Hidden Cameras, Nanny Cams, Spy and Surveillance Equipment

Are you thinking about installing hidden or surveillance cameras in your place of business? Many employers consider video and other surveillance key to keeping an honest and productive workplace. It keeps employees on the straight and narrow – no fingers in the till, no time clock funny business, no drinking or drugging on breaks. Many business owners and managers also record or review phone calls and emails from the office. But employers must be careful not to go too far in their surveillance or they will risk being sued by an employee for an invasion of privacy under federal or state law. This article is an overview of the laws applicable to workplace surveillance – you should always talk to your own attorney to determine exactly what the law is in your state.

Video Surveillance

There are several variables when considering video surveillance in your place of business. Your choices include visible traditional and dome surveillance cameras or hidden cameras, with or without audio. Each of the variables has potential legal implications.

Visible surveillance cameras (not hidden in any way) are generally not illegal if they are in a non-private place. If the camera records sound as well as video, you must comply with federal and state wiretapping and eavesdropping laws. You will need consent of one or all parties to any recorded conversation, depending on your jurisdiction. See the Audio Recording Laws article on this site for more information about the necessary consent to an audio recording.

Hidden cameras (often called spycams) are a slightly different story. Video recording (without sound) is usually okay – even if the camera is hidden – unless the person(s) being recorded has a reasonable expectation of privacy, the taping is done for some illegal purpose or there was trespass to record the video. Courts across the country are finding with more and more frequency that no reasonable expectation of privacy exists with non-covert video surveillance or even with hidden surveillance if the physical space examined is a public space. Note that, if an employer uses union employees, the employer may be required to notify the union of its intention to use hidden cameras, but probably doesn’t have to disclose where the cameras will be installed. 

There is a federal law which makes it a crime to secretly capture photo or video images of people in places and situations in which they have an expectation of privacy. Most states have followed suit. These laws are often referred to as “video voyeurism” statutes.

Video Voyeurism Laws

As you can see here at A1-Hidden Camera, surveillance technology has advanced so much over recent years that excellent cameras can be completely hidden from view in a number of different ways. These Spy Cams are a great tool for many employers but can also be used inappropriately. 

The federal government and most states have recently passed “video voyeurism” laws. These laws make it a crime to secretly record or distribute images of people in places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms, dressing rooms, locker rooms, hotel rooms and tanning salons.

The federal law prohibits anyone from recording images of an individual’s “private areas” without consent when that individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Every state in the U.S. now has some legal prohibition of video voyeurism or invasion of privacy, except Iowa and Washington D.C. About half of these statutes actually make this kind of video recording a felony. Many have an even harsher punishment for distributing such videos.

You will need to check your home state’s particular laws as the courts from state to state may have differing opinions as to what types of places are expected to be private – bathroom and changing rooms may be “no-brainers” but some states’ courts have even decided that employee break rooms or lunch rooms are “private” for purposes of video surveillance.

Other Surveillance in the Workplace
The monitoring of electronic communications such as telephone calls, voicemail, email and IMs is covered by the federal wiretapping and eavesdropping statute – the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. The ECPA does include several business use exceptions to allow employers to perform necessary investigations, protect trade secrets and keep an eye on inventory and receipts. Under the federal law, the monitoring of things such as email and phone calls is allowed if either the sender or recipient consents or if it is done in the regular course of business. Employers can monitor only equipment which they own and do not have the right to monitor email hosted by a third party (like web-based email programs). 

Best Practices
Whether they have a right to privacy at work or not, many employees find surveillance of any sort offensive. It is good practice for employees to be provided with written notification of the existence or possibility of any monitoring in the workplace – video, audio or otherwise. Notices can be made a part of a written, distributed policy or a section in the employee handbook.

Employees can even be asked to sign a consent to or acknowledgement of the monitoring. If you are cautious, ethical and respectful of your employees and of the law, video and other surveillance in the workplace can be a wonderful tool to keep your business running smoothly and profitably. 

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http://www.a1-hiddencamera.com//complete-systems.htm

I am sitting in my living room thinking about the state of affairs in the US economy. I for one am scared. Banks are closing left and right. The stock market made its biggest decline ever on Monday September 29. Are we headed for the next depression?

My mother and father lived through the depression. I can remember my mom talking about standing in bread lines to get the basic staples of life. She was the youngest of 10 children. I don’t believe that she ever forgot neither the hunger nor the fear of the people surrounding her. Could this happen again in 2008?

What about jobs? Will employers have enough money to pay their hard working employees? Those that have been in their jobs for many years? Probably not. The layoffs will come.

