| The dependability and prevalence of video | | | | surveillance laws concern the invasion of |
| surveillance cameras has increased | | | | privacy with the use of covert video |
| dramatically in the past decade. Numerous | | | | surveillance. The use of covert video |
| home and business owners have integrated | | | | surveillance is particularly controversial in |
| video surveillance cameras into their | | | | areas in which a high level of personal |
| security systems to ensure safety, crack down | | | | privacy is expected, such as: locker rooms, |
| on regulations, and catch criminals in the | | | | dressing rooms, bedrooms, and bathroom |
| act. Video surveillance is considered covert | | | | stalls. There are some general guidelines to |
| when the cameras are hidden or aren't | | | | follow to ensure the legality of your video |
| identifiable. Video surveillance is largely | | | | surveillance system. |
| legal in the United States, as long as it | | | | |
| doesn't directly infringe on a person's | | | | Covert video surveillance is illegal when: |
| fourth amendment right to privacy.Uses of | | | | Audio surveillance is also taking place, |
| Covert Video Surveillance"A picture is worth | | | | without the consent of those being monitored |
| a thousand words." This saying rings true in | | | | and the person being monitored by the video |
| court. According to a recent study, when a | | | | surveillance has a reasonable expectation of |
| jury is presented with video surveillance | | | | privacy.Covert video surveillance may be |
| footage, it is twice as likely to convict as | | | | illegal when: The video surveillance |
| when not shown video surveillance evidence. | | | | encourages an illegal activity and the |
| The strategic placement of covert video | | | | subject under video surveillance has a right |
| surveillance cameras aid in the detection and | | | | to counsel, as when being questioned by law |
| prosecution of vandalism, theft, child abuse, | | | | authorities and the person in charge of the |
| elder neglect, stalking, and harassment.Some | | | | premises have not given permission for video |
| of the more common places to use covert video | | | | surveillance.If you opt to incorporate a |
| surveillance are: Homes, Casinos, Police | | | | covert video surveillance system into your |
| Stations, Nursing Homes, Construction Sites, | | | | home or business, consult with a lawyer or |
| Prisons, Hospitals and Retail | | | | your local law enforcement agency to ensure |
| Stores.Monitoring the activities of nannies | | | | your compliance with local, state, and |
| and household help with covert video | | | | federal video surveillance laws.Many |
| surveillance cameras is a growing trend. Due | | | | independent studies in the United States and |
| to recent advances in technology, cameras are | | | | United Kingdom have suggested that video |
| now small enough to be hidden in many home | | | | surveillance acts as a powerful deterrent, |
| items such as teddy bears, house plants, | | | | stopping crimes before they happen. Studies |
| clocks, and wall paintings.Video Surveillance | | | | also show strong evidence that video |
| LawsMost video surveillance is legal in the | | | | surveillance systems can be an extremely |
| United States. The majority of video | | | | effective tool in detection and prosecution. |