Subscriber Discussion

What Are The Legalities Of Putting Cameras In A Locker/Shower Room?

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Mar 26, 2017

I have been requested to put in cameras  in a private high schools boys locker/shower room. At times there will be kids using the facilities as well.

It appears that there have been some questionable occurrences happening there and the school wants to protect themselves and their students.

The cameras will not be hidden, they will be very noticeable, and there will be big signs by the entrances stating that there are cameras there. Upon request, the rules in place of who can view the cameras when (no live viewing, and two people will need to enter passwords for playback) will be made available to anyone who asks.

What is the legality of this? As the installer do I need to be worried about the legalities? 

 

Any tips?

 

Thank you

 

JH
John Honovich
Mar 26, 2017
IPVM

Not an attorney, but I think this is legally questionable enough that you should have an attorney review this.

Beyond the legality is the potential issue of dealing with angry parents. I don't have any definitive recommendations but I believe you are definitely right to be concerned here.

(4)
UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Mar 26, 2017

This has bad idea written all over it. 

(4)
U
Undisclosed #3
Mar 26, 2017

There is zero chance I would ever do this, with or without the approval/review of an attorney.

No, never, not a chance.

(4)
Avatar
Mark Jones
Mar 26, 2017

People have a reasonable expectation of privacy, private school or not.   It has CNN news story written all over it.  I would not touch this with a 10 foot pole.

(3)
Avatar
Matthew Netardus
Mar 26, 2017
IPVMU Certified

This job seems way too small to risk all the potential liability and bad press around it. Even if you can get an attorney to sign off on it with some combination of signage and playback protection, the first time something goes wrong you risk your company being right there with the school district on national news for "shower cams." 

(2)
UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #4
Mar 26, 2017

You shouldn't touch this with a ten-foot pole. In addition, you should advise the customer, in writing, that this is a very bad idea with "sue me" written all over it.

(2)
U
Undisclosed #5
Mar 26, 2017
IPVMU Certified

The cameras will not be hidden, they will be very noticeable...

How noticeable?

Photo Credit: Sochi Surveillance Cameras Covering Hotel Showers?

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U
Undisclosed #6
Mar 26, 2017

"..no live viewing, and two people will need to enter passwords for playback"

What system are you using that has a two party authentication feature for playback?

BS
Bob Schenck
Mar 26, 2017
IPVMU Certified

My personal opinion is there is no Goddamn way I'd install cameras in a high school shower. Not a chance. Just no. "Questionable occurrences" involving minors should be referred to law enforcement agencies.  

 

I realize the poster asked question a about the actual laws vs. asking for my opinion.  So the best answer I can give is that privacy laws vary by State.  In my state (Texas) I put a copy of the law below.  Keep in mind there are additional laws that protect minors that would apply to this situation as well. 

Abridged Penal Code § 21.15. Invasive Visual Recording:

A person commits an offense if, without the other person's consent and with intent to invade the privacy of the other person, the person photographs or by videotape or other electronic means records, broadcasts, or transmits a visual image of another in a bathroom or changing room.  

A sign or signs posted indicating that the person is being photographed or that a visual image of the person is being recorded, broadcast, or transmitted is not sufficient to establish the person's consent under that subdivision.

 

 

Avatar
Campbell Chang
Mar 26, 2017

No matter where in the world you are, I'd be noping the F out of this job.

(2)
UI
Undisclosed Integrator #7
Mar 27, 2017

It seems the concensus is a hard pass on this one!

U
Undisclosed #5
Mar 27, 2017
IPVMU Certified

What about a low-res thermal camera inside, and a high-res visible light cam outside facing the door?

Follow suspects out the door to match a blob with a face.

Still, unless there was big money for legal due diligence, I would pass.

(3)
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