Surveillance Cameras

Are you thinking about installing Hidden or Surveillance Cameras in your place of business? Many employers consider video and other surveillance key to keeping an honest and productive workplace. It keeps employees on the straight and narrow – no fingers in the till, no time clock funny business, no drinking or drugging on breaks. Many business owners and managers also record or review phone calls and emails from the office.

But employers must be careful not to go too far in their surveillance or they will risk being sued by an employee for an invasion of privacy under federal or state law. This article is an overview of the laws applicable to workplace surveillance – you should always talk to your own attorney to determine exactly what the law is in your state.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

There are several variables when considering video surveillance in your place of business. Your choices include visible traditional and dome surveillance cameras or hidden cameras, with or without audio. Each of the variables has potential legal implications. Visible surveillance cameras (not hidden in any way) are generally not illegal if they are in a non-private place.

If the camera records sound as well as video, you must comply with federal and state wiretapping and eavesdropping laws. You will need consent of one or all parties to any recorded conversation, depending on your jurisdiction.

Hidden cameras are a slightly different story. Video recording (without sound) is usually okay, even if the camera is hidden unless the person(s) being recorded has a reasonable expectation of privacy, the taping is done for some illegal purpose or there was trespass to record the video.

Courts across the country are finding with more and more frequency that no reasonable expectation of privacy exists with non-covert video surveillance or even with hidden surveillance if the physical space examined is a public space. Note that, if an employer uses union employees, the employer may be required to notify the union of its intention to use hidden cameras, but probably doesn’t have to disclose where the cameras will be installed.

There is a federal law which makes it a crime to secretly capture photo or video images of people in places and situations in which they have an expectation of privacy. Most states have followed suit. These laws are often referred to as “video voyeurism” statutes.

VIDEO VOYEURISM LAWS

As you can see, surveillance technology has advanced so much over recent years that excellent cameras can be completely hidden from view in a number of different ways. These Spy Cameras are a great tool for many employers but can also be used inappropriately. The federal government and most states have recently passed “video voyeurism” laws.

These laws make it a crime to secretly record or distribute images of people in places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms, dressing rooms, locker rooms, hotel rooms and tanning salons.

The federal law prohibits anyone from recording images of an individual’s “private areas” without consent when that individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Every state in the U.S. now has some legal prohibition of video voyeurism or invasion of privacy, except Iowa and Washington D.C. About half of these statutes actually make this kind of video recording a felony. Many have an even harsher punishment for distributing such videos.

You will need to check your home state’s particular laws as the courts from state to state may have differing opinions as to what types of places are expected to be private – bathroom and changing rooms may be “no-brainers” but some states’ courts have even decided that employee break rooms or lunch rooms are “private” for purposes of video surveillance.

OTHER SURVEILLANCE IN THE WORKPLACE

The monitoring of electronic communications such as telephone calls, voicemail, email and IMs is covered by the federal wiretapping and eavesdropping statute – the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. The ECPA does include several business use exceptions to allow employers to perform necessary investigations, protect trade secrets and keep an eye on inventory and receipts.

Under the federal law, the monitoring of things such as email and phone calls is allowed if either the sender or recipient consents or if it is done in the regular course of business. Employers can monitor only equipment which they own and do not have the right to monitor email hosted by a third party (like web-based email programs.

BEST PRACTICES

Whether they have a right to privacy at work or not, many employees find surveillance of any sort offensive. It is good practice for employees to be provided with written notification of the existence or possibility of any monitoring in the workplace – video, audio or otherwise.

Notices can be made a part of a written, distributed policy or a section in the employee handbook. Employees can even be asked to sign a consent to or acknowledgement of the monitoring. If you are cautious, ethical and respectful of your employees and of the law, video and other surveillance in the workplace can be a wonderful tool to keep your business running smoothly and profitably.

By: Sharon Macdonald

About the Author:

Many cities, businesses, and individuals have installed Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras for surveillance purposes. London in particular, has installed thousands of surveillance video cameras. New York City with more than 4000 video cameras in just Manhattan, has adopted many of the same strategies as London, and cities across the U.S. are on a comparable path. These cameras make many people feel safer, but this technology can make other people concerned with a perceived loss of privacy.

