Next time you're in the bathroom at work or in some other public facility, consider that it's possible that you're being watched by video cameras.
Video surveillance in a bathroom is "inappropriate," according to guidelines from the Privacy Commissioner of Canada but according to a veteran security guard at a downtown complex, interviewed by Coolopolis, cameras could be pointed at the area that does not contain the toilet stalls.
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| Don't do anything too private in that public washroom |
According to the guard: "Cameras look at the toilet 'hall' usually. Not in the stalls. If it's a single toilet there's no camera, maybe one outside looking at the door. Incidentally those are usually the ones in the cases of toilet smooching. I've caught couples and hooker/client fucking multiple times," he writes.
Other points about the life of a downtown security guard, in his words:
You're more of a walking information kiosk. Sometimes shit hits the fan and you're suddenly a fireman, first responder or somewhat policeman though. You have to gauge if it is secure enough for yourself and your client to proceed with whatever situation that presents itself. Always remember that you're the eyes, ears and brain of the client while on site. You're not really (duh, no shit) a fireman, paramedic or policemen, simply an agent of the owner and everything you do is in his behalf. Most agents will be a simple walking radio with eyes and ears. Some though, mostly in high-value buildings, will be trained agents with extensive training in close intervention, fire prevention and advanced first aid. Usually those guys are easily identified by wearing 'the belt'' with Kevlar gloves, medical gloves, cuffs and a flashlight. Seems stupid but it means that the clients trusts its agents to pay for the liability those things will incur in case of an intervention. They consider you are worth the money, everything is about the money.
Interventions. Do I arrest this screwdriver-wielding hobo with my two or three fellow agents or do I contain him while waiting for police? Will police arrive soon or will I be waiting an hour? In the case of a theft the owner of the shop needs to himself press charges for us to arrest and summon police, which means that a wise agent won't go all-out for a simple theft. With experience you know you'll catch the guy, get him to cough up the stolen goods, go back to the shop and be told ''nah I'm not losing a day in court over this... hey but wait guys, why don't you arrest him? Guys? He's a criminal!'' Ugh.
Fire. Is it safe to attack with an extinguisher or do I need to evacuate this section/the whole building? It's more than ''just being safe'' as time is money and if the threat can be contained while it remains safe to continue with normal operations in the office towers you could be out of a job tommorrow for being the dumbass who evacuated thousands of people for nothing. But that's the job of the supervisor on site to assess and determine wether or not to proceed.
Cameras. Boring. Essential. Drink lots of water, better than coffee to stay sharp during the night.
Elevator smooching. Yes. Parking smooching, backstore smooching, office smooching, stairs smooching, hobo smooching, toilet smooching (ew).