FIRE DRILL
POLICY

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the use and management of video surveillance systems at South Georgia Institute (SGI). The primary goal of surveillance is to enhance the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, visitors, and property while respecting individuals’ privacy rights in compliance with applicable laws.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all video surveillance systems installed, maintained, or monitored by SGI, including those located in academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, parking areas, and other campus-owned or -leased properties. It does not apply to video recording for academic, athletic, or event documentation purposes.

3. Objectives

The SGI video surveillance system is designed to:

• Deter criminal activity and unauthorized behavior

• Assist campus security in real-time incident response

• Support investigations of reported incidents

• Protect SGI property and infrastructure

• Enhance the safety of the campus community

4. Guidelines for Use

• Surveillance will be conducted in a professional, ethical, and legal manner.

• Cameras will be positioned to monitor public areas only. No surveillance will occur in areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms, locker rooms, or private offices (unless law enforcement or legal exemption applies).

• Live monitoring will be conducted by authorized personnel only, and access to footage is limited to trained staff in Campus Safety, Administration, or designated investigative personnel.

5. Storage and Retention

• Video footage is stored securely for a minimum of 30 days, unless retained longer for official investigations or legal matters.

• Archived footage will be stored in compliance with SGI’s Data Retention Policy and applicable state and federal regulations.

6. Access to Footage

• Access to recorded footage is restricted to authorized personnel only.

• Requests for access from individuals outside of SGI (e.g., law enforcement, legal representatives) must be submitted through the SGI Legal Counsel or Chief of Staff.

• Students or staff may not request surveillance footage unless it pertains to an official investigation and is processed through proper institutional channels.

7. Notification and Signage

• Appropriate signage will be posted in monitored areas to inform individuals that video surveillance is in use.

• The signage will read:
  “This area is monitored by video surveillance for safety and security purposes.”

8. Limitations

• Surveillance cameras are not continuously monitored unless part of an active security response or during specific events.

• SGI makes no guarantees that video surveillance systems will detect or prevent all incidents.

9. Tampering and Misuse

• Any tampering with video surveillance equipment or unauthorized access to footage will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination or expulsion, and may include criminal prosecution.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Department of Campus Safety in collaboration with the Office of Legal Counsel and updated as necessary to comply with institutional standards and legal requirements.