Illegally Installed Camera Systems at Bremen Schools Under Investigation
Illegitimate CCTV Monitoring Detected at a Bremen Elementary School - Unlawful Monitoring at Bremer Primary School: Unsanctioned Observations Spotted
Got the scoop: The ongoing illegality of camera installations at schools in Bremen has prompted a thorough review by the city's data protection officer. As of now, no additional cases of illicit surveillance have come to light, although the investigation is still ongoing. There are a total of 18 school sites in Bremen with video cameras, report sources.
Catch ‘em in the act: The "Weser-Kurier" revealed the longstanding use of a camera system at an elementary school that went unchecked for years. Parents were taken aback by this clandestine video surveillance, with no warning signs or information provided. A father alerted the school administration, school authority, and data protection office earlier in the year, leading to investigations that confirmed the surveillance was indeed unlawful.
Break the rules: The data protection officer, Timo Utermark, stated that the regulations for such surveillance—for instance, as a precaution against vandalism—were not met. The school had failed to disclose information about the cameras and lacked appropriate measures to safeguard recorded footage from unauthorized access. The school's main entrance, playground entrance, and back entrance were all under video surveillance. The cameras were active during school hours, with live transmissions only, while recordings were made from 4:00 PM to 7:00 AM the next day. The recordings, it turned out, were stored to deter vandalism and overwritten after 72 hours. The school administration and the janitor's office had access to the camera system's images. Following intervention, the devices were disabled and removed.
A system standing since 1999: The education authority spokesperson revealed that the system was set up more than 25 years ago, at the initiative of the school's former management or janitor during a renovation. The necessary coordination with the office, it seems, never happened. The data carriers were handed over to the authority for proper and compliant disposal.
Rules of engagement: According to the education department, cameras can only be used under specific conditions to prevent or investigate criminal offenses such as vandalism. The purpose must be well-defined, and there must be a strong reason to implement said surveillance, such as damage or break-ins. Generally, video surveillance is only permitted outside of school hours.
- Bremen
- Camera Surveillance
- Elementary School
- Weser-Kurier
- Camera
FYI: German laws regulating surveillance—including camera usage in public places like schools—are primarily governed by federal and state statutes. Typical conditions for camera surveillance in schools in Germany include a requirement for necessity and proportionality, transparency, access control, data protection, and retention periods for recorded footage. For detailed information on the specific regulations for Bremen, one should consult local educational authorities or Bremen's data protection office.
- In light of the ongoing investigation into illegally installed camera systems at Bremen schools, it could be beneficial for the community to advocate for a revised community policy on vocational training in data protection and privacy, to ensure all schools are equipped with knowledgeable personnel capable of adhering to regulations in education-and-self-development categories, such as those related to camera surveillance.
- With the recent incident of clandestine video surveillance at an elementary school in Bremen confirmed by the Weser-Kurier, it is essential that general-news sources and crime-and-justice departments emphasize the importance of informed parental consent before implementing vocational training programs related to camera usage, to maintain trust and uphold the rights of citizens in the education-and-self-development sector.
