Introduction
The University of Michigan is committed to fostering a safe and secure campus environment for all students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors. As part of this commitment, the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) is launching the Security Technology Enhancement Project (STEP), a multi-faceted initiative designed to modernize and strengthen campus safety through the strategic use of technology.
In collaboration with university leadership and Information Technology Services (ITS), the Security Technology Enhancement Project will improve emergency response times through enhanced awareness and deter criminal activity. This FAQ provides information about technology enhancements, including the role of security cameras at the university — how they are used, where they are located, and safeguards to protect privacy and ensure responsible use.
Please explore the information below to better understand how these efforts fit into the university's broader safety strategy and evolving technology infrastructure.
SECTION 1: SECURITY TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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The Security Technology Enhancement Project (STEP) is a university-wide initiative to strengthen campus safety and security through system and infrastructure upgrades. Led by the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) in collaboration with university leadership and Information Technology Services (ITS), this project is designed to enhance situational awareness, emergency response, and overall community protection.
While U-M has strategically used security technology for decades, the university is further expanding and enhancing key technologies to modernize systems and provide a safer environment.
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The Security Technology Enhancement Project includes upgrades to several core technologies that work together to promote safety, enable faster emergency response, and support a secure learning and working environment. They include:
- Access control systems: Centralized access management helps ensure that only authorized individuals can enter secure areas such as laboratories, residence halls, and administrative buildings.
- Blue light emergency phones: Located throughout campus, these phones provide a direct line to DPSS for immediate emergency assistance.
- Classroom door locks: Classrooms are equipped with interior locks to support lockdown protocols and increase preparedness during critical incidents.
- Emergency alert systems: Multiple communication channels - including digital signage displays, voicemail and text messages, emails, and the DPSS app - deliver timely emergency notifications and safety instructions.
- Security cameras: New and upgraded cameras strategically installed in public and high-traffic areas increase visibility, deter crime, and support emergency response and investigations. Cameras are not placed in areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy.
In addition to these technologies, U-M continues to assess and explore emerging safety solutions to stay aligned with industry best practices and community needs. These enhancements help to create a more responsive, resilient, and well-connected campus safety ecosystem.
SECTION 2: SECURITY CAMERAS
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Security cameras strengthen situational awareness and emergency response capabilities. They serve as a visible deterrent to help reduce criminal activity, assist with post-incident investigations, and support real-time monitoring during large events or emergencies to help protect the campus community.
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Yes. U-M has used security cameras for more than 20 years. They are currently located in locations across all campuses, including athletics facilities, university buildings, public commons, the health system, and residence hall entrances and exits.
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New cameras will be placed in public and high-traffic areas, such as major walkways and building entrances. Cameras will not be installed in locations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., restrooms, locker rooms, lactation rooms, reflection rooms, and private residence hall rooms or apartment hall rooms).
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No. Cameras will not be installed in areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., restrooms, locker rooms, lactation rooms, reflection rooms, and private residence hall rooms or apartments). U-M's camera use is governed by state law and the Standard Practice Guide on Proper Use of Security Cameras (SPG 606.01), ensuring responsible use and accountability. Of note: SPG 606.01 will be retired by March 2026 and replaced by a new, comprehensive Physical Security SPG.
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Most camera footage is recorded for investigative and safety review purposes. However, real-time monitoring may occur during specific events, emergencies, or in high-risk or pedestrian-centric areas to support public safety response efforts.
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No. The University of Michigan remains firmly committed to protecting academic freedom, privacy, and civil liberties. The cameras are not used to track or evaluate everyday activities. Their purpose is to enhance campus safety and aid in responding to incidents.
During a serious safety situation—such as an active-attacker event, a missing-person search, or a medical emergency—authorized staff may review live or recorded footage to manage the incident and mitigate risk effectively. After an incident, video footage may be used for investigative purposes to help understand what happened.
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No. All audio features of permanently installed cameras are disabled. U-M's policies explicitly prohibit the use of audio monitoring or recording from this technology.
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U-M does not use facial recognition technology in its security camera system. Use of AI-assisted analytics, where sensible, can quickly help identify weapons or potential threats to the public, such as alerting to a vehicle driving in a pedestrian-only area.
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Only trained and authorized personnel at the university may access video footage, and it is subject to periodic auditing for alignment with U-M privacy guidelines. Any external requests for access to video footage must meet legal requirements (e.g. search warrant or subpoena), or be approved by the U-M Office of the General Counsel and the Executive Director of DPSS.
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Per university policy, video footage is retained for 30 days and then deleted. However, if the footage is associated with an incident or investigation, it may be retained longer to support those purposes.
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Security cameras are widely recognized as a best practice for enhancing safety in higher education environments. They complement other safety measures to help create a safer environment. The use of cameras across campuses is common in peer institutions both within and outside the Big10 and beyond.
SECTION 3: PRIVACY, POLICY & GOVERNANCE
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U-M has comprehensive policies that guide information security, camera use and access, property management, and incident reporting. These policies set accountability expectations for individuals and units and apply to the entire institution.
SPG 606.01: Proper Use of Security Cameras establishes clear expectations for how cameras may be deployed and managed, including requirements for oversight, access, and appropriate use. Of note: This SPG will be retired by March 2026. Use Standards will be subsumed under the new, overarching Physical Security SPG.
In addition to the above SPG, related policies such as SPG 601.11: Privacy and the Need to Monitor and Access Records; SPG 601.01: Freedom of Speech and Artistic Expression; SPG 601.27: Information Security and the SPG 601.12: Institutional Data Resource Management Policy (currently under revision) reinforce the importance of data integrity, limited access, and institutional compliance. These policies work together to ensure that all security technologies are implemented in ways that align with university values, legal standards, and the evolving needs of the campus community.
