Video surveillance can be a great boon to every business and can play a key role in keeping your employees safe, protecting company assets, equipment, and inventory, and even potentially lower your business insurance premiums. However, there are also many best practices and compliance measures to consider.
In this new blog, the team at Connectivity outlines some commonly asked questions and offers you some answers.
Common Questions About Video Surveillance Systems
Can an employer use video surveillance legally? Generally speaking, the answer here is yes. However, most states will require a business to post a notice that recording may be in progress. You will need to research workplace regulations that are on the books where your business is located. But remember, posting a warning about your video surveillance system acts as a deterrent in and of itself and can be a first line of defense against employee theft, shoplifting, workplace violence, and the like.
Can video surveillance experience hacking? The answer is yes and depending on the type of system you have, you may need to put extra safeguards in place. For instance, if your system is hard wired, you need to confirm your CCTV is on a network that is kept separate from your other information systems. If you have a cloud-based system, you will want to use a VPN or create a long-stringed, complex password for each camera. Another good idea is using two-factor authentication.
Is a cloud-based system better than a hard-wired system? It depends on your needs. One of the biggest benefits of cloud video surveillance is the quality of the images plus the ability to be able to zoom in or out digitally. Cloud-based systems are also less susceptible to fire or flood damage since they are not housed on-site at your premises.
Where are video security cameras not allowed? Security cameras can be placed anywhere on your property so long as there is not an expectation of privacy. For instance, it is illegal to record anyone without their consent in places like changing rooms, bathrooms, private bedrooms, etc. Placing a video camera in any of these areas is a violation of federal law and could also subject your organization to state or local criminal and/or civil prosecution.
Where are video security cameras allowed? There are zero issues for a business or private property owner to position cameras to cover areas like parking lots, points of exit or entry, loading bays, or shop or office floors (where work is conducted).
Is video surveillance admissible in court? Generally speaking, video surveillance tapes or files are generally “discoverable” in court and could be subpoenaed by police, plaintiffs, defendants, or be presented as evidence by owners of the surveillance (i.e., the business owner in the event that a crime has been committed on the premises).
How long should video surveillance files be kept? For most businesses, there are no hard rules here. However, as regulations are always changing, you should learn if your industry has any rules surrounding this practice. For instance, the financial services and healthcare industries have some specific requirements on video preservation.
How Can Connectivity Help?
Our team happens to be big believers in the security and safety that video surveillance systems can provide to a business. No matter if you require a video surveillance system, desire intrusion alarms, or want other forms of access control at your company, we can assist. We proudly partner with trusted manufacturers, including Hanwha Techwin America and VeriSystems, and always utilize the most current equipment and standards.
We are committed to providing you with the best solution. Reach out today and set up a consultation.