The investment required for a surveillance camera can be significant. Some of these cameras can cost up to $60,000 each, and that is before the cost for human resources to monitor the output is considered. J.P. Freeman, a security market analyst company, projects that the U.S. will annually invest 21 billion dollars in these systems by 2010. The market for CCTV systems in the U.S. increased by almost 700 percent from 1980 to 2000.

Do the experiences to date, show that surveillance cameras improve the public’s safety? Because of the political agendas in play, with the camera industry biased in favor and civil libertarian groups biased against, the answer is clouded with hyperbole.

For example, the headline from a news article about a study conducted by the University of California “Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society” (CITRIS) read “SF SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS DON’T STOP VIOLENT CRIME”. However, this CITRIS study found that the cameras were very effective in reducing property crimes within 100 feet of the cameras, resulting in a reduction of 24 percent, but that fact was buried in the news article.

The CITRUS study was very thorough and is frequently cited as evidence that surveillance cameras don’t work, even though the study found significant positive effects from the cameras. However, because those results may not be consistent with the agenda, those results are often not reported.

There is also bias from industry groups, since they make their money from selling cameras. The newest technology in camera surveillance is the use of computers to interpret the data. This is a kind of artificial intelligence that is called “video analytics”, and is potentially beneficial for efficient use of surveillance cameras, but this technology has sometimes been significantly oversold by the surveillance camera industry. This technology works best in less complex environments, such as a warehouse or loading dock that should be idle. Video analytics works much less well in busy environments like a crowd at a shopping mall.

“Some of the claims that are made are just ridiculous,” says Oliver Vellacott, CEO of IndigoVision, a British company that develops video analytics technology. “It’s important not to believe all the ridiculous hype and nonsense about what analytics can deliver.”

It has been demonstrated many times that camera recording can be used to solve crimes. The Chicago Police Department estimates that the web of cameras installed in their city has been an important tool, resulting in more than 1,200 arrests since 2006. The Dallas Police Department has reported more than 1,700 arrests in a similar period from their camera system. We have all seen the news reports about the 2005 London Terrorist bombings of the subways. Without the camera systems, where officials were able to track the movements of the perpetrators, it is very likely that it would have taken much longer to solve those crimes.

Surveillance works best when there is a system observing the camera output. But human time is expensive, and this is where video analytics can be important. If a computer can screen many cameras, and have the human review only the probable events, then a single human can monitor many more cameras. It is also more rewarding for the human not to watch camera output from eventless images. But we should keep our expectations realistic.

If we believed Hollywood, camera systems with this kind of artificial intelligence have almost mystical power. The truth is that it is very difficult for a computer to interpret many environments, at least with today’s level of technology. However, a computer system equipped with video analytics software, teamed with a skilled human, can effectively monitor many cameras.

Chicago has hired IBM to install camera systems with video analytic software. “That’s really going to just throw our camera network into hyperdrive,” said Kevin Smith, a spokesman with the Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC). “Ultimately I think what this software might be able to do is simply recognize suspicious behavior and alert our operations people and, at times, our crime detections specialists as to what it sees.” Chicago is installing surveillance cameras on all of their buses and subways to provide mobile eyes on the city. Once their mobile broadband system is in place, the data will be available in near real-time. Chicago is the world leader in the application of video analytics on this scale.

Surveillance cameras can be a deterrent to crime. In a study of convenience stores, CCTV surveillance showed impressive results. A sample of 81 stores were studied for 1 year before and and 1 year after the installation of CCTV camera surveillance systems. The rate of robbery decreased by 53 percent after the cameras were installed. The New York City Housing Authority estimates that the CCTV systems have reduced crime by 36% in their public housing. Baltimore (17%), Dallas (11%) and Philadelphia (37%) also report improvement in the rate of crime because of their downtown camera monitoring systems. However, not every city reports improvement. Washington D.C., for example, says that their cameras have proven ineffective. In a British study, of 14 British cities that utilized a CCTV system, the systems had little effect on crime in six of the cities.

