Hi, everyone!

I'm sure it's already obvious, but I'm new here. I've been lurking around here, but finally mustered up enough energy to sign in. So, be patient with this newbie for now!

There's something that has been on my mind for a long time now - I wonder if airport bathrooms have security cameras? The ones I've gone in (both pre and post-security) didn't appear to have any cameras watching, but you never know (they have cameras that can fit in smoke detectors). I know this seems funny, but I called two different airports to ask - one said absolutely not, and the other said they had cameras monitoring the bathroom entrances.

What do you think? I know they definitely don't have them in the stalls, but how about the washing/mirror areas? I'd be pretty creeped out if there were cameras watching me there, but I guess it technically would make sense, in this post 9/11 world. Still, ew.

Thanks, and looking forward to hearing your answers!

-Andy

Don't know if they have them or not (I suspect not). But having them in the washing/mirror areas would definitely be a wise move. Has nothing to do with a 9/11 world but has everything to do with those buckets of human slime who prey on children. Many of those incidents occur inside of public restrooms.

At ATL the LEO's have been hanging out in the bathrooms. Initially it was because of luggage theft (seems that was happening a lot) but instead they've been busting lots of gay sex. The head of MARTA (Metro Atl Rapid Transit Authority) was one of those they caught.

(disclaimer: innocent until proven guilty, getting busted doesn't mean he actually did it)

I'm always leery people who worry too much about perverts. The idea of security cameras in bathrooms has never occurred to me.

A few years ago, perhaps I wouldn't have considered it as an option. And I'm not advocating placing security cameras inside of restrooms. I think we have way too much CCTV coverage as it is already. However, if I were to justify it for any one reason, I'd say child abduction/rape would be a pretty good one. Unfortunately, it wouldn't prevent such acts. However, it would give law enforcement some investigative leads if there were videotapes of when the child victim was last seen and WHO ELSE was seen with that child.

Otherwise, I agree with your sentiment that it's a sad world IF we have come down to this. (Again, I'm not sure that any airports have CCTV coverage INSIDE of restrooms.)

I was under the impression cameras in any area where there is an expectation of privacy is illegal. Bathrooms are #1 ( just got my own pun!). Airports, shopping malls, outside on the street, there is limited expectation of privacy, so cameras are legal. But bathrooms, changing areas, locker rooms, etc. are considered off limits to cameras.

welcome to ft andy1369. forget about bathroom security and start planning your next vacation. the rest will help clear your mind.

Welcome to FT. Let the addiction begin! It bothers me that they might have to resort to this. Perps probably think they are safe in commiting a crime in such a "safe" area for them. Where don't we have camera's today for Heaven's sake.

Well, if I have done nothing wrong I guess I have nothing to worry about.

Of course, if they install live webcams they could either sell ads or subscriptions, turning it inot a significant revenue source for the airports.

Never understimate the revenue generation plans of our politicians.

I think it's more likely you'll find someone's own hidden camera set up in the bathroom than the airport's.

Here, the smokers go hide in the bathroom post security and you can tell the moment you walk in (No smoking areas inside the airport). The only place where they can go and hide from other people and smoke indoors.

How about cameras on airplanes or in the airplane bathroom? Hmmmmm?

The child abduction risk is actually quite low--there's a whole industry devoted to scaring people about it but the actual number of stranger abductions is quite low. Most abductions are custodial issues and most missing children are simple runaways and not abductions.

However, if you're going to mount security cameras everywhere then you shouldn't omit the bathrooms as you will simply drive the criminals into whatever area doesn't have them.

I think they do serve a good purpose for catching luggage thieves. After all, you have to set down your baggage and look away to do your business.

They could never get away with webcams. Women are in there adjusting things and fixing things, if you know what I mean. I would think the ACLU would be all over that like flies on honey.

not to mention occasionally, um, washing up..

No it wouldn't.