I was emailed that Braswell Memorial Library has video cameras in the public restrooms. In fact, that is true. The picture above was taken today (Thursday, March 10, 2011) and according to the Library, it was installed over 6 months ago because of vandalism and as a way to ensure the safety of patrons.
I specifically asked about the occurrence of vandalism inside a library pubic restroom and no one could give me a specific occurrence of any vandalism “inside” a bathroom.
Secondly, even though the cameras are not positioned toward the stalls, the cameras are positioned toward the mirrors which reflect the stall and urinal activity. Any reasonable person could certainly “zoom in” in any direction and see anything in the bathroom.
This morning, I spoke with a Rocky Mount City Councilman, who spoke with city management regarding this issue. Basically, he told me that the “way to correct” this problem would be to address the Library board. Hmm.
Frankly, as a matter of Administrative law, I don’t understand why the Council couldn’t adopt a resolution or ordinance prohibiting camera surveillance in public restrooms within the City of Rocky Mount.
The picture below shows the direction of the camera angle and the relevance of the mirror. Judge for yourself. It’s not only adults who use the restrooms in the public library, it’s children who have a legal right to be protected.
Geo Fish 
2 responses to “Rocky Mount NC-Braswell Memorial Library Has Video Surveillance Camera in Public Restrooms.”
This what Im friend send me
Senate Bill 689/House Bill 95 prohibit placing a camera on real property for purposes of filming a person in a private residence and prohibits conducting visual surveillance with a prurient intent in dressing rooms, rest rooms, and bedrooms in other places used by the public. Violators are guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than six months.
Senate Bill 689/House Bill 95 define “visual surveillance” to mean deliberate, surreptitious observation of another by any means, including direct sight surveillance, the use of mirrors, and the use of cameras. With certain exceptions, the bills broaden the application of a provision prohibiting the visual surveillance of a person in a private place by expanding the definition of “private place” to mean a dressing room, bedroom, or rest room in places of public use and accommodation.
Thank-you for addressing an issue that has troubled me since I first became aware of the cameras!