The conclusion is that a successful camera surveillance program requires more than just installing hardware. An effective program comprehends that a camera that is not monitored, is a dumb piece of hardware, and the camera system will lack credibility. Dallas uses retired and light-duty officers for their camera monitors. Smart systems (video analytics) can make human monitoring much more efficient. Over time, as camera systems successfully address crime, the deterrence effect of the cameras will improve. This is the message from London and New York.

By: Brian Bradshaw

About the Author:

Using surveillance cameras for security around the home allows the homeowner to monitor what’s going on outside the home while remaining safely indoors. Cameras can be very effective in numerous ways. Many homeowners use them to complement their burglar alarms. The technology involved has taken major strides forward and the prices are within an affordable range. Having a DVR recording the activity around your property is an extremely comforting feeling being home and away.

The camera becomes part of the homeowner’s crime prevention/solving solution. Manufactures have responded to consumer demand with a variety of options. Surveillance cameras are so well disguised that a crook has no idea his movements are being monitored. Cameras can be disguised from sprinkler heads to alarm clock radios. The homeowner has two options for video camera connectivity, either wired or wireless. If camera set up has to great of a distance from DVR or for cosmetic reasons, then wireless is the way to go. Security cameras are great to use indoor as well as outdoors.

Fake security cameras are the solution to your inadequate security system. The fake cameras look exactly like real cameras. Good dummy cameras come equipped with a cable and a blinking light. Most criminals cannot tell the difference between a real and fake camera. Fake surveillance cameras are a cost effective of way of deterring criminals from your home, office, or business. Most people cannot afford a substantial amount of surveillance equipment. In some cases, with addition to the upfront cost of security equipment, you’re also faced with maintenance cost. Dummy cameras are the cost-effective solution to your problem of being an easy target.

Most criminals usually canvas an area before they strike. If they see a security camera outside the perimeter of your store or home, it will help in deterring them from committing a criminal act. They will take notice of the surveillance set up immediately.

The Internet revolution has had great progress in video surveillance. IP cameras are stand-alone devices that connect to your Ethernet or wireless network. An IP camera is connected to a network, allowing you to view its video feed from anywhere you are able to connect to the Internet. You can monitor multiple cameras at multiple locations from one remote site. Recordings are highly compressed for easier storage. Video security can be both a defense and a deterrent. If you are considering installing a video surveillance system for your company or your home, understanding how different video surveillance systems work is critical in your decision making process.

IP camera-based systems are the future of video surveillance. IP cameras are more expensive at this moment, but it is obviously a strong investment in superior quality and flexibility. As the surveillance technology of the future grows. IP camera-based video surveillance system is something that will continue to expand. New developments in surveillance systems are based on improving this technology. Therefore, you will be able to upgrade and improve IP camera based video surveillance systems for years to come while older systems will become obsolete.

By: Clay Wilson IV

About the Author:

Using surveillance cameras for security around the home allows the homeowner to monitor what’s going on outside the home while remaining safely indoors. Cameras can be very effective in numerous ways. Many homeowners use them to complement their burglar alarms. The technology involved has taken major strides forward and the prices are within an affordable range. Having a DVR recording the activity around your property is an extremely comforting feeling being home and away.

The camera becomes part of the homeowner’s crime prevention/solving solution. Manufactures have responded to consumer demand with a variety of options. Surveillance cameras are so well disguised that a crook has no idea his movements are being monitored. Cameras can be disguised from sprinkler heads to alarm clock radios. The homeowner has two options for video camera connectivity, either wired or wireless. If camera set up has to great of a distance from DVR or for cosmetic reasons, then wireless is the way to go. Security cameras are great to use indoor as well as outdoors.

Fake security cameras are the solution to your inadequate security system. The fake cameras look exactly like real cameras. Good dummy cameras come equipped with a cable and a blinking light. Most criminals cannot tell the difference between a real and fake camera. Fake surveillance cameras are a cost effective of way of deterring criminals from your home, office, or business. Most people cannot afford a substantial amount of surveillance equipment. In some cases, with addition to the upfront cost of security equipment, you’re also faced with maintenance cost. Dummy cameras are the cost-effective solution to your problem of being an easy target.

