Security Camera Policy

Purpose

The Bedford Free Public Library strives to maintain a welcoming, safe, and secure environment for its users, staff, and property while protecting individual privacy rights. To support this effort, video cameras have been installed in certain areas of the Library. Notices are posted at Library entrances informing the public and staff that cameras are in use. Cameras are not installed for the purpose of surveillance of staff or patrons, but to discourage violations of the Library’s Behavior Policy and other inappropriate or illegal behavior.

Privacy

Security cameras may be used in any public common areas of the Library’s interior or exterior premises or grounds where individuals lack a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Cameras will not be positioned to identify a person’s reading, viewing, or listening activities in the Library. Recordings will be video only; no audio will be transmitted or recorded. Data is not used to identify the activities of individual Library patrons except as viewed in relation to suspected criminal activity, suspected violation of the Library’s policies, or incidents where there is a reasonable basis to believe a claim may be made against the Library for civil liability.

Cameras are not continuously monitored and therefore individuals should continue to take appropriate precautions for their safety and for the security of their personal property.

Access

Live camera feeds are to be viewed by staff only.

Data from the cameras is recorded digitally and stored for approximately 30 days. Only Library Administration and staff trained and authorized by Administration may have access to recorded data except as detailed below.

The Bedford Free Public Library will provide recorded data when reasonably required by law enforcement agencies in their legitimate pursuits. Recordings are afforded the same level of confidentiality provided to library users by Massachusetts law, in that libraries may disclose to law enforcement surveillance camera footage that does not reveal any person’s specific use of library resources.

Library patrons seeking access to recorded data must make their request through law enforcement in accordance with applicable law.

Images may be shared with Library staff to identify person(s) related to incidents or who are banned from Library property.

In the event of a suspected crime or incident, images or selected portions of the recorded data may be shared with Library staff to help identify the person(s) involved. This data will be maintained by Administration until resolution of the specific incident. Any such data shared with staff must be treated confidentially. Staff who misuse this data will be subject to disciplinary action.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees July 11, 2023, revised February 10, 2026