The Caroline County Public Library brings people, information and ideas together to enrich lives, increase knowledge, and build community. To complete this mission, the Library must offer a welcoming, open atmosphere and provide a safe and comfortable environment where people can use library facilities and collections for intended purposes to the maximum extent possible.

1. The Caroline County Public Library uses security cameras to enhance the safety and security of library users, staff, and property; while protecting individuals’ right to privacy. The primary use of security cameras is to discourage inappropriate and illegal behavior, and when necessary, recorded images from the library’s cameras will be used to provide assistance to law enforcement officials.
   
   
2. Cameras are installed in selected interior and exterior locations where library users and staff would not have an expectation of privacy. Examples include common areas of the library such as entrances, near book and audio-visual collections, public seating, and outside exits. Cameras will not be installed in areas where members of the public and staff have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms. A sign is posted at the library entrances informing the public that security cameras are in use.
   
   
3. Authorized staff will have access to the real time monitors, although activity is only randomly monitored. Only the Executive Director or his/her designee along with enforcement officers will have access to the archival material in pursuit of incidents of criminal activity or violation of the library’s Rules of Conduct.
   
   
4. Images will be stored for up to 30 calendar days, unless required as part of an ongoing investigation. The storage media is kept in a secured area. As new images are recorded, the oldest images will be automatically deleted.