UC operates CCTV on its campuses (both outdoors and in buildings), around carparks and halls of residence managed by the University. Some of our security staff also carry body cameras. This means that we may collect and hold information about what individuals are doing on university property.
CCTV cameras operate 24 hours a day. All our CCTV cameras must be operated in a manner that complies with the Privacy Act 2020 and all current UC policies.
Why do we need CCTV and body cameras?
Our purposes include:
- The deterrence of criminal activity
- The safety of staff, students, and members of the public
- The protection of property
- To assist in the investigation of incidents involving staff, students, or members of the public
- To assist in the management of the campuses and any halls of residence that are located outside of the main Ilam and Dovedale campuses.
How do the body cameras work?
To record an individual, the employee in question must turn on the recording function of their body camera. It will then save everything 20 seconds prior until the recording function is turned off again. All staff using body cameras wear a patch on their vest indicating the body camera is recording.
Will this information be disclosed?
Information collected will not be disclosed outside the University unless it comes under the exceptions of the Privacy Act, such as responding to a formal request from police. The information collected may be accessed by University staff and used for the purposes specified above. Limited information may also be provided to vehicle insurers, to pursue compensation or damages claims (where applicable) upon formal request.
Who can access this information?
Individuals identified on CCTV or body cameras have the right to ask for access to footage about them. UC will make information held about an individual available to them upon request and in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020, which also describes the conditions under which information may be withheld. Individuals have the right to request correction of personal information held in accordance with Principle 7 of the Privacy Act 2020.
If an individual wishes to seek access to their personal information, or inquire about the handling of their personal information, they can contact the Information and Records Management team at privacy@canterbury.ac.nz.
How long is the information retained?
Information is retained on a 30-day rolling basis. This means the footage from day one will be deleted on day 31 and replaced with new footage.
Where is information stored?
Information will be stored in UC’s databases or those of our service providers and all reasonable security measures to prevent privacy or security breaches will be maintained. Where a service provider is located outside of Aotearoa New Zealand, personal information held by UC may be transferred overseas.
