By: Ralph Winn
The dependability and prevalence
of video surveillance cameras has increased dramatically in the past decade. Numerous home and
business owners have integrated video surveillance cameras into their security systems to ensure
safety, crack down on regulations, and catch criminals in the act. Video surveillance is considered
covert when the cameras are hidden or aren't identifiable. Video surveillance is 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 Video
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
video surveillance footage, it is twice as likely to convict as when not shown video surveillance
evidence. The strategic placement of covert video 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 video 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 video 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.
Video Surveillance Laws
Most video surveillance is legal
in the United States. The majority of video surveillance laws concern the invasion of privacy with
the use of covert video surveillance. The use of covert video 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 video surveillance system.
Covert video surveillance is
illegal when audio surveillance is also taking place, and if the it is done without the consent of
those being monitored and the person being monitored by the video surveillance has a reasonable
expectation of privacy.
Covert video 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.
Article source: http://www.articlecube.com/Article/Video-Surveillance/40096
