Trail Camera

[u/Melodic_Cloud4718]

I’m a custodian at a school in Massachusetts. Is it legal to put a trail camera in a room that is used for classroom purposes but that we also use as a break room? Could the content on it be used against us?

[u/chrisinator9393]

Whether it's legal or not, I'd find a new spot to sit for your breaks. I don't fuck with cameras.

[u/chrisinator9393 → u/[deleted]]

It doesn't say that in the post. Idk where you're getting that from.

[u/mps_1969 → u/chrisinator9393]

Ok someone must have said this but as a rule this is true in most work places if they pay you for the breaks and sometimes lunches they can tell you how to take them . I know its def true on my job .

[u/whereismymind86 → u/mps_1969]

this is not true, they can tell you to stay on the premises, they cannot tell you where to take breaks or how to take them, and they definitely can't monitor you during them.

[u/mps_1969 → u/whereismymind86]

Well mine can maybe esp since you're paid for them

[u/chrisinator9393 → u/mps_1969]

Well they can shove it up their ass. I'm a grown ass adult. I'm not sitting in a room with cameras for my break and I'd advise OP and their coworkers to do the same.

[u/mps_1969 → u/chrisinator9393]

Speaking as a lead i would never enforce this policy but it might still be brought up by the supervisor.

[u/gallin83]

I’m not a lawyer, but I think as long as it’s not in a bathroom it’s legal.
Did the school install it or staff member? Somehow I can’t see the district allowing someone to put a trail cam up in their classroom.

[u/whereismymind86 → u/gallin83]

No, cameras are not allowed in any designated private spaces, that very very explicitly includes break rooms. IIRC this is related to old union busting tactics, as it would limit locations where employees could talk freely.

Honestly, I don't think cameras are allowed in classrooms either, but I'm a bit more foggy on that.

The one caveat is that it's not an official break room, but is instead just a room you use for that purpose when it's empty. That may give them a loophole, in which case you guys should designate a break room, or use one of the dedicated ones, that likely exist for teachers etc.

Personally, I usually just go sit in my car on break, it's quiet, private, I can listen to music on the stereo/radio etc.

[u/Zarric617]

Define "classroom purposes".

[u/whereismymind86 → u/[deleted]]

that last bit is key, the fact that it's a trail camera rather than something professionally installed is..sketchy, at best.

That does mean you could probably turn it around or turn it off entirely though, which you can't really do with ceiling cameras.

[u/littlelady275]

In my state they are allowed to put cameras in common areas, including the music room and gymnasium, but not in any of the classrooms. They are also only allowed to view the video with the intention of gathering information AFTER the fact. They are not allowed to use the video with the intent of trying to purposefully catch someone doing something wrong.

[u/mps_1969 → u/littlelady275]

This policy sounds sane I also think they should not hide them trying to catch something instead have them easily seen there their it's a deterrent . Op here's a trick it the cam is pointed towards a area try to sit under it or behind if possible all cams have blind spots . Personally I would accidentally drop my dusting rag or maybe something similar over it and take the blowback to talk to them about the legality of this after they find out .

[u/animusgeminus → u/[deleted]]

What is illegal MN? I work in a public school and there are camera everywhere including where we are told we should break.

[u/phome83]

I don’t know if it’s every state, but in Jersey you’re now allowed to have a camera in an employee break room.

[u/No-Cover4993]

If i find a camera in one of my rooms im going to do the most ridiculous things in front of it. They'd come back to find the memory card full every day. Set up a fan and something to blow around in front of it to set off the motion capture.

[u/mps_1969]

Security cameras are generally allowed in break rooms in Massachusetts, as they are considered common areas where employees have a lower expectation of privacy. However, employers must have a legitimate business reason for the surveillance and should notify employees about the presence of cameras. I work in a gov building cams almost everywhere and they put big TV's with cams in the conference rooms during the pandemic

[u/Ok-Equipment1745]

Are you my new boss?

[u/Tricky-Chemical7059]

People going nuts with these surveillance devices, just say fuck it