Kingsport Housing & Redevelopment Authority - To transform and empower communities

Security Cameras

Security Cameras

Kingsport Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Policy on Security Cameras and Recording of Public Areas for Safety and Security Purposes

Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to regulate the use of security cameras to observe and record public areas for the purposes of safety and security. The existence of this policy does not imply or guarantee that cameras will be monitored in real time 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Scope: This policy applies to all security cameras on KHRA property. Generally these cameras will be mounted in set locations. However, if there is concern for property damage or personal security, cameras may also be temporarily placed to monitor a specific area of concern. To ensure personal privacy, the cameras will be located and record data only in areas that are considered public. These cameras are not continuously monitored, but are intended to be used in investigations of alleged criminal activity. If you have questions regarding the cameras or the use of recorded information, please contact KHRA.

General Principles: General principles are outlined below:

  • KHRA is committed to enhancing the quality of life of residents in our public housing communities. A critical component of a comprehensive security plan using technology is security cameras.
  • The purpose of camera surveillance of public areas is to deter crime and to assist the police in protecting the safety and property of the community.
  • Video surveillance for security purposes will be conducted in a professional, ethical and legal manner. City of Kingsport Police Department personnel involved in video surveillance will be appropriately trained and supervised in the responsible use of this technology.
  • Information obtained through video surveillance will only be released when authorized by the City of Kingsport’s Chief of Police or Deputy Chief of Police.
  • Surveillance of public areas for security purposes will be conducted in a manner consistent with all existing KHRA policies, including the Non-Discrimination Policy and Sexual Harassment Policy. The Code of Procedures for video surveillance prohibits surveillance based on the characteristics and classifications contained in the Non-Discrimination Policy (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability,etc.).

Responsibilities: The Kingsport Police Department (“KPD”) is the department authorized to oversee and coordinate the use of camera surveillance for safety and security purposes on KHRA properties. The KPD will accept input and recommendations on camera locations, and also review camera locations to ensure the perimeter of view of fixed location cameras conforms to this policy. The KPD and KHRA personnel will review complaints regarding camera locations and determine whether a potential increase in community security outweighs any likely infringement of individual privacy.

The Chief of Police or Deputy Chief of Police will review all requests received to release recordings obtained through camera surveillance. No releases camera recordings will occur without authorization by the Chief of Police or Deputy Chief of Police.

Code of Procedures: The following procedures will be followed:

  • All operators and supervisors involved in video surveillance of public areas will perform their duties in accordance with this policy.

  • The view of residential housing units must not violate the resident’s “reasonable expectation of privacy”.

  • Video footage will be stored in a secure location with access by authorized personnel only.

  • Camera control operators will not monitor individuals based on characteristics of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or other classifications protected by KHRA’s Non-Discrimination Policy.

 

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