Broward County Allows Sheriffs Office Access to Live Security Feeds
Per the agreement, the access will be restricted to emergency situations such as a threat to the school, a 911 call received from the school or somewhere nearby or assistance requested by the school.
- By Jessica Davis
- January 18, 2019
The Broward Sheriff’s Office will have access to school security camera live feeds, under an agreement approved Jan. 15 by the Broward County School Board. Sharing camera access with law enforcement was recommended by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission.
Per the agreement, the access will be restricted to emergency situations such as a threat to the school, a 911 call received from the school or somewhere nearby or assistance requested by the school. Officers won’t be able to perform general surveillance for purposes other than law enforcement or emergencies.
These restrictions were required to comply with federal student privacy laws, according to General Counsel Barbara Myrick.
According to Myrick, school resource officers have always been able to access security video but will not be able to view it remotely from a central dispatch center.
Only schools that fall under the Sheriff’s Office’s jurisdiction are covered under the agreement, but the district plans to work on similar agreements with city police departments.
About the Author
Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.