Security cameras for the home are an excellent way to increase your home's
security. Not only can you use internet technology to remotely monitor your home
while you are at work, but you also have the ability to provide the police with
actual images should your home ever be vandalized or broken in to end somewhat
more cost effective than Security
Guards and Patrols
When you install security cameras for the home you can also use them as
a "Nanny Cam" to monitor and record the activities of your in-home child
care provider and your cleaning service as well as any other contractor
who might have access to your home while you are away. Of course, the
cameras also provide an excellent way to see who is at the door or watch
the swimming pool from anywhere in the house.
You have some very
impressive high tech options when choosing security cameras for the
home. You can choose from among a wide range of wireless cameras which
transmit their images to your TV, VCR, or PC as well as wired cameras
which connect directly to any of the aforementioned recording devices.
Wireless cameras are available in sub miniature models which enables you
to conceal them inside of objects such as a lamp, vase, book, or even a
pinhole in the wall. Some cameras come with remote control tilt, pan,
and zoom which can be activated over the internet. Cameras are available
in black and white and in color.
Infra red cameras can see in the dark (although not in color), and
there are motion activated switches available which will only trigger
the camera when it senses movement in the room. Infra red detectors are
also available which trigger cameras when they detect a change in the
room temperature which is brought about by a warm body entering.
Before you decide to go out and purchase any security cameras for the
home you should draw up an installation and placement plan. You get the
best protection by positioning the cameras where they cover the widest
field of view. Different lens attachments are available which can be
used to provide wide angle viewing or pinpoint clarity for a small area.
The best route to follow is to draw out your home's floor plan and then
pick the logical places to install each camera. Research the available
cameras on the internet so you will know the range and field of view for
each model. Of course, you can mix and match models to provide
customized coverage.
Also, don't overlook the outside of your home when you are making
your installation and placement plan. There are security cameras for the
home which are integrated in motion detection-enabled spot and flood
lights. These cameras are designed to be triggered by movement or heat
and come on when the lights are activated by a trespasser.
If you have a home security alarm system then you should ask your
alarm service provider to come and wire the cameras into your intrusion
detection circuitry. This way the cameras can activate automatically
when an alarm condition occurs. Some security companies will even
provide audio and video monitoring coverage so they can see what the
cameras are seeing and hearing when they receive an alarm from your
home.
There are some legal consideration that may affect you if you decide
to take advantage of security cameras for the home. Many states have
privacy laws which regulate where and how you can use hidden cameras.
These laws state that people, even family members, have a right to
uninterrupted privacy in areas of the home where they would not normally
expect to be observed. These laws dictate that using cameras in
bathrooms, bedrooms, changing areas, and other places where the user has
an expectation to privacy violate the person's rights. You can be
subject to stiff fines and even jail time if you violate these laws. The
best way to protect yourself is to use common sense and only place the
cameras in common areas of the home such as the living room, dining
room, family room and avoid bedrooms, bathrooms, and places where people
are likely to be changing their clothes and expecting privacy while
doing it.
Here is an example of the severity of the penalties that you face if
you record a child under the age of 18 while they are undressing in the
State of Illinois:
"Under the new law, penalties are more severe for people who capture
images of children under the age of 18, and for people who are required
to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act. In cases where
people are victimized in their own homes, the penalty is increased from
a Class A Misdemeanor to a Class 4 Felony."
Here is a list of states which require that all parties that are
involved in being recorded be notified in advance and give their written
permission. It's not clear how those laws might be used if you recorded
someone in the act of breaking into your home, but if you live in any of
these states you might want to check with your family attorney first.
California
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Massachusetts
Montana
New Hampshire
Pennsylvania
Washington
This list may not be accurate by the time that you read this article
so do not depend upon it in lieu of getting specific legal advice.
While some states currently have no laws prohibiting the usage of
video recording devices, including using security cameras for the home,
almost every state does have a law prohibiting unauthorized audio
recording. This could cause legal problems if you camera transmits and
records audio as well as video. It cannot be stressed enough how
important it is to discuss you plans with your attorney before
installing cameras.
Security cameras for your home provide another layer of protection
and security if you use them sensibly and legally. Nothing gets a
criminal convicted faster than a picture of them being caught in the
act.