How will people feed their children? It’s a fact, in a bad economy… Crime will go up. I am scared! If your not, you should be!

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
BE SAFE ON THE STREETS, IN YOUR HOME AND BUSINESS!!

The time is NOW to become active in protecting yourself and your family.

* Do the women in your life have a pepper spray for protection . . . Just in case?

* Do you have video surveillance over the cash register in your business?

If you answered NO to any of the above questions
CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE NOW. . . BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!

www.A1-HiddenCamera.com
www.A1-SafetyProducts.com
Telephone: (800) 715-3604

Peace and Love,
Sharon

If you are looking for Surveillance Cameras for you home, office or business… look no further!

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Check out all of our Hidden Cameras, Nanny Cams, Audio and Video Surveillance Equipment at www.A1-HiddenCamera.com.

Our Telephone Voice Changers allow you to change your voice to an unfamiliar voice. This is ideal for a woman living alone or kids home from school without a parent. They can answer the phone with a voice changer and sound like a man or just a different person. They also have a robot setting (makes you sound like a robot).

Great for small business owners… Make your company sound as if it has a huge staff of employees! Now you can answer the telephone, press a button and completely change your voice. There are 8 different voice changing settings. A man can sound like a stranger, a women like a man, or a grand-dad like a child.

Unlike most voice changers, the Voice Changer 2 connects to your handset, making it compatible with most telephones, even office phones. The Voice Changer II travels anywhere. It measures just 5″ x 3″ x 1/2″! It operates on 3 AA batteries and includes handset connector cable.

Check out our awesome Voice Changer and all our other Audio and Video Surveillance Equipment at www.A1-HiddenCamera.com

Covert cameras in the United States do not come with audio due to federal and state audio recording laws. It is however very easy to make your own nanny cam or covert camera with audio by simply adding an amplified audio microphone.

An Amplified Audio Microphone is used to pick up sound in a room. It can be use with any of our wired cameras or wired surveillance systems. The Amplified Audio Mic can draw power from your camera or it can be plugged into a wall socket.

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Add your Amplified Audio Microphones to any of our Wired Hidden Cameras for a High Tech Nanny Cam or Covert Cam with Audio.

Our Baby Monitor Camera With Night Vision, Audio and a Remote Control Monitor is one of the neatest “baby monitor” camera sets available today! See up to 20 ft. in total darkness with 10 infrared illuminators!

The Wireless Camera is battery operated. The remote control monitor allows for pan/tilt, an incredible 187 degree horizontal rotation angle and a 60 degree vertical rotation angle. The 2.5” LCD - TFT monitor insures for excellent picture quality. The built-in audio feature lets you know when baby is in need. An “AV out” connection allows for recording or viewing on TV or Monitor. (330 Ft. Transmission Range)

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This is a new product that we are proud to offer.
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72.100 - 75.400 MHz Hearing Assistance Systems

54.000 - 150.000 MHz Kit Bugs

78.000 - 115.000 MHz Cheap out-of-band FM Bugs

112.000 - 142.000 MHz Cheap out-of-band FM Bugs

140.000 - 160.000 MHz Cheap out-of-band FM Bugs

60.000 - 320.000 MHz Low Cost kit bugs

398.000 - 406.000 MHz DECO Bugs (398.600/605, 399.450/455, 399.025/030, 406 MHz) 

25.000 - 450.000 MHz European/English Kit Bugs

150.000 - 216.000 MHz Typical VHF “Body Wire” & Pro-Grade Bugs

109.000 - 140.000 MHz Digital VHF Pro-Grade Bugs

138.000 - 174.000 MHz Typical “Spy Shop” & LE Cheap VHF Bugs (155-172 Popular)

140.000 - 150.000 MHz Popular Xandi Flea power kits (143/144 MHz)

150.000 - 170.000 MHz Popular Japanese Flea power kits (under 5mw)

150.000 - 220.000 MHz Commercial Wireless Microphones

169.000 - 172.000 MHz 47 CFR 90.265 Authorization *** VERY Popular ***

174.000 - 216.000 MHz 47 CFR 2.106 (NG115) Authorization

395.000 - 410.000 MHz German UHF Bugs (PK Electronics)

365.000 - 455.000 MHz English UHF Bugs (Lorraine/Ruby Electronics)

219.000 - 530.000 MHz English UHF Wireless Microphones (300-500 popular)

470.000 - 608.000 MHz Commercial Wireless Microphones

730.000 - 806.000 MHz Commercial Wireless

Mics 310.000 - 980.000 MHz Sony Bugs (.1mw - 3mw, Spread Spectrum)

