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December 11, 2023

What You Need To Understand About Home Security Camera Laws In Boulder

You want the best security for your property, and know that surveillance systems are important. Just the sight of a camera attached to your house is enough to deter many prowlers. But are there legal restrictions on where you can place them and how you may use them? All things considered, you don’t have anything to worry about, but there are a couple things you need to know about home security camera laws.

Reasonable Expectation Of Privacy Overview

Although there aren’t designated home security camera laws from a federal standpoint, it is lawfully understood that everyone has a reasonable expectation of privacy in certain areas. For example, you would expect video recording to be banned in private places like locker rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms. On the contrary, locations like the side or front of your house are public and subject to surveillance. In general, we don’t have a legal right to privacy in pubilc areas.

Where Do You Have Your Boulder Camera Aimed?

Another aspect to contemplate is how you direct your cameras. Even if you have a camera in a public setting, like fixed to your garage, you can’t point it in the direction of a private area like your neighbor’s bathroom. Within your own house, it’s best to keep cameras out of bedrooms (especially any occupied by visitors) and bathrooms.

While every state complies with the reasonable expectation of privacy stipulations, there might be other laws concerning the placement and usage of surveillance cameras. If you utilize devices in public locations and for the purpose of security, you’ll be in the clear, but it’s always smart to be informed of your state’s exact regulations.

Are You Allowed Record Audio From Surveillance Devices In Boulder?

The audio element of camera systems is trickier as it mostly depends on where you live. A federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) allows for audio recording of private exchanges when at least one party agrees. So, if you have a camera with audio capabilities at your residence and consent to recording conversations, you can legally do so. With that being said, many states have exceeded the requirement of one-party consent and now call for consent from all parties. Be sure you know what is approved in your state.

Why Install Cameras At Your Boulder Property?

You have a legal right to install cameras at your home, and there are good reasons to do so. Vandals are not as willing to view your home as a target if they spot video cameras, as they don’t want to get detected on tape. If a robbery does happen, your recording may be essential to the criminal investigation. But you are able to utilize cameras for other reasons. You might observe your darling newborn, watch over your four-legged friends, and get visual confirmation your children are back from school.

Install ADT Surveillance Systems In Boulder From Secure24 Alarm Systems

Choose the best surveillance cameras in Boulder by reaching out to the experts at Secure24 Alarm Systems. We’re an Authorized ADT Dealer, and our service team will make sure your cameras are installed correctly and run as expected. Give us a call today at (303) 479-3788 to request your appointment.