Surveillance can add security to your business. It’s a great method to deter crime and to capture the perpetrator on film. If you’re thinking about investing in security camera installation in Chester County, PA, you may wonder if you need to inform your employees. The laws surrounding surveillance can get a little muddy. Here’s what you need to know.
Do You Need To Notify Employees About Visible Surveillance?
If you’re using security cameras for your surveillance, and those cameras are visible, then you do not need to inform your employees about them. It may be nice to do, but it isn’t legally required. Because they’re visible, employees should be aware that they’re being recorded.
That being said, it’s illegal to place surveillance, even if visible, in areas of privacy. These include locations like locker rooms and bathrooms.
Do You Need to Notify Employees About Hidden Surveillance?
If you’re using hidden security cameras, then you need to inform people. Some states even require the employee to sign a receipt of notice. This proves that they’re aware they’re being recorded.
At a minimum, you have to post signage and tell your employees where the camera is located and that they’re being recorded. Hidden surveillance follows the same laws as visible surveillance when it comes to private areas like locker rooms and bathrooms; they’re not permitted.
Do You Need to Notify Employees About Recorded Conversations?
Certain businesses may need to record phone conversations. In this case, if the call is being used for business, then it’s legal for employers to record those conversations. In most cases, the employer must inform the employee about their conversations being recorded.
However, personal calls are not allowed to be recorded. Additionally, you may notice that most video surveillance systems do not record audio. Pennsylvania has a Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act which makes it a third-degree felony to intentionally intercept or attempt to intercept wire, electronic, or oral communications, and knowingly share or use those communications that were gathered illicitly. This is why video surveillance does not include sound recording.
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There is a lack of federal laws regarding video surveillance in public, in the workplace, and elsewhere, so it is important to be familiar with your state or city’s guidelines.
Our company specializes in security technology. If you want the best in security to keep your business and its assets safe, then you should give us a call. We’ll help you understand everything there is to know about your new security system. Give our team a call today to find your perfect system.