Montclair State University (MSU) Parking Services utilizes LPR hardware and software for parking and access control. LPR data is collected by fixed cameras at Montclair State University parking garages, streets and parking lots, and other areas within the campus. Additionally, MSU Parking Services utilizes mobile vehicle‐mounted systems which are driven by trained personnel in parking locations throughout the university.
Data Collected
The LPR system captures two photos of observed vehicles: (1) a context photo of the vehicle and its immediate surroundings and (2) a photo of the license plate. Typically, these photos are taken from the rear of the vehicle, although there are occasions where a photo is taken from the front. The photos are not of a resolution that allows identification of the vehicle occupants. Along with the photographic data, the system also records the global positioning system coordinates and date/time information of the observation. Further software processing of the license plate image generates an alphanumeric version of the license plate number which is also stored with the record.
Use of Data
The intended use of data collected by the LPR system is for parking access control, parking enforcement, and law enforcement investigations. LPR data is used to determine a vehicle’s parking permit permissions in a given parking area and support the issuance of a parking citation if needed. The data can also be used by the Montclair University Police Department (MSUPD) in conducting ongoing criminal investigations and complaints. Any use of the data for purposes outside of these stated purposes must be detailed and approved in writing through administrative channels.
Data Retention
Data collected by the LPR system not resulting in parking enforcement action or not part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation is retained for 90 days. Data resulting in a parking enforcement action is retained with the citation records according to established university data retention policies. Data associated with an ongoing law enforcement investigation is retained until the investigation is completed or as directed by investigators or courts.
Access to Records
Access to records created and maintained by the LPR system is restricted to trained Montclair State University personnel performing their duties. All personnel with access to the system use unique identifiers and passwords to access records and all login, record additions, and other activity is logged. Access to the system by others is prohibited.
Determining What Data We Have About You
Students, faculty, and staff with MSU University identifications may view the information we have about their vehicles at any time at the online portal found at montclair.edu/parking. MSU will notify the public of its LPR data collection activities and policies via MSU’s parking website.