Most businesses use security surveillance cameras for more than a deterrent to crime. They us it to prosecute customers they catch stealing, dishonest employees and many have found them helpful during investigations of accidents. Employees who are injured on the job and customers that claim the business's negligence has prompted medical problems and are looking for a life-long income from an injury have often been stopped when video from the security surveillance system does not support their version of events.
In order for security surveillance cameras to successfully stop anyone from trying to steal from the business, the would-be thief has to know the cameras exist, or be made to think they exist. Many retailers and other businesses post signs throughout the premises boasting about how they use video to keep prices low, or words to that affect, hoping their dishonest visitors take the hint and go across the street to their competitor.
One of the mistakes many retailer do make when it comes to the use of security system surveillance cameras, is placing them areas where employees and customers should reasonably be able expect freedom from the intrusion of cameras. There are laws governing the use of camera is certain areas, such as inside restrooms and inside fitting rooms where customers are invited to try on clothes before they buy them. According to retailers, these areas are where the majority of theft occurs, as the customers know cameras are not allowed and they can expect little interruption.
If your business has an area where employees can take breaks and eat their lunch, most laws prohibit the areas from being watched by security surveillance cameras. Cameras can be positioned outside the area to record anyone entering or leaving, the same was with restrooms, provided the video does not intrude on anyone once they enter the room. Believe it or not, a private individual in their own home may end with the same type of legal issue based on placement of security surveillance cameras.
The argument that it is their house and they should be allowed to record any part of it they choose any time they choose will not hold up in court even a daughter or son decide to file a complaint against an intrusive parent. The courts have allowed that even children are allowed to expect a certain degree of privacy, especially while changing clothes, bathing and sleeping and despite home ownership, the house is not open for total video connection.
The placement of the cameras in any security surveillance system should be such as to get a good picture of the intruder's face. Shooting from the outside as they enter a premises or home usually does not allow for good identification and even when shooting the video at the door from the inside, bright sun light can wash out the picture making identification impossible. If a security surveillance system is connected, review each and every picture being captured and look at the shot as a potential juror would see it to determine if the image is enough to effect prosecution.
