The Center Moriches Free Public Library is committed to providing a safe place for patrons to enrich their lives, foster a love of reading and gain access to information. With that mission in mind, the purpose of maintaining a system of recording videos is for the safety of patrons and staff, and for the purpose of surveillance while maintaining the individual rights of patrons and staff. The Library will comply with all applicable state and federal laws on video surveillance and recordings. However, the Center Moriches Free Public Library retains the discretion to use such recordings for other purposes such as collaboration with local law enforcement when warranted and authorized.
Signage at the main entrance provides notice that video surveillance is in use on Library premises in locations where individuals should not reasonably expect privacy. Additional signs throughout the Library indicate that cameras are in use in those public areas where oversight is deemed proper.
Only the Library Director, her designee, Security and Technology Services Staff may review or permit the review of surveillance recordings. Footage is stored digitally on a computer that is secured in a controlled area and is maintained for a maximum of 28 days where technologically possible. Confidentiality / privacy issues prohibit viewing by the general public.
Law enforcement may be supplied with live shots/recordings in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and pursuant to the receipt of a proper legal request. The requirement of a proper legal request may be waived by the Library Director when deemed warranted due to exigent circumstances.
As appropriate, images may be shared with the Suffolk Cooperative Library System and its member libraries.
A breach of this policy by library staff may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. A Library employee who knows of an unauthorized disclosure/privacy breach must immediately inform the Director.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees on 9-18-17, reviewed 3/31/26
