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We are currently accepting comments from individuals interested in this policy. You may submit comments to MUPD Chief Brian Weimer until May 9, 2026.

6:140 Security Camera Policy

Adopted: 05/11/2026

Responsible Offices:
MU Police Department
Office of General Council
MU Division of Information Technology

Applies to:
All University faculty, staff, departments, colleges, and other units that install, operate, or use security cameras, regardless of funding source.

1. Purpose

This policy governs the use and management of camera systems that monitor and/or record public areas for safety, security or observation purposes. It establishes requirements for requesting, installing, operating, maintaining, accessing, retaining, releasing, and disposing of security camera recordings while protecting individual privacy in accordance with University values, policies, and applicable federal and state laws.

2. Definitions

Security Camera: Any camera or device used to monitor and/or record activity in a specific area for security, safety, or observation purposes that can be viewed in real time and/or stored for later review.

Security Camera Oversight Committee (SCOC): An operational committee established by the Chief of the University of Missouri Police Department (MUPD) to oversee implementation of this policy.

Security Recordings: Video images and associated data captured by a security camera system, whether live or recorded.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

All University-owned, leased, or controlled buildings and property, except University-owned properties leased to third parties.
All security cameras placed university-wide, both inside and outside buildings.

This policy does not apply to:

Cameras used for academic purposes. Research cameras are governed by applicable human-subjects and research policies.
Webcams used for general University business.
Video recording for public performances or events, interviews, or other broadcast/educational purposes (e.g., athletic events for post-game review; concerts; plays; lectures; recorded interviews).
Automated teller machines (ATMs) that utilize cameras for security or other purposes.
Security cameras installed and operated within the interior premises that MU has leased to a third party. (Even though excluded, tenant-installed cameras must be capable of complying with University data and management system standards.)
University of Missouri Health Care (MUHC) facilities, including hospitals, clinics, medical offices, and other healthcare facilities owned, operated, or managed by MUHC.
Buildings or facilities where MUHC Security provides security services, including camera installation, maintenance, monitoring, and management of recordings. MUHC policies, procedures, and standards govern MUHC cameras, as well as any other cameras involving protected health information (PHI) as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Farms, extension offices, and similar remote facilities that are University owned and operated will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the SCOC.

4. General Principles

4.1 Appropriate Use

Security cameras may be installed where the safety and security of persons or property would be enhanced. Information obtained from security cameras on University property may be used only for:

Safety and security operations;
Incident documentation related to potential claims against the University;
Law and policy enforcement, including (as appropriate) student conduct and university discipline processes;
Response to open records requests under Missouri law;
Parking operations and enforcement; and
Other uses approved by the Chief of Police or SCOC.

4.2 Privacy and Information Security

Security cameras must be configured and used in a manner that does not violate a reasonable expectation of privacy as defined by law. Security recordings and related information must be handled with appropriate safeguards to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.

4.3 Legal Compliance

All security camera installations and use must comply with applicable federal and state laws and University policies.

4.4 Coordination

Campus security cameras are coordinated through the Security Camera Oversight Committee (SCOC). Departments requesting or operating security cameras must comply with this policy and are responsible for implementation within their operations. All cameras must be purchased and installed in compliance with all applicable University rules and policies, including, without limitation, CRR 70.060 (Consulting, Design and Construction) and CRR 80.010 (Procurement).

5. Governance and Responsibilities

5.1 Security Camera Oversight Committee (SCOC)

The SCOC has the authority to select, install, coordinate, operate, manage, remove, and monitor campus security cameras on University and University-controlled property pursuant to this policy.

The SCOC is comprised of the following members:

Chief of Police (Chair)
Executive Director of Information Technology
Director of Facilities Operations
Senior Director of Student Affairs
Security Camera Program Manager
Up to three (3) at-large members, as deemed appropriate and appointed by the Chief of Police.

Committee members may appoint a temporary designee to act on their behalf at an SCOC meeting with prior approval of the Chief of Police.

The SCOC responsibilities include:

Reviewing and approving or denying security camera proposals;
Reviewing and approving requested exceptions to this policy;
Enforcing this policy in collaboration with appropriate University leadership;
Monitoring and overseeing the installation, maintenance, repairs, and operation of the camera system in coordination with IT, MU Planning Design and Construction, UM System Facilities Planning and Development, and other MU and UM System departments as appropriate;
Recommending policy updates to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Campus Facilities (AVC).

5.2 Review of Proposals and Technical Standards

University of Missouri Police Department (MUPD), Information Technology (IT), and Campus Facilities (CF) will advise departments on appropriate applications of security technologies and provide technical assistance for purchasing, installing, maintaining, and supporting security camera systems.

The SCOC will monitor developments in law and security industry practices and technology, in consultation with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) as appropriate, to help ensure that University security camera practices reflect current best practices and legal requirements.

All cameras must be selected from an IT-approved list to ensure they meet University standards and are compatible with campus infrastructure.

