Camera surveillance.

Why camera surveillance?

There can be several reasons to use camera surveillance at school. It can aim to prevent break-ins, damage, and theft. Or for the safety of students, for example, to spot serious bullying situations.

Rules for camera surveillance at school

The school can use camera surveillance when it has a valid interest and the cameras are necessary. That means there is no other way to keep safety. Cameras are a serious intrusion on privacy. The school must follow some rules for camera surveillance:

• The camera surveillance is part of a full set of safety measures and does not stand alone.
• There is a camera policy.
• The images must be well protected. There is a security plan.
• There is a processing agreement with the camera manager.
• The school informs students, parents, teachers and visitors by, for example, putting up signs and sending the camera policy to parents.
• People involved can view, correct, delete, and request the images ..
• The school has a data protection officer.
• The school does a risk assessment to keep safety. This is called a data protection impact assessment (DPIA).
• The school writes down how long they keep the images. They keep them no longer than needed. The guideline is four weeks.
• The school participation council agrees with the plans.

Hidden camera surveillance

Hidden camera surveillance is only possible under strict conditions. The school must have a clear suspicion of a rule breach. Then the camera can only be hidden for that reason. The school must always check if privacy is not harmed too much. Hidden cameras on a toilet are not allowed. You can find more information on the Data Protection Authority website.

Role of the school participation council

The school participation council talks about safety policy. Putting up cameras is part of this. Without the school participation council’s agreement, no cameras can be put up.