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

May 28, 2024
Outdoor surveillance camera overlooking residential property

Are you thinking about upgrading your home’s security with video cameras but want to ensure you grasp the law governing their usage? It’s smart to verify if you’re legally compliant, and incorporating another sort of security to your home is a great idea. Taking that into account, what are the laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home security? Explore what you need to know.

Keep the reasonable expectation of privacy under consideration

A chief principle that governs the use of indoor and outside surveillance cameras is the reasonable expectation of privacy. It has been documented from a legal perspective that people should expect privacy in various places. This reasonable expectation of privacy includes settings like changing areas, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Yet, it’s totally reasonable to have cameras in public spaces like the exterior of your residence.

Avoid snooping and focus on home security in Eau Claire

Even though laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home use give you the legal right to put up outside cameras, that doesn’t mean you should angle them toward your neighbor’s bathroom or bedroom window. Always be heedful of how your video devices are situated. When you use inside cameras, they should stay out of bedrooms and bathrooms, as friends and guests will have a warranted expectation of privacy.

It’s important to note that state laws in regards to video equipment in public areas will fluctuate. Even so, if you’re placing cameras at your home for the clear reason of security, you will be legally protected.

Are audio recordings allowed in Eau Claire?

Audio recordings from video cameras is not as crystal clear. Despite the fact a federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) permits the recording of private interactions when a single party consents, state laws differ. The preponderance of states adhere to the single-party consent rule, but many others mandate all-party permission in some circumstances. Here’s the breakdown for each state. If you reside in a state that permits single-party consent and are participating in the conversation, you may record audio legally without getting permission from the other parties.

What are the top possibilities for exterior cameras in Eau Claire?

Video cameras have advanced noticeably in recent times. You may now select helpful wireless options and access valuable features like HD image quality, night vision, wide-angle viewing, and motion detection. Some innovative video cameras even have built-in theft deterrents. For example, some components deter trespassers by brightening an LED light and sounding an alarm. This is an effective way to defend against porch pirates and invasions.

Get a Vivint smart home with top-end surveillance

Elevate your home defense and effectively dissuade theft with a modern smart home from Vivint. We offer some of the top video equipment in Eau Claire, including models with active deterrents. You’ll appreciate this extra security layer and the automatic alerts you get when a sensor notices dubious activity. Give us a call at (715) 419-6703 to explore everything we have to offer.