Safe Campus Community

Video Monitoring

One aspect of maintaining a safe and secure campus at Western is the placement of video cameras at various locations throughout the university.  Although cameras have been around the campus for many years it is only more recently that the coordination of installation and images monitoring has occurred.  To advise the public, maximize efficiency and comply with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act a Video Monitoring Policy has been implemented.

For the purpose of Safety and Security there are approximately 300 video cameras in operation at Western which monitor our parking lots, common and restricted areas of our food and retail outlets, as well as inside and around our academic and administrative buildings.

Installation of a video camera requires a formal request from a department head which then is followed by a Campus Police security review to determine the need and identify the purpose, location and the best security safeguards available.   If approved, standardized approved notices are posted at access points to inform persons that video monitoring is in effect. 

Monitoring of the images is strictly controlled by a designated “Responsible Person” intimately involved in the video monitoring network.   Physical audits are carried out by the Campus Police CPTED/Safety Coordinator to ensure compliance with FIPPA regulations and the intent of our policy.   

Community members are the most important and effective resource we have.  Video monitoring is but one small aspect of Western’s overall Safety Network.   Community members are encouraged to stay safe and to contact Campus Police with information about suspicious activity or any personal safety concern.

Video Monitoring Policy

The Video Monitoring Policy is a Board of Governors approved policy. For more information, please contact Elgin Austen at ext. 84010.

Please refer to the Card Access & Video Monitoring Chart for a summary of the twenty (20) steps taken from application to completion in support of consistency of process and systems when requesting Card Access & Video enhancements.

PERSONAL INFORMATION COLLECTION NOTICE – VIDEO MONITORING

The personal information captured by video monitoring equipment is collected under the authority of the University of Western Ontario Act, 1982, as amended. The information is used for purposes relating to safety and security on-campus and at off-campus sites owned or controlled by Western. Please see the University’s Video Monitoring Policy (http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/mapp/section1/mapp142.pdf) for more information about video monitoring at Western. Address any questions about this collection and use of personal information to the Director, Campus Community Police Service, Room 1257, Lawson Hall , The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B8, tel: 519-661-2111 ext. 84010