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So do the cameras get you kinda paranoid?
By: Bardouv
About the Author:
Below the pool deck lies an equipment room. Myself, among others were able to gain access to the room through a door knob that is easy to pop open by twisting it and pushing down a certain way.
Apparently, they were trying to figure out who has been in there as the knob is broken, and claimed to install a hidden camera in there. Of course, out of many, I was the one who was caught. While I do realize my actions were wrong, I am trying to figure out if my rights have been violated.
I have had phone conversations and a face-to-face meeting with the property manager. They are attempting to get me to name names of others whom I knew were down there. I know faces, descriptions, and one first name. That’s it. I communicated exactly what I knew to them. They have been telling me before I even give them any information that if I provide them this information that the most they will do is ask me to leave. If I do not provide this information, they are threatening to take me to court for breaking and entering.
It is a very clear-cut either-or they are providing me. I feel that this is coercion since they are compelling me to act involuntarily with the use of threats (IE: calling the authorities to remove me from the property, taking me to court if I do not give them as much information as they want, etc). I have communicated to them that I would simply like to leave the community peacefully and see no reason that this should be taken to court. Still, they are going on a witch hunt and want names that I simply do not have.
Can they actually legally threaten me like that? Further, would the use of such a spy camera be considered legal?
I don’t know what to think. How likely is it that it would even go to court? I doubt they have the resources, time, or money it would take to pursue this, but it doesn’t hurt to prepare myself just in case. I am sure they don’t want the publicity.
What should I do, and is it coercion they are practicing?
Adding details: I told them what I knew regarding who was down there. I am a rather outgoing resident of the community who gets along well with other residents.
Speaking with others, they said the company probably is blowing smoke and trying to scare me (when they were saying I would have a felony and could face possible life in prison, I had a hard time taking them seriously) but I want to prepare for the worst.
All I want is to leave the complex peacefully without issue.
One more detail to add: the door simply is labeled Pool Equipment Room. It is not mentioned in my lease agreement. There are no signs posted telling anyone to stay out. The entrance is off of a public hallway.
Would someone with a true legal case actually attempt to coerce and threaten with bringing it to court?
It seems to me that when folks do that, they are blowing air. If I had a legal case against someone, I wouldn’t threaten them with a lawyer, I simply would have the appropriate papers drawn up and delivered for a court order.
Thus far, all I have from them is verbage in a meeting and telephone. No signed documents on letterhead.
They said they will show me the evidence tomorrow, but they want to have the maintenance staff present. Since maintenance are regular employees of the complex, can they even be involved? Isn’t that invading my privacy?