Most criminals usually canvas an area before they strike. If they see a security camera outside the perimeter of your store or home, it will help in deterring them from committing a criminal act. They will take notice of the surveillance set up immediately.

The Internet revolution has had great progress in video surveillance. IP cameras are stand-alone devices that connect to your Ethernet or wireless network. An IP camera is connected to a network, allowing you to view its video feed from anywhere you are able to connect to the Internet. You can monitor multiple cameras at multiple locations from one remote site. Recordings are highly compressed for easier storage. Video security can be both a defense and a deterrent. If you are considering installing a video surveillance system for your company or your home, understanding how different video surveillance systems work is critical in your decision making process.

IP camera-based systems are the future of video surveillance. IP cameras are more expensive at this moment, but it is obviously a strong investment in superior quality and flexibility. As the surveillance technology of the future grows. IP camera-based video surveillance system is something that will continue to expand. New developments in surveillance systems are based on improving this technology. Therefore, you will be able to upgrade and improve IP camera based video surveillance systems for years to come while older systems will become obsolete.

By: Clay Wilson IV

About the Author:

Surveillance cameras watching you are creepy enough. But when they start talking to you, you start having that twilight zone feeling. Now, they have surveillance cameras that convey the voices of law enforcement authorities over the ether. It is the latest development in surveillance technology and one that presents some interesting questions.

Wired For Sound

These new surveillance cameras are wired for sound. In effect, they give law enforcers the ability to broadcast to the areas being watched. These talking cameras are the latest advance in a field of technology that has grown by leaps and bounds. Surprisingly, a lot of people have embraced this development with an enthusiasm that alarms civil libertarians. And in fact, a lot of civil liberties groups have no problem protesting this new feature.

Such a group in Great Britain estimates that there are over 4 million surveillance countries in the country today. Anyone who lives in London or a large will be captured at least 300 times on any given day. Britain has even been called the surveillance capital of the world. It is in danger of relying too heavily on this technology.

Camera Evolution

Proponents have called the new surveillance cameras a natural progression from previous advances. They say that the paranoia of an overly intrusive system is unfounded. In fact, they propose that that the talking cameras actually reassure citizens because they know that there is a human presence behind the lens. Most of these cameras actually transmit prerecorded messages informing passersby that they are being monitored. These messages further state that any untoward behavior will be reported to the authorities. Other messages remind people to mind their valuables. Some have proposed that children should voice these messages so as to make them less menacing.

These messages can also be broadcast live in real time. The surveillance camera operators can speak directly to people while watching the monitors. They can broadcast spontaneous lines asking people to stop unacceptable behavior or even pick up litter. But civil liberties groups remain unimpressed. They think this type technology is over-hyped and that the new voice broadcasts do not do anything to help in crime prevention. They think it is merely useless gimmickry.

Just Another Day

Most people seem to take the disembodied voices in stride. Few people even take the time to stop and look for the source of the transmission. In fact, a lot of them enjoy the fact that it makes people aware that they are doing something wrong. They reason that discipline will be instilled in citizens if they are reminded.

Whether they are effective or not, these surveillance cameras are certainly revolutionary. It remains to be seen whether they can stop a bunch of rowdy teenagers from vandalizing public property. These cameras may even be the victim of such malicious pranks. But authorities are going to take that chance just to have their voices heard. They hope that a reminder of their vigilance will be the best deterrent to any criminal acts.

By: Nahshon Roberts

About the Author:

Many cities, businesses, and individuals have installed Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras for surveillance purposes. London in particular, has installed thousands of surveillance video cameras. New York City with more than 4000 video cameras in just Manhattan, has adopted many of the same strategies as London, and cities across the U.S. are on a comparable path. These cameras make many people feel safer, but this technology can make other people concerned with a perceived loss of privacy.

The investment required for a surveillance camera can be significant. Some of these cameras can cost up to $60,000 each, and that is before the cost for human resources to monitor the output is considered. J.P. Freeman, a security market analyst company, projects that the U.S. will annually invest 21 billion dollars in these systems by 2010. The market for CCTV systems in the U.S. increased by almost 700 percent from 1980 to 2000.

