Protocols
MIT’s security camera program is used for monitoring campus assets, aiding in safe operations, and enhancing campus security and the overall safety of MIT’s community members. MIT retains security camera footage for 30 days unless it is being reviewed or relied upon in connection with a specific incident or if required by law. All camera audio capabilities are disabled on all IS&T-supported cameras in accordance with state law.
- MIT Police have primary responsibility for overseeing investigative matters on the MIT campus that involve the use of security camera footage. As part of this, MIT Police may share camera footage with state and local law enforcement agencies investigating crimes captured by MIT security cameras.
- Authorized MIT Police Personnel with specific privileges have the ability to view archived video(s).
- Designated IS&T staff are granted full administrative access to the archived video footage as part of their roles to ensure the support and operation of the system.
- In limited circumstances, and with the written approval of an MIT senior officer, permission to access footage may be granted to other MIT units on a case-by-case basis to investigate MIT policy violations.
- Upon request of the affected party or an insurance company, MIT may also provide camera footage to individuals, including non-MIT community members, involved in non-criminal campus incidents, such as an automobile or bicycle accident.
Exceptions
- Any request for exceptions to these security camera protocols requires the approval of an MIT senior officer in writing.
Updated August 2026.