When I first found out about the remodeling and installation of the cameras in the restroom I was a bit surprised, I really didn’t know how to feel. I felt like I was being watched in a way. I felt like people would always know if I was in the bathroom. After talking to El Dorado School District Superintendent Jim Tucker and using the restrooms I feel a lot safer using them.

The El Dorado High School recently installed cameras in the restroom and many students have very mixed opinions about them. The cameras were installed to stop students from doing things that are against school regulations.

 Tucker says, “…Everything happens in a bathroom that’s not supposed to and it’s always been that way. Fights, drug deals, people meeting their boyfriend/girlfriend, and skipping class. So I was trying to think; ‘How can we make the restrooms a safer place?’”

The cameras have already been working as I have noticed a lot of changes myself. When I used to go to the restroom it would take me a while to use it because there would be a lot of people just standing around talking. It was hard to get through the group to get to the stall. This issue has calmed down since the remodeling and installation of cameras.

But what about the footage? Are we constantly being watched? No we aren’t. Like many people, I was worried about this also. Admin only checks the cameras when they see something or hear about something that is not supposed to be going on. We are not constantly being watched nor can  you even see who is in each stall now.  In the past when I would use the restroom, people could see my shoes and when I was in there, they would come yelling my name and try talking to me through the stall. I now have a moment to myself, I can use the restroom in privacy.

 Tucker said, “There’s only a couple of people that can see it (the camera footage) but we don’t just sit there and watch it… but if we hear of something going down or someone walks by and sees something going on through the window then we’ll check the camera.”

Even though I was hesitant at the cameras at first, the cameras and remodeling have made the restrooms a safer environment. I feel a lot more comfortable using them now. I even now no longer wait till I get home to use them.