Do the experiences to date, show that surveillance cameras improve the public’s safety? Because of the political agendas in play, with the camera industry biased in favor and civil libertarian groups biased against, the answer is clouded with hyperbole.

For example, the headline from a news article about a study conducted by the University of California “Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society” (CITRIS) read “SF SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS DON’T STOP VIOLENT CRIME”. However, this CITRIS study found that the cameras were very effective in reducing property crimes within 100 feet of the cameras, resulting in a reduction of 24 percent, but that fact was buried in the news article.

The CITRUS study was very thorough and is frequently cited as evidence that surveillance cameras don’t work, even though the study found significant positive effects from the cameras. However, because those results may not be consistent with the agenda, those results are often not reported.

There is also bias from industry groups, since they make their money from selling cameras. The newest technology in camera surveillance is the use of computers to interpret the data. This is a kind of artificial intelligence that is called “video analytics”, and is potentially beneficial for efficient use of surveillance cameras, but this technology has sometimes been significantly oversold by the surveillance camera industry. This technology works best in less complex environments, such as a warehouse or loading dock that should be idle. Video analytics works much less well in busy environments like a crowd at a shopping mall.

“Some of the claims that are made are just ridiculous,” says Oliver Vellacott, CEO of IndigoVision, a British company that develops video analytics technology. “It’s important not to believe all the ridiculous hype and nonsense about what analytics can deliver.”

It has been demonstrated many times that camera recording can be used to solve crimes. The Chicago Police Department estimates that the web of cameras installed in their city has been an important tool, resulting in more than 1,200 arrests since 2006. The Dallas Police Department has reported more than 1,700 arrests in a similar period from their camera system. We have all seen the news reports about the 2005 London Terrorist bombings of the subways. Without the camera systems, where officials were able to track the movements of the perpetrators, it is very likely that it would have taken much longer to solve those crimes.

Surveillance works best when there is a system observing the camera output. But human time is expensive, and this is where video analytics can be important. If a computer can screen many cameras, and have the human review only the probable events, then a single human can monitor many more cameras. It is also more rewarding for the human not to watch camera output from eventless images. But we should keep our expectations realistic.

If we believed Hollywood, camera systems with this kind of artificial intelligence have almost mystical power. The truth is that it is very difficult for a computer to interpret many environments, at least with today’s level of technology. However, a computer system equipped with video analytics software, teamed with a skilled human, can effectively monitor many cameras.

Chicago has hired IBM to install camera systems with video analytic software. “That’s really going to just throw our camera network into hyperdrive,” said Kevin Smith, a spokesman with the Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC). “Ultimately I think what this software might be able to do is simply recognize suspicious behavior and alert our operations people and, at times, our crime detections specialists as to what it sees.” Chicago is installing surveillance cameras on all of their buses and subways to provide mobile eyes on the city. Once their mobile broadband system is in place, the data will be available in near real-time. Chicago is the world leader in the application of video analytics on this scale.

Surveillance cameras can be a deterrent to crime. In a study of convenience stores, CCTV surveillance showed impressive results. A sample of 81 stores were studied for 1 year before and and 1 year after the installation of CCTV camera surveillance systems. The rate of robbery decreased by 53 percent after the cameras were installed. The New York City Housing Authority estimates that the CCTV systems have reduced crime by 36% in their public housing. Baltimore (17%), Dallas (11%) and Philadelphia (37%) also report improvement in the rate of crime because of their downtown camera monitoring systems. However, not every city reports improvement. Washington D.C., for example, says that their cameras have proven ineffective. In a British study, of 14 British cities that utilized a CCTV system, the systems had little effect on crime in six of the cities.

The conclusion is that a successful camera surveillance program requires more than just installing hardware. An effective program comprehends that a camera that is not monitored, is a dumb piece of hardware, and the camera system will lack credibility. Dallas uses retired and light-duty officers for their camera monitors. Smart systems (video analytics) can make human monitoring much more efficient. Over time, as camera systems successfully address crime, the deterrence effect of the cameras will improve. This is the message from London and New York.

By: Brian Bradshaw

About the Author:

Each day in the city, you can see people go to schools, do their business, drive around traffic, and do what they need to do. Generally, these people are law abiding and want nothing more than to go on with life.

