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Home > Using hidden surveillance cameras may be your best defense against the improper use of covert surveillance equipment
May 18, 2007
By: Lynn Bryant
Hidden surveillance cameras have become very popular
means of securing both homes and businesses. Advancements in
covert video surveillance technology have made these devices
very effective and virtually undetectable. Their widespread
use however, has greatly increased the potential for misuse
of this technology. In the business world, the unethical and
potentially illegal use of a covert camera device can cost a
company thousands of dollars or more.
On a personal level, individuals can suffer greatly when
their personal privacy rights are violated. Inevitably, the
question must be asked, is there anything that can be done
to prevent or lessen the improper use of hidden video
cameras? For purposes of this article, we will seek to
answer this question from a businesses perspective.
Perhaps the single most effective way for a company to
uncover the improper use of hidden camera devices is to
implement covert surveillance cameras themselves. As a
business owner, you have the right and the duty to protect
your company, your clients, your investors, and your
employees from the improper use of your corporate data. One
of the only ways to detect corporate espionage is to monitor
for suspicious activity. This can be done with a
well-implemented covert video surveillance system.
The following are a few things to consider when
implementing a covert surveillance security plan for your
business.
- Be sure to follow the specific laws governing
covert surveillance for your state -- Every state
has different laws governing the use of covert
surveillance cameras. You will need to determine the
exact laws governing your state before you move forward
with the installation and use of any covert surveillance
equipment. Doing so will protect your business from any
potential liability.
- Take necessary steps to publish security policies
and procedures -- This may seem like a counter
productive step. If you let everyone know what your
corporate security surveillance plans, they will realize
they are being monitored. This step however is very
important for two reasons. First, properly declaring the
use of covert surveillance cameras will help protect you
from frivolous lawsuits involving invasion of privacy
claims. Second, if individuals are well aware of the
fact that your business utilizes covert surveillance,
they may be less likely to carryout their ill
intentions.
- Carefully assess security needs and develop a
comprehensive surveillance plan -- In order to get
the most effective use out of any video surveillance
equipment you install, you need to carefully access your
security needs and potential risks to design your
surveillance plan accordingly. The number and placement
of any covert video cameras, monitoring methods, and
camera features are all dependent on the specific needs
of your business. A little extra time taken during the
assessment phase will ensure that your business is
getting the optimal protection it can obtain from the
use of surveillance technology.
Corporate espionage and intellectual property theft can
take a huge toll on your business. Implementing a covert
surveillance system is just one element of a complete
security plan to protect your business against the huge
potential losses. The benefits you will achieve from a
well-implemented system will be well worth your time and
effort.
About the Author
Lynn Bryant is a successful freelance writer and contributor
to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com. Your definitive guide to
video surveillance equipment, CCTV cameras and wireless
security systems for home and business.
Also See:
[ Potential misuses
versus benefits of spy digital cameras ]
[ Spy camera glasses
are the latest fashion in covert surveillance equipment ]
[ Advantages and
disadvantages of using hidden video cameras ]
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