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December 11, 2023

What You Need To Understand About Home Security Camera Laws In Beaumont

You want the best security for your property, and know that surveillance cameras are important. Just the existence of a camera perched on your house is enough to scare off many prowlers. But are there legal limitations as to where you may put them and how you may use them? For the most part, there’s nothing to be concerned about, but there are a few things you should know regarding home security camera laws.

Reasonable Expectation Of Privacy Overview

Even though there are no specific federal home security camera laws, it is legally recognized that all people have a reasonable expectation of privacy in certain areas. For example, you would expect video recording to be forbidden in private places like bedrooms, bathrooms, and locker rooms. Conversely, places like the side or front of your residence are public and subject to surveillance. In general, we don’t have a right to privacy in a public setting.

Where Do You Have Your Beaumont Camera Aimed?

Another aspect to contemplate is how you aim your cameras. Even if you have a camera in a public setting, like fastened to your garage, you can’t aim it toward a private setting like your neighbor’s bathroom. In your own house, it’s wise to keep cameras out of bedrooms (specifically the ones used by guests) and bathrooms.

While all states abide by the reasonable expectation of privacy requirements, there might be associated laws regarding the usage and placement of surveillance cameras. If you have surveillance in public areas and for the explicit purpose of security, you shouldn’t have anything to be concerned about, but it’s always to understand your state’s particular restrictions.

Can You Record Audio From Surveillance Devices In Beaumont?

The audio facet of surveillance is more complicated as it depends largely on where you live. A federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) permits recording audio of private conversations when one party consents. So, if you have an audio-enabled camera on your property and approve of recording communications, you are legally allowed to do so. With that being said, many states have gone beyond the one-party consent law and now require consent from multiple parties. Ensure you understand what is allowed in your state.

Why Install Video Cameras At Your Beaumont Home?

You have a legal right to use cameras at your home, and there are multiple reasons for doing so. Vandals are not as likely to view your home as a target if they see surveillance, as they don’t want to be detected on tape. If a robbery does occur, your footage can be vital to law enforcement’s investigation. But you are able to utilize surveillance systems for other reasons. You can keep watch of your darling baby, look after your four-legged friends, and get proof your kids are home from school.

Install ADT Surveillance Cameras In Beaumont From Secure24 Alarm Systems

Get the best video cameras in Beaumont by reaching out to the experts at Secure24 Alarm Systems. We’re an Authorized ADT Dealer, and our service team will make sure your devices are installed correctly and operate as intended. Give us a call today at (409) 207-0852 to request an appointment.