However, there are those who want to get their desires and accomplish their goals through unlawful means. These people are the robbers, kidnappers, and other law-breaking citizens who prowl around the streets. They are the ones who make the alleys, sidewalks, parks, and other public places unsafe.

That is why elements of law enforcement work double time to monitor and apprehend these criminals. They have a lot of ways to do this-having increased regular patrols, using high-tech gadgets, training for even better tactics, participating in dangerous stakeouts, and even resorting to trickery.

One of these ways is through passive observation. By passive observation, policemen monitor public areas without them being in the vicinity! They rely on monitoring equipment to observe and record any activity in that particular area.

How do they do this? Passive monitoring is usually done by surveillance cameras. These cameras can actually zoom in on minute details-a person’s face, identification cards, even hidden weapons if the conditions are right. More advanced models are even equipped with sensitive microphones that record conversations. Connected to a large database, images of people can be matched to get a positive ID on potential suspects.

However, there are many critics who abhor the use of surveillance cameras. And one of the more serious concerns is the invasion of a person’s privacy.

You see, the police department usually assigns personnel to watch live footage for standard monitoring. Now critics are worried that officers may zoom in on some unsuspecting person and act like peeping toms rather than police officers.

For example, some officers might focus their cameras on a woman’s bosom and private parts for enjoyment. They might focus the camera on a window of a nearby apartment building and spy on people’s private activities. For more high-tech CCTVs, the microphone might be used to eavesdrop on conversations they are not privy with.

To prevent this intention, police have placed special features in their surveillance cameras these instances. For example, in some cameras, the images black out when focused above the second story of a building. Or the standard microphone feature is disabled, effectively eliminating the chance for private conversations to be heard, unless there is an approval from a high-ranking officer who posses an access code.

Skeptics still believe that these cameras pose a risk to their private lives, violating the Fourth Amendment as written in the U.S. Constitution. But while there were indeed few instances of misuse, it can’t be denied that these cameras are extremely useful. Police officers assigned to monitor them are generally responsible and respectful. With these cameras, monitoring personnel can dispatch officers on the crime scene more quickly. And of course, the recordings can review the footage for evidence.

Clearly, the benefits outweigh the cons.

By: Steve Strong

About the Author:

Video surveillance security cameras and hidden cameras are becoming less expensive and affordable, so much that many people can afford to buy them for their small office, and home. Video and hidden cameras are specifically designed to give extra safety and security measures to the people and possessions they value most.

Employees and nannies can be checked upon, making sure nothing inappropriate happens at the office or home while you are away. Monitoring the kids from another part of the house is a convenient feature as is a camera in the parking lot of your business that warns you of any unexpected dangers that may await you outside.

There are basically two types of cameras, one being wireless and one wired. The wireless camera while being able to be called “wireless” still needs a power cable to supply to it. Having a battery operated camera is just nor cost effective. Wireless cameras just enable you to send the signal typically through 2.4 ghz waves without having to run an additional cable for video viewing or playback. Wired cameras cost less, but need a video cable run to supply it’s video feed. Then there are hidden or as they are sometimes called, “nanny cams”. These cameras can resemble a wall clock, a potted plant, a teddy bear, etc. You can recording without anyone knowing it. These cameras are wired and wireless also. They even come with a built in SD memory card reader for easy video viewing.

Let’s not forget fake security cameras. These are inexpensive look a likes without any of the internal hardware. They look just like the real thing and can make any possible intruder think twice about committing their intentions.

All the above mentioned cameras are available in Black or White lens, Color, and even 1080p High-Definition quality. Cameras can be programmed to count people, cars, and even follow people around if they cross a particular area. One of these types of cameras are called IP cameras. They are small computers with camera capabilities and so much more. Cameras can start at around $30 and run into the tens of thousands. Research your surroundings and figure out which camera system is best for you.

By: Santiago Morales

About the Author:

The average person looks at covert surveillance with his own biases. But in all intents and purposes, surveillance cameras have good points too, especially if you’re on the trail of a false hearted lover. But what is one man’s meat is poison for another.

