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December 11, 2023

What You Should Understand About Home Security Camera Laws In Elizabethtown

You want the best security for your home, and know that video cameras are a big part of it. Just the presence of a camera attached to your house is enough to scare off many trespassers. But are there legal restrictions on where you can put them and how to use them? By and large, there’s isn’t much to fret over, but there are a few things you need to know about home security camera laws.

General Guidelines For Reasonable Expectation Of Privacy

Although there aren’t designated federal home security camera laws, it is legally recognized that everyone has a reasonable expectation of privacy in specific areas. For example, you would expect video recording to be forbidden in private spots like bedrooms, bathrooms, and locker rooms. On the other hand, locations like the front or side of your property are public and subject to surveillance. As a general rule, people don’t have a lawful right to privacy in pubilc areas.

Where Is Your Elizabethtown Camera Aimed?

Another element to consider is how you position your cameras. Even if you have a camera in a public place, like fastened to the front of your house, you can’t aim it toward a private area like your neighbor’s bathroom. Within your own house, it’s wise to keep cameras away from bedrooms (particularly those occupied by visitors) and bathrooms.

While all states abide by the reasonable expectation of privacy guidelines, there could be additional laws in regards to the use of video cameras. If you utilize devices in public areas and for the explicit purpose of security, you shouldn’t have anything to fret over, but it’s always wise to know your state’s exact requirements.

Are You Permitted To Record Audio From Surveillance Systems In Elizabethtown?

The audio element of surveillance systems is trickier as it largely depends on where you live. A federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) authorizes recording audio of private conversations when at least one person approves. So, if you have an audio-enabled camera at your home and agree to recording conversations, you can legally do so. Taking that into account, many states have gone past the one-party consent law and now call for consent from multiple parties. Ensure you know what is approved in your state.

Why Utilize Cameras At Your Elizabethtown Residence?

You are legally permitted to install cameras at your property, and there are good reasons to do so. Vandals are not as likely to view your home as a target if they spot surveillance, as they don’t want to get caught on video. If a break-in does take place, your recording can be crucial to law enforcement’s investigation. But you are able to employ cameras for even more. You might monitor your darling newborn, check in on your four-legged friends, and get visual confirmation your kids are back from school.

Install ADT Surveillance Cameras In Elizabethtown From Secure24 Alarm Systems

Get the best surveillance cameras in Elizabethtown by reaching out to the specialists at Secure24 Alarm Systems. We’re an Authorized ADT Dealer, and our technicians will make sure your devices are installed precisely and run as planned. Call today at (270) 262-4315 to request an appointment.