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What are the laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home security in Montgomery?

May 28, 2024
Outdoor surveillance camera overlooking residential property

Are you considering updating your home security with video surveillance but want to make sure you grasp the law regarding their usage? It’s sensible to verify if you’re in compliance, and fortifying your home with an additional layer of security is a great idea. With that in mind, what are the laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home security? Discover what you ought to know.

Be aware of the reasonable expectation of privacy

A chief principle that relates to interior and outdoor surveillance cameras is the reasonable expectation of privacy. It has been legally established that individuals have a right to privacy in various locations. This reasonable expectation of privacy covers settings like bathrooms, bedrooms, and locker rooms. Yet, it’s perfectly reasonable to have cameras in public areas like the exterior of your property.

Be mindful of neighbors and stay focused on home security in Montgomery

Although laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home use give you the right to install outside cameras, that doesn’t authorize you to angle them toward your neighbor’s bedroom or bathroom windows. Always be careful of how your surveillance components are situated. Whenever using interior cameras, avoid placing them in bathrooms and bedrooms, as guests will have a warranted expectation of privacy.

It’s worth mentioning that state laws pertaining to video equipment in public places will vary. However, if you’re using cameras at your residence for the explicit reason of security, you shouldn’t have anything to fret about.

What about audio recordings in Montgomery?

Audio recordings from video equipment is a bit more convoluted. Although a federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) permits the recording of private interactions when one party agrees, state laws fluctuate. Most states abide by the one-party consent stipulation, but many others mandate all-party authorization in certain scenarios. Take a look at the breakdown for every state. If you are located in a one-party consent state and are part of the exchange, you may record audio legally without getting permission from the other parties.

What are the leading choices for exterior cameras in Montgomery?

Video cameras have advanced quite a bit in recent years. You can now choose handy wireless options and access worthwhile features like HD image quality, night vision, wide-angle views, and motion sensing. Some top cameras even come with built-in theft deterrents. To illustrate, some components frighten off trespassers by brightening an LED light and sounding an alarm. This capability is a smart way to protect against invasion.

Customize your Vivint home security with video surveillance

Elevate your home protection and effectively prevent burglary with an advanced security system from Vivint. We have some of the top surveillance devices in Montgomery, including models with active deterrents. You’ll appreciate this extra security layer and the automatic notifications you receive if a sensor notices questionable movement. Contact us at (334) 378-2456 to see what we have to offer.