Crackdowns on cheats, lovers, and ex-loves

Covert surveillance is a torment to cheating lovers and exes and professional cheats at the poker tables. On the other side of the fence, surveillance cameras are the answers to fervent prayers to catch cheats.

For the average Jane, the words surveillance cameras are thrilling – the need to know if her lover is being true or faithless is overwhelming and any spy ware available in the market is a tantalizing gadget.

Unless there is proof of infidelity, no sane man or woman will admit to it. It’s the big AHA! And poof, relationships are destroyed or re-established after repeated promises of good behavior.

Spying on spouses, legal?

But there are rules to follow in the spying game. Even if you’re on a personal mission, you have to be careful lest you be accused of invading one’s privacy. But is spying against one’s own husband, wife, or lover a crime?

There are many ways to spy on a partner, spouse, or co-habitant:

1. tapping telephones

2. accessing stored computer files

3. intercepting emails

4. stealing passwords to gain personal information

5. spying through surveillance cameras

If you are thinking of doing anything of the above, think twice. Depending on the degree of your spying, you may violate criminal laws, civil codes, and the common law. If you are going to use this proof of infidelity to blackmail or demean your spouse or partner and cause him or her undue stress and trauma, you are liable to answer in court for your careless action.

When not to snoop

When you suspect your live-in partner or husband is onto something and you don’t have surveillance cameras or don’t know a thing about spying, don’t do it on your own.

One woman hid under her husband’s SUV parked in the alleged girlfriend’s house. She fell asleep and unfortunately, someone let all the air of the wheels out and trapped the poor woman under the car.

If you can’t risk your partner’s ire and disgust, then don’t snoop. Snooping often leads to distrust and the eventual dissolution of a relationship. Again, if you can’t endure a break-up at this point in your relationship, don’t snoop.

Going beyond snooping is stalking with snooping. If you are going to the extent of trailing your spouse everyday and making those mysterious calls to his workplace just to make him miserable, be warned.

When to snoop

But still there are ways to get around the snooping issue. If your husband is behaving strangely and you suspect he is into drugs or other illegal activities, then snoop. It is for his sake that you are taking pains to know what is going on.

Get your surveillance cameras to do the snooping in the house when you’re not home. There is a perfect reason for the surveillance system. You can always say that home security is your number one priority. So there is no reason for any police officer to knock on your door and arrest you for spying on your own house.

By: Nahshon Roberts

About the Author:

The need to have video surveillance camera systems have increased almost everywhere due to heightened criminal activities. Theft, robbery, and murder are the main reasons why security cameras are being needed. In fact, places such as temples, museums, malls, and airport have installed surveillance cameras as they are possible target areas for terrorists. Knowing there are surveillance cameras installed gives people the sense of security.

Security cameras have proven their effectiveness time and time again as they are able to record incriminating video evidences that law enforcers can use in capturing and arresting criminals. Because of this, they are becoming more compulsory for business establishments as it not only keeps an eye on their staff but it also deters any chance of theft. This in turn enhances the safety of their employees as well as enhancing the productivity of their staff.

The benefits of having a security camera are numerous whether it is used for home security or for business. The ability to deter potential thieves, catch shoplifters, monitor cash registers, identify visitors, as well as increasing the security in and around your home and business area will reward you with a peace of mind.

Technology has advanced to such degree that the spy cameras that we have seen on movies in the past have now become a reality. Some security cameras have been designed to be small that they can be concealed in everyday objects such as toys and household appliances. This gives you the ability to keep an eye on household helpers and business helpers and get to know what they are doing while you are away. This camera can also be used to watch the nanny and kids to check if the nanny is mistreating your kids or if your kids are doing something obnoxious. Hidden cameras are becoming more of a compulsory for ATM machines and banks as they help in catching fraudulent people red handed.

Most intruders are deterred by video surveillance camera systems. They know that if they get caught on video that they could easily be tracked by law enforcers. This is why law enforcers are installing a lot of surveillance cameras on the street to be able to observe and track possible criminal activities. They are investing a huge sum of money on security systems because they know that this will help in keeping the populace safe and secure.

By: Jonathan Sparco

About the Author: