The ISS was created to provide a standard approach to the procurement and installation of video security systems, as well as video security capture and storage, to support the collective safety and well-being of the CMU community. The ISS operates in compliance with all Federal, state and local laws, and CMU policies.

The system allows us to centralize the capture, storage and access of campus video security data, which ensures data security and privacy protection, reduces costs and increases the effectiveness of the overall security measures across our campus.

ISS video security data can only be accessed by trained members of the Carnegie Mellon University Police Department, and authorized support designates, for purposes related to law enforcement, investigations or university safety.

The ISS team has installed signage in areas around campus alerting individuals of nearby security cameras. However, it should be assumed that public spaces on campus are under video security monitoring, with or without signage.

No, the ISS does not use facial recognition software.

The ISS security camera video feeds are not monitored continuously in real-time under normal circumstances. They are, however, observed in situations that could pose safety and security risks. Examples include:

• Watching facility entrances and exits, as needed

• During emergencies (e.g., when there is significant, imminent risk to public safety and/or university property or a campus emergency)

• When a criminal act or alarm is in progress

• During campus events or activities

• When specific safety concerns in an area necessitate immediate monitoring

Routine system checks for date/time accuracy and troubleshooting video feed issues may also occur, as needed.

No, the cameras do not capture any audio.

ISS video images are stored in a secure location in compliance with university standards, and are backed up to protect against main system failure. All recorded video images are stored for a period of at least 32 days, but are not kept longer than 90 days unless they are needed as part of a formal investigation, proceeding, court order, litigation or other legal necessity.

CMU’s main campus employs more than 1,400 ISS cameras in public areas – such as building entrances and other public spaces where security assessments have identified potential risk to people or property – to help ensure campus safety. The exact number and their locations are not publicly shared for security purposes, but signage is posted across campus alerting individuals of nearby security cameras. It should be assumed, however, that public campus spaces are under video security monitoring. The ISS does not capture video security data of campus residential spaces, restrooms, locker rooms or private offices (unless installed at the direction or consent of the person to whom the office is assigned).

The ISS is maintained by the CMU Police Department, at the direction of CMU’s Chief of Police and the Vice President for Operations, in conjunction with other safety-related CMU personnel. Decisions on camera use and placement are informed by campus safety data and regular security assessments.

Additional ISS video security and monitoring services are available to select members of our campus, including CMU facility coordinators, department heads, the Campus Design and Facility Development department for new campus buildings and renovations, and the Facilities Management and Campus Services areas for maintaining our physical spaces. Email integrated-security@andrew.cmu.edu for more information about these services.

There are video cameras in use across campus outside of the ISS campus safety and security monitoring. Examples include, but are not limited to, video cameras that could be used for:

• Research, teaching or learning

• Private offices (installed at the direction/consent of the person to whom the office is assigned)

• Human health care treatment

• Personal videoconferencing or webcams

• Automated teller machines (ATMs)

• Construction

• Entertainment and recreational purposes

• CMU Police Department in-car or body cameras used for law enforcement purposes

The operation of such video cameras should adhere to any requirements applicable to their use.

Yes, video security monitoring is also used in buildings and properties owned, leased and operated by the university outside of our main campus, following the principles outlined above. Those cameras and systems comply with all applicable requirements and laws of the jurisdiction in which the buildings or properties are located.