The importance and benefits of using hidden cameras for security purposes is well known to all. However, the fact that they are “hidden”, thereby not letting people know the fact that they are being watched, makes the application of this technology a controversial issue. Some might even go as far to say that if people knew they were being monitored many crimes like shoplifting wouldn’t happen in the first place. Also, the fact that hidden cameras are sometimes used by miscreants to invade other people’s privacy doesn’t help matters either.
It is perhaps because of these reasons that laws related to hidden cameras aren’t very comprehensive and vary from state to state. So if you are planning on installing or using a hidden camera system in your home or workplace, then it would be wise to understand the laws relating to their use in your state so that you don’t face any legal problems or charges in the future when and if anyone discovers and/or takes offense to the truth that you were operating a hidden video surveillance system.
As it stands, the installation or operation of covert cameras is prohibited in only thirteen states of the United States of America. However, even in these thirteen states, the existing laws specifically prohibit the use or installation of surveillance equipment in those places where people reserve the right to expect a reasonable amount of privacy such as locker rooms, bathroom, bedrooms, dressing rooms etc.
In fact, in many states, footage of crime captured on tape via hidden camera is admissible in court as evidence! At the same time, it’s also true that in several states, prior consent from individuals being filmed isn’t even necessary, whereas in quite a few others, consent is obligatory, at least as far as letting people know that they are being watched is concerned.
Thus, from the above, it’s obvious that there is a lack of stringent and uniform laws covering the use and installation of hidden cameras. This is why it would be a prudent decision to educate yourself about the specific laws governing your region by consulting your local law enforcement agencies. You can also read up about the laws pertaining to secret surveillance in your area on the internet
And while we are on the topic of the legality of hidden cameras, another thing you should know in this regard is that it is considered illegal to record speech without the consent of all the parties involved in the states of Connecticut, California, Florida, Delaware, Illinois, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oregon and Maryland.
Thus to conclude, safeguard yourself against possible future legal costs by doing your homework well in advance with regard to what you are legally allowed to do with hidden cameras in your state and where you need the draw the line between necessary surveillance and invasion of privacy!
By: Eric Jensen
Posts Tagged ‘Crimes’
Hidden Camera Laws
April 17th, 2010Basic Classification of Law
January 21st, 2010These days when there are any flaws in our system or any failure in the operations; we react impulsively to such situations. So when we are quite alert to making others realize their responsibilities instantly, same should be the case with regard to our responsibilities. We also need to realize our responsibilities completely and be completely aware about the day to day scenario. With so many crimes taking place, it is the duty of every responsible citizen to have a complete know-how about the situation. With the scenario in the world totally changing, ignorance of the law cannot be any excuse for the commitment of a crime. Sometimes it just happens where in spite of our fair intentions we need to be completely aware so that we prevent ourselves from any fake intentions. Further when we have a better insight about the law and order we can even have a better knowledge about the rights and responsibilities. A better insight about the law of the law can serve as a handy tool in case of emergency situation, thus it will help you to make better decisions with regard to the situation you are dealing with. There are three major divisions of law and each of the below mentioned divisions is looked after by an attorney general.
First of all there are two classes i.e: Domestic and international laws.
Domestic laws are the laws which are applicable within the boundaries of our nation. The main objectives behind the enforcement of these laws are to ensure that the citizens of the concerned country are completely protected against violence. These laws contain the regulations which have provisions for punishing the people who violate against the law. Domestic laws are basically intended to safeguard the citizens.
International laws on the other hand are intended to establish and manage the relationship with the other countries. With the liberalization policy in 1991 there is more concentration been laid to govern the relationships with the other countries in a smooth manner. The major source of the international laws is the treaties, signed by the various nations and all these regulations bind the parties concerned with the different deals. » Read more: Basic Classification of Law
Gun Control Under Public Debate.Gun laws are clearly too lax
November 16th, 2009After the recent massacre at Virginia Tech, once again the mammoth issue of gun control has been brought up at full force. Many are highly upset that even after gun control laws have been enacted that the killer in the massacre was approved for a gun and purchased it in less than 30 minutes. Many have speculated that had there been much harsher guidelines in place, that the sale would not have been completed, and it could have potentially saved all of the lives that were tragically lost in the disaster.
The death toll from the massacre has risen to over 30 killed and more than 20 wounded. This is aside from the emotional damage that has been caused to the hundreds who are left grieving in the wake, and those who experienced first hand the trauma of the event. How can such events really be avoided? Is it possible to avoid such tragedy with firmer gun laws?
What about the programs that offer rewards in the form of video game systems, computers and even cash in exchange for turning guns into the police? Are these programs effective? In order to truly control guns, there has to be consensus around the country where everyone agrees that it is time for a change and the change occurs quickly, and without opposition. Gun laws are clearly too lax, and our country needs to take action to avoid scenes like those in Virginia from reoccurring.
The chances of something such as this happening are almost impossible. Neither side of the political arena can agree with the other side about what appropriate gun control is, and with many residents of the United States being avid hunters whom use riffles and shotguns on an almost daily basis, it makes it very difficult to control all of the actions and movements that occur.
Consider that many weapons used in crimes are illegally obtained; it makes it very difficult to determine how effective the stiffer gun laws would really be. With a new Presidential Primary due to start in the near future, it will seem as if there will be much heavy debate over how to control the flow of guns into the hands of those who are dangerous, or potentially dangerous.
Facts remain, that while the election is likely to focus on this issue, there is still the issue of preserving the Constitutional right to “bear arms” as long as it is done legally, and those who already have the weapons currently can potentially be just as dangerous as those looking to purchase the guns in the future. We are left with the task of trying to avoid the tragedy as much as possible.
Colorado stepped up to the plate with a swift action enacting much stiffer gun laws after the Columbine school massacre in which two teenage boys entered their school donning trench coats and heavy weapons leaving a wake of blood and fallen students in the path. Colorado decided to avoid future incidents and enact the tougher laws. It is suspected that Virginia will follow in this path. The fate of the country rests in the hands of those elected to the public offices to help determine exactly how far gun control should go, and how the changes should occur.
By: Aurolijos
