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

You want your home to have the best security, and know that surveillance cameras are important. Just the presence of a camera attached to the side of your house is enough to deter many potential intruders. But are there legal limitations as to where you can install them and how they may be used? By and large, you don’t have anything to be concerned about, but there are some things you need to know regarding home security camera laws.

General Guidelines For Reasonable Expectation Of Privacy

Although there are no designated federal home security camera laws, it is lawfully accepted that everyone has a reasonable expectation of privacy in specific locations. For instance, you would expect bedrooms, locker rooms, and bathrooms to be private and not acceptable for video recording. On the contrary, places like the front or perimeter of your house are public and open to surveillance. In general, people don’t have a right to privacy in pubilc surroundings.

Where Is Your Joliet Camera Aimed?

Another element to consider is how your cameras are directed. Even when you have a camera in a public place, like fastened to the front of your house, you can’t position it straight at a private setting like your neighbor’s bedroom. Within 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 requirements, there might be additional laws regarding the use of surveillance cameras. If you have cameras in public areas and for the purpose of security, you’ll be in good shape, but it’s always smart to be informed of your state’s specific requirements.

Are You Permitted To Record Audio From Surveillance Systems In Joliet?

The audio aspect of camera systems is trickier as it depends largely on your location. A federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) permits recording audio of private conversations as long as one person consents. So, if you have a camera with audio capability at your home and consent to recording a conversation, you have a legal right to do so. However, various states have exceeded the one-party consent law and now demand consent from two or all parties. Be sure you understand what is permitted in your state.

Why Install Video Cameras At Your Joliet Residence?

You are legally permitted to use cameras at your residence, and there are good reasons for doing so. Burglars are not as inclined to invade your home if they see cameras, as they won’t want to be detected on tape. If a break-in does happen, your footage may be crucial to the police investigation. But you may utilize cameras for other reasons. You might keep watch of your precious baby, check in on your pets, and get visual confirmation your children are back from school.

Stay Protected With ADT Surveillance Systems In Joliet From Secure24 Alarm Systems

Choose the best surveillance systems in Joliet by contacting the pros at Secure24 Alarm Systems. We’re an Authorized ADT Dealer, and our service team will make sure your components are installed precisely and function as intended. Give us a call today at (815) 242-2890 to arrange an appointment.