How Video Surveillance Laws By State Are Changing Across the United States

The United States has seen a drastic spike in the use of video surveillance systems, with a number of states enacting legislation to either regulate or restrict the use of such systems. This has led to a period of dramatic change in video surveillance laws across the country. From the expansion of public surveillance camera networks to the introduction of new privacy laws, the legal landscape surrounding video surveillance is in a constant state of flux.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how video surveillance laws by state are changing and what these changes mean for businesses, citizens, and the nation as a whole.

What is Video Surveillance Law?

Video surveillance law is in place to protect citizens from being recorded without their knowledge or consent. Hidden cameras and video surveillance cameras are being used more and more in public places, so it is important to understand the laws in place, and what they mean for you.

Video surveillance law states that it is illegal to record someone without their consent in any public or private place. This means that any hidden cameras or video surveillance cameras must be clearly marked, with a sign that is visible to the public and visitors. In addition, any video recording or footage must be kept secure and only used for the purpose it was intended for.

The use of video surveillance cameras and hidden cameras is growing rapidly, and it is important to ensure that they are used in accordance with applicable law. Video surveillance law also sets out guidelines on how long recordings must be retained, and how they must be destroyed in a secure manner.

It is important to remember that video surveillance cameras and hidden cameras are not a substitute for security personnel, and are not meant to replace human judgment. They should be used responsibly and in accordance with the law. By understanding video surveillance law, you can ensure that your privacy is protected and your rights are respected.

Video Surveillance Laws by State – How do the Laws Vary from State to State?

Every state varies in how its laws regarding video surveillance are enforced, while some states do not even have any laws at all. Read below to help understand how video security cameras are regulated in your state. 

Disclaimer:

The information provided in the article “Video Surveillance Laws by State – How do the Laws Vary from State to State?” is for informational purposes only. The article is not intended to be legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a lawyer in your area. The laws discussed in the article may have changed since its publication. Readers should consult with their local government to determine the most up-to-date laws regarding video surveillance in your area.

Alabama: In Alabama, it is illegal to record audio without the consent of the persons being recorded.

Alaska: In Alaska,  there are no laws that specifically address video surveillance.

Arizona: In Arizona, video surveillance is not illegal, but surveillance must be limited to areas where there is no expectation of privacy.

Arkansas: In Arkansas, video surveillance is not illegal, but a person must be notified if they are being monitored.

California: In California, video surveillance is not illegal, but it is recommended that the cameras are placed in areas where there is no expectation of privacy.

Colorado: In Colorado,  video surveillance is not illegal, but a person must be notified if they are being monitored.

Connecticut: In Connecticut, video surveillance is not illegal, but there are specific laws that regulate the use of video surveillance.

Delaware: In Delaware, video surveillance is not illegal, but there are specific laws that regulate the use of video surveillance.  These laws require that the surveillance is reasonable and not overly intrusive.

Florida: In Florida, video surveillance is not illegal, but there are specific laws that regulate the use of video surveillance. These laws require that the surveillance is reasonable and not overly intrusive.  The notice must also be given to any person being monitored. 

For the complete privacy laws in the US. Read the article here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privacy_laws_of_the_United_States

Video Surveillance Systems – Is it legal to Have a Video Surveillance System in Your Business?

Any number of devices could be combined to create a security system. You can use surveillance cameras, for example, to deter crime and monitor the movements of visitors to your property. Security cameras act as a deterrent in several ways. Is it legal to have it in your business? A big yes.

If you’re looking to upgrade the security camera system in your business, you may want to consider the following options.

Motion detection: Motion detection is one of those features that almost everyone who has tested a security system has utilized at some point. With motion detection, a camera will only record footage when it detects that someone or something has moved in a few specific directions. This feature can save you a lot of footage in an area that’s not monitored frequently.

Remote viewing: Sometimes, you want to know what your home security camera is seeing even if you’re not in the immediate vicinity. Fortunately, a remote access feature can help you out. This helpful feature allows you to control the direction, zoom, and pan that your camera sees from a remote location. Remote access features can come in handy if you need to capture a scene from a distance or if you want to zoom in on a particular spot to see what’s going on in your place of business.

Multiple cameras: Installing multiple home security cameras at your place of business can help put you at ease by allowing you to monitor your entire property. If you’re having trouble deciding how many cameras to install, you can use your home as a starting point. You should plan to spend about one camera for every 300 square feet of space.

Outdoor cameras: Of course, a security camera system doesn’t have to remain indoors. Since a security camera can help you keep an eye on your property when you’re not there, you may want to consider installing an outdoor surveillance camera. These cameras are designed to withstand outdoor elements including sleet and snow.

Night vision: Night vision cameras can help you keep a close eye on your business even at night. Night vision cameras can also be great for security purposes. If your business is located within the shadows of tall buildings or bushes, being able to see at night could be a life saver.

