What are the laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home security in Philadelphia?
Are you thinking about updating your home security with video surveillance but want to make sure you grasp the law regarding their usage? It’s sensible to verify if you’re in compliance, and reinforcing your home with another layer of security is a terrific idea. With that in mind, what are the laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home security? See what you need to know.
Keep the reasonable expectation of privacy in mind
One of the chief principles governing inside and outdoor surveillance cameras is the reasonable expectation of privacy. It has been legally documented that citizens have a right to privacy in various places. This reasonable expectation of privacy includes environments like locker rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Yet, it’s completely fine to record video in public spaces like outside your residence.
Don’t snoop and focus on home security in Philadelphia
While laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home utilization reinforce your right to install outside cameras, that doesn’t mean you should angle them toward your neighbor’s bathroom or bedroom windows. Always be mindful of how your video devices are positioned. When you have inside cameras, they should stay out of bathrooms and bedrooms, as friends and guests will expect privacy in those spaces.
It’s worth mentioning that state laws pertaining to surveillance equipment in public places will fluctuate. Even so, if you’re placing cameras at your home for the explicit basis of security, you won’t have anything to fret about.
What about audio recordings in Philadelphia?
Audio recordings from video cameras is not as clear-cut. Even though a federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) allows the recording of private interactions when just one party allows, state laws fluctuate. The majority of states follow the one-party consent stipulation, but many require all-party permission in some circumstances. Review the breakdown for each state. If you live in a state that permits single-party consent and are participating in the conversation, you may legally record without getting permission from the other individuals.
What are the leading possibilities for outside cameras in Philadelphia?
Surveillance systems have advanced noticeably in a short time. You now can select convenient wireless options and find valuable features like HD image quality, night vision, wide-angle views, and motion sensing. Some leading video cameras even have built-in crime deterrence. For example, some components frighten off prowlers by illuminating an LED light and initiating an alarm. This functionality is a smart way to defend against porch pirates and invasions.
Get a Vivint smart home with video surveillance
Enhance your property’s security and effectively deter burglary with a comprehensive security system from Vivint. We have some of the best video equipment in Philadelphia, including models with active deterrents. You’ll enjoy this extra security and the prompt notifications you receive if a device detects questionable movement. Contact us at (267) 493-0789 to explore everything we have to offer.