Keeping your place of business secure is very important. One way that you can make your place of business more security is by installing ADT cameras around the location. While this can help you to monitor activity, and potentially prevent crime or poor behavior, there are situations when it could violate privacy laws. There are several privacy law factors that need to be taken into consideration when you are installing security cameras.
Never Place in a Private Place
The most important tip to follow is to never place cameras in a place where employees have what lawyers call a “reasonable expectation of privacy.” For example, cameras should never be placed in a bathroom or locker room. Doing this could violate privacy laws and a variety of other harassment laws as well.
Make Employees and Visitors Aware
When you have new monitoring devices installed, you should also make all employees and visitors aware of their presence. The devices should be placed strategically around your place of business and should be clearly visible to people when they enter the property. It would also be a good idea to have signs up in monitored room providing further clarification that all people are being monitored.
Have an Open Monitoring Policy
Once you decide to have them installed, you should also make it clear to employees that they are being monitored. Ideally, you should have a reason for having the higher security setting in the place of business. To ensure you are protected, you should have all employees acknowledge on a written form that they are aware of the new policy .
Limit Secret Recordings
In some cases it may make sense for you to secretly record employees. This may occur when you suspect misconduct or illegal activity by an employee. You should always do your best to limit the situations when secret recordings are utilized and be sure that you properly document when and why the recordings took place.
Consult With Legal Counsel
Finally, you should be sure that you are able to consult with your legal counsel before installing any new monitoring system. Your legal counsel will be able to provide you with further insight that could help you to avoid local or state privacy laws. They may also help you to draft paperwork that will better formalize a monitoring policy.
In conclusion, installing security devices can be a great way to protect your business. When you are doing this, there are five tips to follow to ensure that you do not violate privacy laws.