470.000 - 489.000 MHz Sony Bugs (2.5mw - 20mw, WFM, Ultra low power)

770.000 - 810.000 MHz Sony Bugs (2.5mw - 20mw, WFM, Ultra low power)

902.000 - 928.000 MHz Sony Bugs (2.5mw - 20mw, WFM, Ultra low power)

947.000 - 954.000 MHz Sony Bugs (2.5mw - 20mw, WFM, Ultra low power)

889.000 - 960.000 MHz Modified Cordless Phones (S/S & Hoppers)

380.000 - 480.000 MHz Video Bugs - UHF TV Channels

430.000 - 820.000 MHz Popular US Video/Audio Bugging Systems

890.000 - 960.000 MHz Video Bugs - US (902-928 Hot)

905.000 - 928.000 MHz Video/Audio Consumer Products (i.e. Recoton)

1.100 - 1.400 GHz Video Bugs - *Very Hot in US/England/France/etc*

1.700 - 1.930 GHz Video Bugs - US

2.400 - 2.500 GHz Video Bugs - US *** VERY Popular ***

3.500 - 4.500 GHz Video Bugs - *Very Hot in England/France/etc*

5.725 - 5.850 GHz Video Bugs - US *** VERY Popular ***

6.200 - 7.500 GHz Video Bugs - US *** VERY Popular *** 

8.00 - 12.50 GHz X-band Audio/Video Bugs

20.00 - 26.00 GHz K-band Audio/Video Bugs (Gaining Popularity)

70.00 -110.00 GHz M-band Audio/Video Bugs (Gaining Popularity)

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With so much great technology on the market these days, it is easier to record conversations than ever before – either over a land line, on a mobile phone or even in-person with a hidden recording device. Recorded conversations (either tape or digital) are often very helpful in a variety of scenarios.

These Audio Recordings may assist in an investigation of employee misconduct or in business or personal lawsuits, even in potential criminal investigations. It is very important, however, to make sure that any Recording, either of a Phone Conversation or an in-person conversation, complies with Federal and State laws. Otherwise, you may very well open yourself up to criminal charges or civil suits. And it is unlikely that you will be legally able to use the recording for your original purpose.

So, if you’re thinking about Recording some Phone Calls or placing a voice-activated Recorder in a room to Record Conversations, you’ll need to take a look at the applicable Laws.

The first place to look is at the federal wiretapping statute – also known as the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. Federal Law allows Phone calls (traditional, cellular and cordless) and other electronic communication to be Recorded with the consent of at least one party to the Conversation. This means that if you are one of the people taking part in the conversation, it can be recorded (because one person – you – has consented to the recording). If you are not taking part in the conversation, at least one of the people in the conversation must know about and consent to the recording.

You can’t stop, however, after considering federal Law and assume that your Audio Recording passes muster. Each state and territory has its own statutes regarding the recording of conversations. Most state wiretapping and eavesdropping Laws are based upon the federal Law and allow Recording with the consent of one party to the Conversation.

The 37 states which allow “one party consent” recording of oral communications are: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The District of Columbia also allows people to Record Conversations with the consent of only one party. Nevada has a one party consent statute but there is some question as to how the Law should be interpreted by the courts – it could be considered an “all party consent” state.

The 12 states which definitely require all parties to a conversation to consent before it can be recorded are: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Washington. (In California Law, there is an exception – you can Record an Audio Conversation with the consent of only one party if certain criminal activity (kidnapping, extortion, bribery or a violent felony) is involved.

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CLICK HERE to shop for Digital Audio Recorders or visit us today at www.A1-hiddencamera.com

Surveillance technology began as a way to deter burglars against theft. They have evolved into systems that can do everything from looking at the inside of your home from 1,000 miles away to ensuring your pets are safe from fire while you are out for the day. Consumer surveillance systems have flourished in the past decade. New advances in technology and capabilities ensure there is a system that can meet most budgets and needs.

There are two major classifications of surveillance technology:

* Hard wired

* Wireless

Your decision to purchase a surveillance system should be based on your needs. It is impressive to have a high-end system that can monitor every room at any time. Is that a system that you need? Opting for equipment or packages that you can’t or won’t use will be more wasteful in the long run.

Your surveillance system can be programmed to perform a variety of functions. Sensors are available in consumer systems that can detect such things as body heat, break-ins or even air movement indicative of someone being in your home. It is often recommended that consumers purchase the systems that can also perform emergency tasks like alerting occupants over a house fire.

Wireless surveillance systems are ideal for renters. They are also ideal for those in smaller homes or who want to perform the installation themselves. Wireless systems can be portable for easy transport to a new home. Many also offer voice programming and to call specific numbers in case of an emergency. Wireless sensors communicate with the system and make alerts of low batteries, a problem in the system or other such issues.

