What You Should Understand About Home Security Camera Laws In Kansas City

You want the best security for your famiy, and know that surveillance cameras are a big part of it. Even the sight of a camera fixed to your house is enough to deter many potential intruders. But are there legal restrictions on where you can put them and how they may be used? By and large, you don’t have anything to be concerned about, but there are a couple things you should know in regards to home security camera laws.

A Quick Note On Reasonable Expectation Of Privacy

While there are no specific federal home security camera laws, it is legally recognized that everyone has a reasonable expectation of privacy in certain locations. To illustrate, you would expect locker rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms to be private and not suitable for video recording. On the contrary, places like the front or perimeter of your property are public and subject to video recording. Generally speaking, we don’t have a lawful right to privacy in pubilc surroundings.

Where Do You Have Your Kansas City Camera Aimed?

One element to consider is how your cameras are directed. Even when you have a camera in a public area, like fastened to your home’s exterior, you can’t point it toward a private area like your neighbor’s bedroom. In your own home, it’s best to abstain from installing cameras in bedrooms (specifically those occupied by houseguests) and bathrooms.

While every state adheres to the reasonable expectation of privacy guidelines, there might be additional laws concerning the usage and placement of video cameras. If you have cameras in public areas and for the intent of security, you shouldn’t have anything to be concerned about, but it’s always a good idea to be informed of your state’s exact restrictions.

Are You Permitted To Record Audio From Camera Equipment In Kansas City?

The audio aspect of surveillance is more complicated as it mostly depends on the state you live in. A federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) allows for audio recording of private communications when one person agrees. So, if you have an audio-equipped camera at your residence and consent to recording communications, you have a legal right to do so. With that being said, numerous states have exceeded the one-party consent law and now call for consent from all parties. Be sure you know what is allowed in your state.

Why Use Surveillance At Your Kansas City Residence?

You are legally permitted to use cameras at your home, and there are excellent reasons for doing so. Thieves are not as willing to perceive your home as a target if they see cameras, as they won’t want to get caught on a recording. If a break-in does occur, your footage may be crucial to the criminal investigation. But you are able to use cameras for other reasons. You can keep watch of your dearest little one, look after your pets, and get validation your children have returned from school.

Stay Protected With ADT Surveillance Systems In Kansas City From Secure24 Alarm Systems

Install the best surveillance cameras in Kansas City by contacting the pros at Secure24 Alarm Systems. We’re an Authorized ADT Dealer, and our service team will ensure your components are installed correctly and function as planned. Place a call today at (816) 287-1177 to request an appointment.