Dundee’s Olympia swimming pool has moved to address concerns surrounding the use of CCTV in the centre’s changing rooms.
The Seagate pool features signage informing users of the presence of CCTV but a member of the public had contacted the operators with fears cameras placed on the roof of the changing room area could see into the cubicles.
Leisure & Culture Dundee (L&CD), which runs the pool, has updated the facility’s website detailing how “state-of-the-art” technology means footage from cubicles is “blocked from the time of recording” and only checked in the event of an incident.
Campaign organisation Big Brother Watch, which aims to protect the public’s privacy and civil liberties, had said the use of CCTV in the changing area was a “massive intrusion”, while numerous customers also objected.
There had also been concern unedited footage may exist but L&CD have confirmed that this is not the case.
A spokesperson said: “The cameras are there for public safety and have specialist software that blocks out the internal area of any nearby cubicles to protect privacy.
“The software set up blocks areas on the viewing screen which is built into the system and this cannot be altered by our staff. This type of system is the industry standard and follows best practice for CCTV operation.
“We can confirm that unedited footage does not exist and that cubicles are blocked at the time of recording.
“The cameras are used for the added safety and security of patrons and staff, the recorded footage can only be accessed by authorised senior members of staff and only in the event of an incident or crime investigation. The cameras have proved an invaluable resource in crime prevention and detection.
“This approach meets the expected industry standard for new facilities of this nature. CCTV is the recommended deterrent for crime and is the most reliable method of providing evidence in court for successful prosecutions.”
West End City Councillor Fraser Macpherson, who had received numerous complaints from constituents about the cameras, said he appreciated L&CD’s move to reassure its customers.
He said: “I am grateful for the comprehensive response I have received from the director of L&CD.
“It is really important that L&CD reassures all users of its facilities and answers any questions or concerns raised by its customers.
“It is clearly important that all appropriate steps are taken to stop any anti-social and inappropriate behaviour but equally customers do need reassured about their privacy and I recognise that the director of L&CD is seeking to do that.”
