Bourbon City Hall Will Add Audio Surveillance
Visitors to Bourbon City Hall will be under audio surveillance after City Attorney Robert Davis cleared the way for installation Tuesday during a council meeting.
City hall is already under video surveillance and following a closed session November 20, the board voted to add audio.
It was put on hold while Davis checked the legality.
City Clerk Cathy Bremer had concerns about eavesdropping when residents come to city hall and divulge personal information.
Davis’ research found that there is no expectation of privacy at city hall. He reached out to the Missouri Municipal League for clarification and was told that city had lost a lawsuit after trying to forbid cameras being used at a police department.
“If it’s a common place, there is no expectation of privacy,” he said, relaying information received from MML.
To clarify, Davis will craft a policy that sets how long the city will maintain recordings.
The city also must inform visitors they are being recorded. Signs will be ordered.
It is unclear at this point when the audio will be installed.