Hidden cameras: It’s easy to place hidden cameras in areas not easily visible to the human eye. For example, you can place a hidden camera inside the medicine cabinet to capture footage in the event of a break-in. You can also place a hidden camera underneath a rug or behind framed artwork. Hiding a camera in plain sight can be effective in deterring would-be criminals.

One Party Consent – Does one Party Need to Consent to Video Surveillance in a Private Setting?

This question requires an examination of the legal aspects of Video Surveillance within a Private Setting, as well as the Technology of Surveillance.

It is a breach of someone’s (the perpetrator’s) privacy rights to record or observe them in a private setting without permission. Otherwise, police are able to record video and audio in a public setting.

This law changes however, when a private investigator is granted consent, this changes the legal relationship between parties allowing the Video Surveillance to be legal.  The technology of Video Surveillance has advanced to the point where it can be used for a variety of purposes. This includes monitoring employees (with consent) in a work setting, catching criminals in public and private settings, as well as providing home security.

In summary,  one Party (the party with consent) is required to consent to Video Surveillance in a Private Setting. However, a private investigator may be granted permission to use Video Surveillance in certain settings. Lastly, Video Surveillance has various uses, including employee monitoring, crime detection, and home security.

National Labor Relations Act – What are the implications of the NLRA when it Comes to Video Surveillance?

A common misconception is that if employers monitor their employees on the job, the employees are legally protected against being monitored. This is simply not true.

This misconception can also extend to video surveillance systems.

Here are the facts:

Employees still have the right to record and listen within their workplaces when they aren’t using equipment or resources to perform their job duties.
Employers need to allow off-duty employees, and even contractors, into their facilities to be able to record and listen to conversations there.

While employers can monitor work-related conversations on their property, they can not access these videos unless the conversations were recorded while the employee was actually on the job or using resources from their work at the facility.

Many video and audiovisual monitoring systems include power supplies, storage,( see also local vs cloud storage) cabling, and workstations. All are considered property, and employers cannot restrict employees from recording on or accessing these systems.
Employees are also protected if they share audio or video with co-workers that they are not using for their work. 

Employers should, however, be aware that the privacy of all parties must be respected, and that employers may be held liable if conversations with employees or other individuals are recorded without their consent.
Any recordings of conversations should be kept confidential, and should not be used in any way that could be considered discriminatory or harassing. 

Recording Audio – What are the Requirements for Recording Audio Under Video Surveillance Laws?

In an industry of customized solutions, a lot of Security Companies market their equipment and solutions based on function and features, but not everybody realizes that there is much more detail related to legalities involved. In fact, system owners can get into very hot water with video equipment used for legal surveillance if they fail to follow the appropriate laws.

For most people, recording audio within video systems is simple: just turn it on, record audio and video, and disconnect. However, not all jurisdictions and laws have the same requirements.

What you need to know is that in order to place a lawfully recorded audio trail on law enforcement during an investigation, you need to obtain consent from the recorded subject – this may be required by law, or you may simply choose to obtain consent for legal, ethical, or other reasons.

Additionally, you may wish to use third-party audio, either through a separate microphone or included on your video recorder. (see how to connect dvr and nvr to the internet)Lawfully using third-party audio requires that the third party be identified on the video recording.

You should also be cognizant of the microphone you choose to use. Microphones used for intrading noise may be equipped with noise reduction circuitry, which may reduce the audio recorded.

Once you know what you’re legally required to do, you’ll have a better understanding of best practices related to your video recording. Knowing more about best practices will help you to avoid legal repercussions down the road, and you’ll never hear the phrase, “They never said a word.”

How To Remain Compliant with Video Surveillance Laws in the United States

Before purchasing a smart video surveillance system, make sure that your area or region doesn’t have any laws on the books that could prohibit its use. In many areas, there are specific regulations in place that dictate the use of video surveillance devices. For example, if you live in the heart of the South, you may have run into a Confederate flag that was draped in an intimidating manner that frightened you.

A smart video surveillance system can help overcome this fear. However, you may not have a key to put this system in place without violating local laws.

To make sure there are no laws on the books in your area, consult a lawyer that specializes in home care and healthcare options. The lawyer should be able to tell you whether or not your system can be used legally.  In addition to understanding video surveillance laws in the United States, there are a few best practices you should follow in order to remain compliant. When installing and using a smart video surveillance system on your own, be sure to clearly communicate and inform those who will be recorded. Inform them that they are being recorded, why they are being recorded, and how the recordings will be used. You should also keep an eye out for any relevant local, state, and federal laws that may affect the use of your surveillance system.

If you are concerned about the privacy of the people recorded by your smart video surveillance system, it may be wise to consider using a third-party service to store your footage.

Understanding the Use of Hidden Cameras and Video Surveillance Cameras in the US

A smart home technology video surveillance system is a great addition to any property. Unfortunately, many homeowners go into a smart home video surveillance system purchase with the worst intentions, as they feel they are being intrusive or are using the system illegally.

However, there is a fundamental reason that smart home video surveillance cameras have become so popular. The four major reasons homeowners have implemented surveillance are to protect and improve the safety of their home or their family (some 61% said so) 25% have installed a surveillance camera to deter crime (29%) and 19% saw value in having recorded video in the case of emergency, like a burglary. 

