'Secret' camera probe underway in Butte-Silver Bow health department

Source: The Montana Standard, ButteSept.迷你倉新蒲崗 04--Butte-Silver Bow County is investigating a claim that employees set up a hidden video camera in the health department -- possibly to photograph ghosts.Interim human resources director Penny McElroy told The Montana Standard Wednesday she is questioning health department employees about a camera secretly set up last month in the building at 25 W. Front St.Though the investigation is ongoing, McElroy said it appears two health department employees claim they were trying to capture "paranormal activity.""For now, it appears nothing was done maliciously or trying to capture employees on the camera," McElroy said.However, McElroy wanted to question more people. She didn't identify the people being questioned.She didn't know if the camera captured employees because she hasn't viewed the video.As of Wednesday, no employees have been suspended or fired.Health department director Dan Powers said Wednesday that he first learned about the camera incident on Friday, Aug. 23. He reported it to human resources the following Monday.He had no further comment because the matter rema迷你倉出租ns under investigation.McElroy said the camera and its video have been turned over to police.A trail camera, often used in the forest to observe wildlife because it's triggered by movement, was found in a little-used room, McElroy said. She said the room also isn't a regular office space.County Attorney Eileen Joyce confirmed a personnel investigation is ongoing at the health department concerning a hidden camera, but her office isn't involved in the probe."We don't believe there is a criminal offense," Joyce said.Under Montana law, Joyce said it's illegal to secretly record or observe people in places where there is an expectation of privacy. People aren't allowed to surreptitiously record people in places like a restroom, fitting room or any place where intimate bodily functions or partial nudity may occur.-- Reporter John Grant Emeigh may be reached via email at john.emeigh@lee.net or phone at 496-5511. Follow him at Twitter.com/@johnemeigh.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 The Montana Standard (Butte, Mont.) Visit The Montana Standard (Butte, Mont.) at .mtstandard.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