What To Understand About Home Security Camera Laws In Hagerstown
You want the best security for your famiy, and know that surveillance cameras are an essential element. The mere presence of a camera perched on the side of your house is enough to frighten away many potential intruders. But are there legal restrictions on where you can put them and how you may use them? By and large, you don’t have anything to worry about, but there are a few things you need to know in regards to home security camera laws.
Reasonable Expectation Of Privacy Guidelines
Even though there aren’t designated federal home security camera laws, it is lawfully accepted that everyone has a reasonable expectation of privacy in specific places. To illustrate, you would expect bedrooms, locker rooms, and bathrooms to be private and not suitable for video recording. On the contrary, areas like the side or front of your residence are public and open to surveillance. Generally speaking, we don’t have a legal right to privacy in a public surrounding.
Where Do You Have Your Hagerstown Camera Pointed?
Another element to consider is how you aim your cameras. Even if you have a camera in a public area, like fixed to your home’s exterior, you can’t aim it toward a private area like your neighbor’s bathroom. Inside your own house, it’s wise to keep cameras out of bedrooms (especially those occupied by houseguests) and bathrooms.
While all states comply with the reasonable expectation of privacy guidelines, there may be additional laws regarding the placement and usage of video cameras. If you utilize surveillance in public places and for the purpose of security, you’ll be in compliance, but it’s always wise to know your state’s particular regulations.
Are You Allowed Record Audio From Surveillance Devices In Hagerstown?
The audio aspect of camera systems is not as straightforward as it largely depends on the state you live in. A federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) allows for audio recording of private exchanges as long as one party agrees. So, if you have a camera with audio capability at your residence and consent to recording a conversation, you are legally allowed to do so. Taking that into account, various states have exceeded the one-party consent requirement and now demand consent from two or all parties. Be sure you are aware of what is approved in your state.
Why Install Video Cameras At Your Hagerstown Residence?
You are legally allowed to operate cameras at your property, and there are excellent reasons for doing so. Burglars are much less inclined to perceive your home as a target if they see surveillance, as they don’t want to get caught on video. If a robbery does take place, your recording can be essential to the criminal investigation. But you may employ cameras for much more. You can observe your darling baby, watch over your pets, and get visual confirmation your kids are back from school.
Stay Protected With ADT Surveillance Systems In Hagerstown From Secure24 Alarm Systems
Choose the best surveillance systems in Hagerstown by turning to the experts at Secure24 Alarm Systems. We’re an Authorized ADT Dealer, and our technicians will make certain your devices are installed precisely and operate as expected. Give us a call today at (301) 288-1501 to arrange an appointment.