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As a business owner, the safety of your premises should always be a top concern. However, it’s also important to ensure that the security measures you take don’t make your patrons feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Before setting up security cameras around your property, review the following guide to find out how to comply with U.S. laws.

3 Points to Consider About U.S. Video Surveillance Laws

1. Know Where Security Cameras Are Prohibited

It’s important to determine where your customers or guests should not be filmed. The U.S. government provides a finite list of areas where people are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy. These include bathrooms, changing rooms, locker rooms, shower areas, bedrooms, and hotel rooms. Essentially, anywhere someone could be undressing or using the restroom should not be monitored without notifying them or receiving permission.

In some cases, such as elevators, you may be able to install cameras if you provide a notification, such as a clearly posted sign.

2. Have a Legitimate Reason for Surveillance

security cameraIn some cases, you may want to keep an eye on the employees you hire, such as after reports of theft or misconduct. However, if you’re simply suspicious, you need to have a legitimate reason for installing a security camera and conducting video surveillance. For example, cashier stations and product shelves can be legally monitored, but you may not have a lawful reason to install cameras in the employee breakroom.

3. Learn How You Can Use the Footage

Even if your video surveillance system follows the placement guidelines, the footage you gather should be kept private. If you think you have reason to show the footage to someone else—such as finding evidence of employee theft—you should first consult an attorney. If you recorded audio without informing the people being filmed or didn’t have a legitimate reason for recording, you may end up dealing with legal trouble. In any case, you should never make any footage public by posting it online or sending it over the internet.

 

If you believe your business could benefit from security cameras, get in touch with Action Security & Communications in Monroe County, NY. They cater to both residential and commercial clients, offering everything from alarm monitoring to access control systems. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust their team to provide sound guidance for your security efforts. To learn more about their services, visit the website or call (585) 232-1410.

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