I'd like to verify it myself. I received a Certificate in Private Investigation a year ago from the University of Washington. It was discussed in one of the class lectures on surveillance. As you may note, I didn't specify any particular hotel but I'm as curious as you are about it--when, where and under what circumstances it occurs. I guess we could run around the hotel room putting duct tape over any conceivable hiding place in case it's true. I'll check with my fellow PI classmates and licensed investigators (my former instructors). Anne -----Original Message----- From: Gary L. Grieme [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2005 10:48 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: A Non-Legal Response (Email and Other Surveillance) >>>> Please read the confidentiality statement below <<<< <Surveillance cameras apparently exist in hotel rooms hidden in overhead light fixtures, lamps, vents, etc.> In general I agree. Employers have valid reasons for surveillance and I would think attempting to change such laws here in the U.S. would encounter extreme resistance. Your statement about hotels surprises me though, can you verify it? Gary L. Grieme Records Manager Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. Minneapolis, MN 612-349-8538 [log in to unmask] >>> [log in to unmask] 5/18/2005 12:38:58 PM >>> There is no presumption of privacy with use of employer equipment including computers. Employee handbooks usually thoroughly cover what is legitimate use (or not) of equipment (and supplies). They are also very clear about what constitutes an ethics violation. Of course they are concerned about litigation arising from written communication ("shred those documents, the auditors are coming"; or "hey baby, how about...." and many other examples usually uncovered by computer forensics experts). I am not a lawyer but certain issues are common sense. Perhaps I am more sensitive to these issues and better informed because I work for a government agency. When staff occasionally say "I'll sue if my supervisor looks at my email" I refer them to the employee handbook or ask them to call the PA's office. What are they hiding? If all email are work-related (not personal) and don't contain anything illegal/criminal, LEWD or disrespectful, employees shouldn't be concerned if it is scrutinized. Of course, it is normal to wonder or object to routine monitoring of email which seems like you are being suspected of something. It is my impression there is "big brother" software that detects key words and only then is further investigation warranted. Now "big brother" on your personal home email is another story. I guess the only way to be safe is to disconnect your land line and get rid of your cell phone, throw out your computer (after obliterating all it's electronic contents), never send a letter, or appear where you can be observed. As for video surveillance, it exists in elevators at one major City building. Several years ago they filmed an employee relieving the City of several new computers still in the boxes. He was led away in handcuffs. Surveillance cameras apparently exist in hotel rooms hidden in overhead light fixtures, lamps, vents, etc. Supposedly it is to monitor the employees so they don't steal guests' belongings, or perhaps to see if they are working, taking a nap in the bed or taking a bubble bath. It also can monitor guests in the bathroom or bed and elsewhere and provide entertainment for the security staff. Think about that one. I once saw a poster that said "Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't really out to get you." Surveillance can be a curse or a blessing depending on your perspective. Have an interesting, safe and humorous day. Anne Records Analyst __________________________________________________ Information contained in this e-mail transmission is privileged, confidential and covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. Sections 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, do not read, distribute, or reproduce this transmission. If you have received this e-mail transmission in error, please notify us immediately of the error by return email and please delete the message from your system. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. http://www.rkmc.com __________________________________________________ List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance