[Histonet] surveillance cameras in the lab

[Thomas Jasper]

Well said Barry, and I have to agree with the comments posted by Joe
Nocito and Glen Dawson.  I think this is paranoia (will destroy ya)
driven behavior.  Someone commented that they were working in a high
crime area at one time (and then left).  I took this to be a security
justification for having these cameras.  Cameras aimed at technicians
working doesn't address that type of security in my book.  These days,
lab access, generally is by electronic key code and hospitals/medical
centers/research facilities have fairly extensive security personnel and
policies in place.  Also anyone that PETA has tried to harm away from
their lab is not made safer by cameras in the work place.  That's a
matter for local law enforcement.
Don't get me wrong, I'm interested in having a safe and secure work
environment.  Having four cameras trained on my staff or myself doesn't
make me feel safe and secure.  Someone mentioned employees napping,
well, why is that happening?  Supervisors, managers and administrators
that are worth their salt ought to be aware of these types of problems
without having a camera "tattle" for them.  I'm sorry, but a camera is
not a substitute for effective supervision.  I'm not excusing an
employee here.  I'm just saying this is not the answer.
I do feel this is an infringement on people's privacy to an extent.
Like Barry said, there's a trust issue here.  You don't trust people?
Maybe they shouldn't be working for you...and maybe you should never eat
in a restaurant again either.  I hate to say this but...I think some
people get a charge out of spying on others.  Why do I feel like some of
those TSA people at airports enjoy rummaging through luggage?  Same
thing...I realize we need airport security and I don't object to it when
travelling.  But cameras in the work place, the line should be drawn
somewhere.  The money and time could be much better spent as well.

Thomas Jasper HT (ASCP) BAS
Histology Supervisor
Central Oregon Regional Pathology Services
Bend, OR 97701
541/693-2677
tjasper <@t> copc.net

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rittman,
Barry R
Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 4:05 AM
To: Pathrm35 <@t> comcast.net; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] surveillance cameras in the lab

In my experience this type of situation occurs when a situation has
arisen and the administration does not know how to take care of it
directly.  If there is such a problem then the administration needs to
discuss this at least with the supervisors and preferably with all the
employees.
In a lab, there must be two way trust for a team to work.  Seems to me
that this trust has just been lost.
The question is also of what happens to any recordings. I can see many
abuses of such a system.
Barry

________________________________

From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of
Pathrm35 <@t> comcast.net
Sent: Mon 8/4/2008 5:21 AM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] surveillance cameras in the lab



I was wondering how many techs out there have cameras in their labs,
either for security or to monitor employees. I went to work Sunday night
and noticed that 4 cameras were installed in the lab over the weekend,
with more to come.
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