Texas parents concerned about bathroom cameras in park

Credit: NurPhoto

Credit: NurPhoto

Concerned parents are questioning why cameras were installed in a public restroom at a Texas park.

Patrick McGrath thought teenagers were joking about security video cameras mounted inside the bathrooms at the Springtown Park, until he saw them for himself, KDFW reported.

"To see who's going in is what they're trying to get after," he said, "so why put it in the bathroom?" McGrath told KDFW. "I'm not gonna bring my kids out here to use the bathroom.”

The cameras were approved and paid for by the city. Springtown Police Chief Tony Motley, who began serving at the department in August, said he had no idea the cameras were there.

“Anytime that you have public structure like this in a park that may not always be under observation," Motley said, "part of being safe and protecting public funds you want a higher level of security.”

Motley said the cameras were installed three years ago and are in a fixed position showing only a person walking in or out or the restroom. He says it does not show any of the stalls.

The only people authorized to see the recorded video from the cameras are Motley, his officers and the city secretary because she supervises the Parks Department. All of them go through background checks, KDFW reported.

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