School's Use of Computer Cameras Raises Privacy Concerns and Possible Liability. SPIRIT Asset Protection President Michael Tabman says Crisis Prevention Planning is Critical to Averting Such Dangers.

    OVERLAND PARK, KS, February 24, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Michael Tabman, 24-year FBI veteran and former police officer, stresses the importance of identifying the potential impact and ramification of policies, procedures and operational decisions. In his new book, Walking the Corporate Beat: Police School for Business People, Tabman highlights how various crises during his 27 year law enforcement career could have been avoided through the application of very simple concepts.

The school district apparently had a plan to remotely enable the computer cameras to locate stolen computers. Although the intent may have been harmless, the consequences may not be. "First," Tabman pointed out, "we must recognize that we do not have all the facts and more information will emerge as this story unfolds. But, on the surface, secretly taking pictures of students in their homes does raise some troubling issues. Additionally, there are concerns with expectations of privacy, innocent third parties and who, if anybody gave consent." Federal and state laws regarding the monitoring and interception of electronic communication are always changing as the technology advances. Not only does the law change, but court decisions change how the laws are interpreted and applied.

The remote monitoring capabilities were supposedly limited to a single snapshot with no audio. However, a student is reported to have been confronted about possible drug dealing in his home. How the school could draw that conclusion based on one still photograph is questionable. Before the school administrator confronted the student, a red flag should have been raised that the scope of this procedure may be out of bounds. While the motive of the school district, supposedly to locate missing and stolen laptops seems innocent enough, perhaps this policy was not carefully thought out. This is a perfect example of how crisis prevention planning could have been employed. A team of individuals with working knowledge in this area may have identified the potential pitfalls. Legal counsel could have researched electronic interception laws, information technology personnel would advised of the controls necessary to avoid compromise and exploitation, security personnel with law enforcement experience may have been alert to wiretapping issues while media and communication experts may have foreseen the public reaction.

You cannot indefinitely "what if" every scenario and decision before implementing a course of action. But, there are methods for identifying potential risks, assessing risk and taking appropriate caution.

Tabman's company SPIRIT Asset Protection, LLC with offices in Kansas City, KS and Saint Louis, MO works with companies to prevent and manage crises. SPIRIT personnel include retired federal agents, a forensic psychologist, forensic auditors, information technology and media relations specialists. More information about SPIRIT's services and Walking the Corporate Beat: Police School for Business People may be found on the company website www.spiritllc.biz or call 913-499-0260.

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