Massachusetts Surveillance laws

[Glennysoto2704]

My question is about laws regarding use of surveillance cameras in massachusetts domestic violence shelters. I ran into a situation with shelter staff which resulted in a written warning that I was asked to sign. I missed a group meeting and when asked why I simply said I have no excuse I don't remember what I was doing at the time. Staff proceeded to press the issue by stating that they ran surveillance tapes and found that I had pulled off in a taxi and even went as far as stating an exact time frame from the time I left to the time I returned and they wanted to know where it was that I went and why did I miss group. My concern is that the shelter, being my place of residence, should use those cameras for safety purposes and not to track resident whereabouts. I feel like my privacy was invaded and was wondering if what they did is illegal. Thank you.

 

[ShyCat]

I feel like my privacy was invaded and was wondering if what they did is illegal.

No, nothing illegal here. There is no expectation of privacy in public (e.g., getting into or out of a taxi cab).

My concern is that the shelter, being my place of residence, should use those cameras for safety purposes and not to track resident whereabouts.

Then move to a shelter more to your liking.

 

[Antigone*]

My question is about laws regarding use of surveillance cameras in massachusetts domestic violence shelters. I ran into a situation with shelter staff which resulted in a written warning that I was asked to sign. I missed a group meeting and when asked why I simply said I have no excuse I don't remember what I was doing at the time. Staff proceeded to press the issue by stating that they ran surveillance tapes and found that I had pulled off in a taxi and even went as far as stating an exact time frame from the time I left to the time I returned and they wanted to know where it was that I went and why did I miss group. My concern is that the shelter, being my place of residence, should use those cameras for safety purposes and not to track resident whereabouts. I feel like my privacy was invaded and was wondering if what they did is illegal. Thank you.

If you want privacy, move into your own home. The cameras were in a place where there is no expectation of privacy. Had you been going into a bathroom stall, my answer would be different.

 

[Hot Topic]

They're trying to help you, for heaven's sake, and you miss a meeting and can't recall why. A tad "fishy." No wonder why they "came down" on you.

 

[xylene]

Are you required to attend these meetings as a condition of your residency?

An alternate theory, perhaps they were concerned for your safety. I find it doubtful they are running tapes on every resident.

You should voice your concern with what happened to the facility supervisor.

There is nothing wrong with what happened legally, BUT I disagree with the attitude of the other posters.

Shelters, especially domestic violence shelters, under recognized best practices should be healing and transformative spaces of empowerment.

The workhouse / para-jail model of quasi-incarceration is a proven failure.