WASHINGTON — VIDA Fitness is pausing plans to install surveillance cameras in men's locker rooms in order to give members a chance to have their concerns addressed.
The gym is facing allegations of invasion of privacy from some of its members after announcing plans to install surveillance cameras in some of its locker rooms. The gym says the cameras are necessary to prevent crime.
“We have an ongoing and serious theft problem in the men’s locker room, and we have found that putting cameras in the sink and walking areas... is the best way to deter theft,” said VIDA Fitness owner David von Storch in a text message to WUSA9.
Von Storch said cameras would not be installed in the locker bays or showers where men are changing, and there are no plans to install surveillance cameras in women’s locker rooms.
Michalea Brown, general manager of VIDA Fitness’s Logan Circle location, informed members of the installation of surveillance cameras Tuesday morning. A screenshot of the message was posted to Reddit.
“This is completely unacceptable and downright creepy,” one Redditor wrote. “Imagine if this email came from a man and talked about putting cameras in the women’s locker room for “safety and security purposes.”
“I can’t imagine any possible circumstance that necessitated this level of privacy invasion,” another wrote.
Von Storch said the video feed is not visible on any monitor in the club. Video would only be accessed when a theft has been reported. Only male members of management are allowed to review video under those circumstances in the presence of DC Police.
“We are very mindful about those who worry about their privacy,” von Storch said in his text thread to WUSA9. “We weigh those factors against the need to provide security and safety for our members.”
Von Storch said as a private facility, security cameras are allowed in locker rooms.
“Being filmed anywhere in the club is allowed," von Storch clarified in his text messages. "Do I think it’s an invasion of privacy? No. I don’t see how the set up I outlined above is an invasion of privacy."
The Vida owner confirmed to WUSA that the U Street location had cameras in the men's locker room before COVID but they were removed when the area was shut down during the pandemic.
According to D.C. law it is unlawful for a person to electronically record an individual who is “using a bathroom or restroom” or “totally or partially undressed or changing clothes” unless the person or business recording has “the express and informed consent of the individual being recorded.” But the law does not apply “where there are signs prominently displayed informing persons that the entire premises or designated portions of the premises are under surveillance.”
Von Storch told WUSA9, that the surveillance cameras in men's locker rooms were vetted by MPD and VIDA's legal counsel and "contains very specific information on protocols and where the cameras will be placed." But, he admitted communication of the new policy could have been handled better by the company.
"We have some repair work to do," von Storch said in his text.
The owner said cameras would only be installed in men’s locker rooms where theft has been a serious issue, which includes the Logan Circle and U Street locations.
Von Storch said members can cancel their membership without penalty if they are uncomfortable with the new policy.