What You Need To Know About Home Security Camera Laws In Salem

You want the best security for your home, and know that surveillance systems are an essential element. Even the sight of a camera attached to the front of your house is enough to frighten away many trespassers. But are there legal limitations as to where you may install them and how they may be used? For the most part, there’s isn’t much to fret over, but there are a few things you ought to know about home security camera laws.

A Quick Note On Reasonable Expectation Of Privacy

Although there are no particular home security camera laws from a federal perspective, it is lawfully recognized that all people have a reasonable expectation of privacy in specific places. To illustrate, you would expect video recording to be forbidden in private spots like locker rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Conversely, areas such as the side or front of your property are public and open to video recording. Generally speaking, we don’t have a right to privacy in a public area.

Where Do You Have Your Salem Camera Aimed?

Another aspect to consider is how you position your cameras. Even if you have a camera in a public area, like attached to your home’s exterior, you can’t point it straight at a private setting like your neighbor’s bathroom. Inside your own house, it’s best to keep cameras out of bedrooms (especially any occupied by guests) and bathrooms.

While each state adheres to the reasonable expectation of privacy stipulations, there might be other laws regarding the placement and usage of video cameras. If you use surveillance in public locations and for the explicit purpose of security, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about, but it’s always to be informed of your state’s exact restrictions.

Are You Permitted To Record Audio From Surveillance Devices In Salem?

The audio aspect of surveillance is trickier as it mostly depends on the state you live in. A federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) authorizes audio recording of private communications as long as one person approves. So, if you have a camera with audio capabilities at your residence and approve of recording conversations, you have a legal right to do so. Taking that into account, many states have gone past the one-party consent requirement and now require consent from all parties. Make sure you understand what is approved in your state.

Why Utilize Surveillance At Your Salem Home?

You are legally permitted to use cameras at your property, and there are good reasons to do so. Thieves are not as likely to break into your property if they notice video cameras, as they won’t want to get caught on a recording. If a break-in does take place, your video can be vital to the criminal investigation. But you are able to utilize cameras for much more. You might observe your dearest newborn, watch over your four-legged friends, and get validation your children are home from school.

Get The Best ADT Home Security Cameras In Salem From Secure24 Alarm Systems

Choose the best surveillance systems in Salem by turning to the pros at Secure24 Alarm Systems. We’re an Authorized ADT Dealer, and our technicians will ensure your devices are installed properly and run as expected. Give us a call today at (503) 300-4371 to arrange your appointment.