In the United States, the laws governing the use of hidden cameras and video surveillance cameras vary from state to state. In general, the majority of states allow the use of hidden cameras in public and private places if such recordings are used solely for security or safety purposes. A few states have more restrictions on the use of surveillance cameras, but generally, the laws are not too strict.

Homeowners should be sure to check their local laws and regulations to ensure that their privacy and the privacy of their family and property are respected. Additionally, homeowners should be sure to stress to their family members the importance of respecting any surveillance technology that is installed in the home. 

Examining the Difference between Reasonable Expectation of Privacy and Hidden Video Surveillance

Cybercrime and hacking is a major concern among votes, consumers, and lawmakers. With news of verisign being breached and information such as social security numbers or credit card information could easily fall into the wrong hands, knowing what to do to protect oneself from a breach is vitally important. In the meantime, here’s some information to help consumers understand that not all privacy breaches are the result of nefarious hacker activity.

By federal law, consumers are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy and the physical location of their goods. A hidden camera is considered a personal property so if someone broke into your home and stole a camera, you could expect to seek restitution. With that said, suppose the owner of your practice kept cameras in your waiting room and an office. If someone hacked those cameras and stole your health information, could you sue?

While the camera in the bathroom of a child daycare (see also the importance of video surveillance in childcare centers) could be considered a personal property, if you took video of a baby in a changing station, it isn’t so simple. Courts typically rule that children in an unsupervised facility, such as a child daycare, have limited expectations of privacy just as they have limited control of that situation. If the daycare employees saw the content of the video, the breach of privacy would be measured by the employees.

If you had hidden cameras in your office, it’s entirely reasonable to expect full privacy of video taken within the scope of those cameras. The same thing is true of a guard standing at the front door of your business.

Since the video is taken on private property, they footage would be your property as well. For instance, if you had hidden cameras in your lobby, anyone who broke into your office could expect to forfeit the cameras and video. Likewise, the video would be considered property of the business, so it would be theirs to confiscate.

When looking for hidden video security systems, keep the previous information in mind and never assume that intrusion on a security system actually means the intrusion of your business or private information.

Are Private Citizens Allowed to Use Video Surveillance Systems without Party Consent?

Both Texas and California consider video surveillance systems (such as IP Cameras, video cameras, etc.) to be recording devices. As such, private citizens are acceptable to install and use video surveillance systems (see also wired vs wireless video surveillance) without party consent, so long as all laws are followed.

In Texas, private citizens can install video surveillance systems beyond what most average homeowners would consider suitable for protection from harm or crime. It’s common for average homeowners in Texas to have two or three IP cameras installed around the perimeter of their property for monitoring and/or surveillance.

Thus, private citizens in Texas are allowed to use video surveillance systems effectively to protect themselves.

In 2018 alone, Texas reported 105,840 violent and drug-related crimes. On top of this, Texas also reported 726,775 property crimes.

It’s no surprise that many Texas homeowners need video surveillance systems to protect their property and defend their homes against the reported crime numbers in Texas.
In California, it’s permissible for private citizens to install video surveillance systems without first obtaining party consent so long as not one party is under 18 years of age and the party using the video surveillance system does not record data or film others without prior consent.

Since California’s laws treat video surveillance systems the same as surveillance cameras (which are considered recording devices in California), it’s easy to see why the laws are such a gray area on the matter of video surveillance systems.

Some Important Reasons to Have Your Alarms Monitored

In many homes, retail standalone smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are standard. Unfortunately, these standalone devices provide very minimal protection, and, according to national statistics, when they are present, nearly half of them are not in working order.

Monitored Fire and CO alarms elevate fire, smoke, and CO protection by having the systems connected to a Central Monitoring Station. Rather than just sound in an emergency (when working), a Central Monitoring Station is immediately alerted to any problems and initiates the appropriate resolution.

Here’s how professional alarm monitoring makes a difference:

There is a 24-7 Response Time in the event of an emergency. If the smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarm, or other alarm system is activated, a trained operator is immediately notified. The operator can then notify the local fire department or other emergency services. 

Peace of Mind, knowing that in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide emergency, professional help is on the way 24/7. Knowing that help is on its way can be comforting during a frightening and dangerous situation.

Maintenance of the system is also improved. The Central Monitoring Station will monitor the functionality of the system and alert both building occupants and authorities in the event of an equipment failure or failure to respond. 

Conclusion

Video surveillance laws in the United States are changing rapidly due to technological advancements and the need for increased security. It is important to stay updated on these changes to ensure that the security of your business or home is up-to-date and compliant with the state’s laws. If you are looking for a reliable and secure video surveillance system in Maryland, then Go Safer Security is a perfect choice. With years of experience in the industry, they offer reliable and cost-effective video surveillance solutions. With their state-of-the-art technology and top-notch customer service, they can provide you with the security you need.