Requests to install new cameras, expand coverage, or materially change existing systems must be submitted to the Security Camera Program Manager (SCPM) in CF. Requests should include:

A description of the safety, security, or risk-management issue warranting the camera(s);
The proposed camera location(s) and a description of the intended field(s) of view; and
The funding source(s) for initial installation and ongoing operating costs.

The SCPM will work with MUPD, IT, CF, and others to review proposals and provide a recommendation to the SCOC based on the following:

Camera location
Fields of view
First-time and operational costs
Alignment with this policy
Need for public safety, property protection, or risk management
Availability of funding

The requesting unit may be responsible for all costs related to purchase, installation, maintenance, removal, monitoring, data storage, software, annual costs (if applicable), and network services (if necessary), including for cameras approved but not deemed essential for public safety, property protection, or risk management.

5.3 Initial Implementation – Existing Cameras

Upon initial approval of this policy, the SCOC will review existing campus cameras and make recommendations to the AVC for camera additions, changes, and removals. The SCOC may issue notices of non-compliance to operators of security cameras that do not comply with this policy.

Operators of non-compliant security cameras will have eight (8) calendar months from the date of notification to become compliant or to provide a written explanation of why compliance cannot be accomplished. Departments with existing cameras are responsible for funding any changes needed to achieve compliance. Unapproved, unfunded, or non-conforming security cameras may be removed.

5.4 Complaints and Appeals

The SCOC will review complaints regarding the use of security camera systems, determine whether this policy is being followed, and issue a decision. Appeals of SCOC notices and decisions should be submitted to the AVC for final determination.

6. Camera Placement and Prohibited Locations

Audio recording is not permitted unless specifically authorized by MUPD in consultation with the Office of General Counsel to determine compliance with applicable law. Requests to utilize audio capabilities will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the MUPD in consultation with the Office of General Counsel.
Camera positions and fields of view for residential housing must be configured to respect occupants’ privacy. Cameras must not be placed or adjusted in a manner that intrudes upon areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including interior living spaces.
Security cameras may be installed only in public areas where there is not a reasonable expectation of privacy, except as authorized for criminal investigations (see Section 9).
Security camera installation and/or monitoring is prohibited in the following locations:
- Student rooms in residence halls
- Restrooms
- Shower facilities
- Locker rooms
- Individual offices
The installation of non-operational (“dummy”) cameras is prohibited.
Security cameras should be visible unless used for authorized criminal investigation purposes. Camouflage or deliberate concealment is not permitted unless specifically authorized by MUPD.

7. Access, Monitoring, and Use of Recordings

All monitoring and access must be conducted in a manner consistent with University policies and applicable state and federal laws, including non-discrimination laws.
Access to recordings for assessing job-related issues requires prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
Nothing in this policy creates an obligation for continuous live monitoring of all camera locations.
Security cameras may be monitored in real time only for legitimate safety and security purposes, including high-risk and restricted-access areas, alarm responses, campus and facility conditions, special events, specific investigations or other uses authorized by the Chief of Police (or designee) or SCOC.
Access to live or recorded video is limited to authorized University personnel and persons specifically authorized by the Chief of Police (or designee) or the SCOC. Copying, duplicating, or retransmission of live or recorded video is limited to persons authorized by the Chief of Police (or designee) or the SCOC.
Nothing in this section limits MUPD authority in law enforcement activities.

8. Appropriate Use, Confidentiality, and Records Requests

Security recordings and related observations may be used only for official University purposes and law enforcement activities. MUPD will review external requests for release of records obtained through security cameras as part of its public safety responsibilities and may consult the Custodian of Records and/or the Office of General Counsel before releasing any records.

9. Use of Cameras for Investigations

MUPD may use mobile or covert video equipment for criminal investigations. Covert video equipment may also be used for non-criminal investigations involving specific instances that pose a significant risk to public safety, security, or property, when authorized by the Chief of Police (or designee).

10. Training

All staff with administrative control over security camera systems must receive a copy of this policy and provide written acknowledgement that they have read and understood it.

11. Storage, Retention, and Destruction of Recordings

Security recordings must not be altered, edited, deleted, or otherwise manipulated. Records must be preserved in their original form to maintain integrity, accountability, and transparency.

Exceptions are limited to the following, provided the substantive content of the record is not falsified:

Technical processes required for storage or transmission (e.g., compression or format conversion);
Authorized privacy, research, or legal-compliance redactions or modifications documented in writing by the responsible authority;
Routine system functions such as indexing, cataloging, or encryption; and
Maintenance and troubleshooting necessary to ensure proper system function.

Security recordings must be stored in a centralized, secure University location for a minimum of thirty (30) days and then promptly erased or recorded over unless retention is required for:

A criminal investigation;
Incident documentation related to potential claims against the University;
Criminal or civil court proceedings; or
As outlined by University approved Retention Authorizations or as defined in Records Management Policy 23001.

12. Compliance and Enforcement

Failure to comply with this policy may result in the removal of non-conforming equipment and may be addressed through applicable University administrative or disciplinary processes, consistent with University policy and law.

13. Resources

CRR

CRR 70.060 (Consulting, Design and Construction)
CRR 80.010 (Procurement)

UM Policy

Records Management Policy 23001