Wired, or hard-wired, surveillance systems also have their benefits. These systems are wired into your existing walls and structures in order to monitor your home. They are considered by professionals to be more reliable than wireless systems. Such systems are often more aesthetically pleasing and depend on electricity instead of batteries. Consumers also have the benefit of professional installation that are covered under warranties. The majority of companies that contract security systems offer consumer support if you have questions. These systems can also add value to your home.

There are disadvantages with both types of security systems that should be carefully considered before choosing a system. Wireless surveillance equipment may work only when the sensors are placed at the appropriate angles and distances. There will be problems if you place the sensor too far from the system.

Wireless systems are known to go through a number of batteries. You can imagine the energy necessary for a system that is continually monitoring your home. Wireless systems can also be subject to interference from other electronic devices. Several wireless computer networks use a frequency that can interfere with wireless surveillance cameras. Most professionals recommend wireless systems only as a last resort.

Wired systems are not above reproach. There have been complaints about these systems as well as success stories. The price tag on a hard-wired surveillance system can be surprising. These systems are more expensive, and many consumers must also pay for labor and installation costs.

A hard-wired surveillance system also requires access. It may not be possible to run wires through the walls in some areas of your home. This can leave parts of your home vulnerable to intrusion. You may also want to consider the repair costs necessary if you have building materials like plaster or stucco on your walls. These can be easily damaged by drilling and may be difficult to repair. A hard-wired surveillance system is also a perpetual feature. You will not be able to move it elsewhere since it is constructed into the existing walls.

The right security system can make your home safer. It will give you the assurance that you have someone also looking out for your safety. The right information will help you to pick the system that best suits your needs.

PS. We have just received some NEW Hidden Cameras that eliminate 2.4 GHz Problems. I will post more info on these unique Hidden Cameras that are available in 8 or 12 Channels, or check them out at www.A1-HiddenCamera.com

There are many reasons why you may need to record Phone and Room Conversations and using one of our Digital Audio Recorders will allow you to do so with convenience and speed. Digital Audio Recorders eliminate the need for cassette tapes and tape flipping. Digital recordings can be played, replayed and recorded over and over without a loss in recording quality. All of our Audio Recorders have a voice activation feature which saves hours by only recording when sound is detected. Digital Phone/Room Audio Recorders are totally silent because there are no running tapes. All of our Digital Audio Recorders have a USB port for easy connection to your computer. Choose from a 36, 144 or 288 hour Digital Audio Recorder. Starting at only $89.00.

Check out the list of features for our Professional-Grade Digital Voice Recorder -
* Incredibly high-quality digital voice recorder at an affordable price!
* 36, 144, 288 Hours Recording -
* Three models to choose from. Select from 2 quality settings: SP & LP
* Telephone Recording -
* Record telephone conversations with the included telephone recording kit!
* Microphone -
* Record through external microphone (included) or internal/integrated microphone!
* Adjustable microphone sensitivity!
* Voice Operated Recording (VOR) -Digital voice recorder records automatically when it * * detects sound (you can deselect this function if you wish)!
* Incredibly Small -10.6cm x 2.9cm x 1.4cm; 32g!
* Easily Playback and Search Recordings -
* Label and playback important messages
* Normal Speed or Low Speed playback
* Repeat messages: Section Repeat, index repeat, folder repeat
* Message lock function
* Erase one or all messages
* Speakers and Earphones Playback -
* Playback recordings on earphones (included) or built in speakers!
* USB Portable Drive -
* Use the MSC RX76 digital voice recorder as a portable USB drive to store any type of computer data!
* USB Connectivity -Connect your MSC RX76 through a USB port with the included USB cable! Then, transfer recordings to your computer for editing or playback!
* Transfer to Tape-cassettes -Connect the MSC RX76 to your tape cassette recorder to transfer digital recordings to tapes (audio cable included)!
Other Functions -
* Clock and alarm functions!
* Long Battery Life -Up to 10 hours of use on 1 AAA batteries!
* Blue Back light -LCD screen has blue back light for extra-light!
* Incredibly Easy to Use -
* Takes 2 minutes to learn to start using your MSC RX76 digital voice recorder!
* 36 (125mb), 144 (512mb), 288 (1G) Hour

Getting ready for college? Our 144 Hour Digital Audio Recorder is on SALE especially for you. Free Shipping too! Check it out at www.A1-HiddenCamera.com

Are you interested in learning about Audio Recording Laws in the US? Check out the article on our site… Audio Recording Laws