What are the laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home security in South Bend?
Are you thinking about updating your home’s security with video cameras but want to ensure you grasp the law that governs their use? It’s smart to know if you’re compliant, and fortifying your home with an added layer of security is a great idea. So, what are the laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home security? Explore what you should know.
Keep the reasonable expectation of privacy in mind
One of the chief principles governing indoor and outdoor video cameras is the reasonable expectation of privacy. It has been legally established that individuals have a right to privacy in specific places. This reasonable expectation of privacy extends to areas like bathrooms, bedrooms, and locker rooms. However, it’s totally fine to have cameras in public areas like outside your property.
Avoid snooping and stay focused on home security in South Bend
Although laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home use reinforce your right to put up exterior cameras, that doesn’t mean you are able to aim them at your neighbor’s bathroom or bedroom windows. Always be careful of how your video devices are placed. Whenever you use indoor cameras, they should stay out of bedrooms and baths, as friends and guests will have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
It’s worth mentioning that state laws regarding video equipment in public areas may differ. However, if you’re placing cameras at your residence for the explicit reason of security, you won’t have anything to worry about.
Are audio recordings allowed in South Bend?
Audio recordings from video equipment is not as clear-cut. Despite the fact a federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) allows the recording of private conversations when one party consents, state laws differ. The preponderance of states adhere to the single-party consent stipulation, but many others demand all-party authorization in various circumstances. Review the breakdown for each state. If you live in a state that allows one-party consent and are taking part in the conversation, you can legally record without getting permission from the other participants.
What are the leading possibilities for exterior cameras in South Bend?
Video cameras have advanced noticeably in a short time. You can now opt for handy wireless versions and access valuable features like HD imaging, night vision, wide-angle views, and motion sensing. Some leading cameras even have built-in crime deterrence. To illustrate, some components frighten off trespassers by illuminating an LED light and triggering an alarm. This capability is a smart way to keep unwanted visitors away.
Get a Vivint smart home with surveillance cameras
Upgrade your home protection and effectively deter theft with a comprehensive home security system from Vivint. We offer some of the leading surveillance devices in South Bend, including options with active deterrents. You’ll appreciate this extra layer of security and the instant updates you get whenever a device perceives questionable behavior. Give us a call at (574) 601-4641 to discover what we have to offer.