Public restrooms pose a unique security and health challenge: restroom privacy is required (security cameras and audio recording are not permitted) and yet that very privacy often leads to public restrooms being used for substance abuse and unpermitted vaping.
In one well-known news story, meth contamination forced three Colorado libraries to close in two months. In another example, bathrooms in Montgomery County, Maryland schools have been deemed some of the most dangerous places in the schools due to drug usage, vaping, violence, and vandalism.
Unfortunately, library restrooms and schools are not the only public spaces experiencing the kind of substance abuse that poses a health hazard to unsuspecting patrons. This kind of safety hazard can affect public restrooms everywhere – from convenience and retail stores to healthcare facilities.
Devices like the HALO Smart Sensor are designed to help facilities keep their buildings and bathrooms safe through Health, Safety, and Vaping detection while still protecting individual privacy.
Protects Privacy
There are always concerns about putting any type of security device in an area of expected privacy. Bathrooms, in particular, are an example of a public-use area where security devices are not implemented due to this concern. Unfortunately, with these secluded areas comes instances of unauthorized and potentially unsafe activities such as vaping, drug usage, loitering, and even assault, since perpetrators cannot be easily detected.
This is where Smart Sensor Devices (like HALO) come in. Smart sensor devices do not use video or audio recording as they monitor an area. The device simply monitors for chemicals (i.e., VAPE, THC) in the air and specific sounds (i.e., gunshot, raised voices). In this manner, there is no infringement on privacy since individuals are not being visually monitored, and yet alerts can be sent to appropriate authorities .
Vape and THC Detection
Public restrooms also tend to be a magnet for vaping and drug use, since they provide a sheltered, discreet space. This makes for an uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous situation for staff and visitors.
Smart Sensor Devices are a cost-effective solution for facilities to detect when vape or THC is being consumed in restrooms. By quickly identifying marijuana and other drugs being used in the restroom, alongside data tracking and analysis, facilities determine how best ti address the problem.
Note: the HALO Smart Sensor can even detect when someone is trying to hide their vaping activity, by spraying cologne or perfume or trying to cover the device. And, it sends a masking notification along with the alert.
Aggression Detection
Another challenge for public restrooms is the potential for aggression or violence.
Smart sensor devices detect loud sounds, like yelling and cries for help with spoken keyword detection. These devices therefore have been used in school restrooms not only to monitor and curb vaping in restrooms, but also to curb violence and bullying.
Motion and Occupancy Detection
Motion and occupancy detection can be used in bathrooms to identify if suspicious activity is being conducted. The HALO Smart Sensor has a variety of safety readings, including occupancy and people counting, as well as motion, or lack of motion. These sensor readings could be used to monitor loitering, unauthorized activity, or health emergencies.
Facilities of all types need and deserve to have safe public restrooms. Implementing security devices like the HALO Smart Sensor bridges the gap of having security monitoring in a public bathroom, without the need to record or take video.
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Content for this blog was provided by IPVideo, maker of HALO Smart Sensor. CM3 proudly deploys the HALO Smart Sensor.