Carter County commissioners weigh office cameras, panic-button access and privacy controls

Carter County commissioners discussed a proposal to install security cameras in courthouse offices and how to limit access so recordings are viewed only for incidents or legal reasons.

The chair said commissioners wanted to avoid routine scrutiny of employees and suggested restricting access so footage is viewed only when a panic button is pushed or for a legal incident. Tori, the vendor presenting technical options, described configurations that would keep cameras recording continuously while restricting who can view live feeds and archived footage. “So we just make it so that they record 24 7,” Tori said, adding that the system can be configured so most staff cannot view interior office cameras and audit logs would show who accessed footage.

Tori said the county’s IT contractor (DIS) could serve as the system administrator or the county could limit viewing so only specific roles or law enforcement have access in emergency situations. She also described privacy tools: labeling cables so individual cameras can be unplugged, and placing a “black privacy square” over screen areas to prevent sensitive computer displays from being recorded.

Commissioner Dan asked whether other counties had adopted formal policies. Tori replied that DIS has worked with other counties and could share guidelines; she offered to provide sample policy language and an email for commissioners to share with staff that explains the safety rationale and privacy safeguards. The commissioners said they would consult the county HR office and the district court judge to clarify courtroom camera needs and protections for minors and sensitive proceedings.

The group agreed not to rush a decision. The commissioners said they were not ready to commit before their next meeting on Dec. 8 and requested written guidance. Tori said she would follow up by email with (1) sample staff-facing language explaining how panic-button activation works and (2) responses to attorneys’ privacy questions. That follow-up will form the basis for any formal policy or ordinance the commission later considers.