Video Surveillance and Surveillance Laws

The dependability and prevalence of video Surveillance Cameras has increased dramatically in the past decade. Numerous home and business owners have integrated video cameras into their Security Systems to ensure safety, crack down on regulations, and catch criminals in the act. Surveillance is considered covert when the cameras are hidden or aren’t identifiable. Security Cameras are largely legal in the United States, as long as it doesn’t directly infringe on a person’s fourth amendment right to privacy.

Uses of Covert Surveillance

"A picture is worth a thousand words." This saying rings true in court. According to a recent study, when a jury is presented with surveillance footage, it is twice as likely to convict as when not shown video surveillance evidence. The strategic placement of covert surveillance cameras aid in the detection and prosecution of vandalism, theft, child abuse, elder neglect, stalking, and harassment.

Some of the more common places to use covert camera surveillance are: Homes, Casinos, Police Stations, Nursing Homes, Construction Sites, Prisons, Hospitals and Retail Stores.

Monitoring the activities of nannies and household help with covert surveillance cameras is a growing trend. Due to recent advances in technology, cameras are now small enough to be hidden in many home items such as teddy bears, house plants, clocks, and wall paintings.

Surveillance Laws

Most camera surveillance is legal in the United States. The majority of surveillance laws concern the invasion of privacy with the use of covert video surveillance. The use of covert surveillance is particularly controversial in areas in which a high level of personal privacy is expected, such as: locker rooms, dressing rooms, bedrooms, and bathroom stalls. There are some general guidelines to follow to ensure the legality of your camera Surveillance System.

Covert surveillance is illegal when: Audio surveillance is also taking place, without the consent of those being monitored and the person being monitored by the video surveillance has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Covert surveillance may be illegal when: The video surveillance encourages an illegal activity and the subject under video surveillance has a right to counsel, as when being questioned by law authorities and the person in charge of the premises have not given permission for video surveillance.

If you opt to incorporate a covert video Surveillance System into your home or business, consult with a lawyer or your local law enforcement agency to ensure your compliance with local, state, and federal video surveillance laws.

Many independent studies in the United States and United Kingdom have suggested that video surveillance acts as a powerful deterrent, stopping crimes before they happen. Studies also show strong evidence that video surveillance systems can be an extremely effective tool in detection and prosecution.

About the Author:

Ralph Winn has over 35 years of education and experience in the security industry. Are you one of the many Americans who have begun to look into improving their Home Security? This is an important matter and the Home Security Store offers the best protection against burglary and vandalism.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ralph_Winn

 Now that you know the law about Security Cameras, there’s no longer a need to be afraid of hidden cameras for surveillance. 

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