What is the retention time on security videos?

Does your state have any regulations that address retention? requirements. Our state (NY) has an ATM Safety Law that states how long a tape must be retained, as well as how long it can stay in the machine, how many times it can be used, etc. Also has stringent ATM lighting standards. Check to see if your state has anything? A good rule of thumb is 3 months, as it may take a customer that long to figure out that there is a problem on their account.

Anonymous:

Please consider retaining all videos for a minimum of six (6) months. Often law enforcement agencies don't request them immediately or your investigation may link to another, older one. Also, please don't use the same tape more than three (3) times. The image quality will be too degraded to provide important identification details about the offender.

I'm just wondering where one might find a specific statute stating how long tapes must be kept and lighting standards. Looking through all of the various statutes could take some time. Under what sub heading is it listed in NY?

Our bank retains video for six months. I have never had a situation where I have had to view film more the six months old.

Federally - Camera Film (with incidence) Until investigation completed.
New York - Camera Film (no incidence) 3m Article II-AA Chapter 75-c

For our branches that still use film, 6 months. We're in the process of trying to convert all to digital.