff to identify person(s) suspended from Library property and to maintain a safe and secure environment.

Approval


The Video Surveillance Policy was approved by the Board of Trustees in May 2015.