Can Video Surveillance Be Used In Court?
You should talk to a law enforcement professional in your area to know for sure what is admissible in your local court, but here are some general guidelines about criteria that law enforcement will take into consideration regarding your security camera video.
Authenticity
A digital watermark is undetectable to the human eye, but it can be detected by computers, DVD recorders, digital cameras, or other devices with the correct software. A digital watermark identifies the video or audio file’s copyright information. Digital watermarks cannot be removed or altered, which means it is a way for law enforcement to verify that the surveillance camera video is authentic and has not been modified. Most manufacturers of digital video recording devices have watermark settings already placed in their equipment, but if not, it can be added for an additional fee.
Demonstrating the video footage’s authenticity is important if it is going to be considered as evidence in court. Re-creating a video or editing it in any way might make it inadmissible in the proceedings.
Accurate Timeline
A time and date stamp can be a part of the digital watermark and must match up with the chain of events that have been reported to law enforcement. Make sure you adjust the manufacturer settings on the camera to match your local time zone when you install the camera and that it is appropriately adjusted for daylight savings time.
Video Quality
One of the reasons digital security cameras have increased in popularity over the traditional analog video is because it offers the ability to record in extremely high resolution, allowing for the camera to perform functions like facial recognition, license plate recognition, and the ability to digitally zoom distance of more than 100 feet. A video that is going to be used in court must be bright enough to identify the person accused of committing the crime.
Remember, it’s not only the camera that impacts the quality of the video. Proper lighting, especially for outdoor video recording, is vital for ensuring video clarity. Selecting the appropriate cameras for different areas of your property and knowing the Best Outdoor Security Cameras are very important considerations.
Relevance
One of the key factors in having video evidence that can be considered in a court case is that an attorney must lay the grounds to show the footage is relevant to the case itself.
Legal Surveillance
Although you can install video cameras on your property, there is always a “reasonable expectation of privacy” that is assumed in private spaces like bathrooms, changing areas, and bedrooms. Any footage from areas that are a potential invasion of privacy may be disqualified as evidence. Understanding where security cameras should be installed in a business is critical when placing security cameras in your business.
In addition to these critical factors, you need to know the law in your area about where electronic monitoring devices can be placed, particularly if you are a business owner. Check out our blog, Are CCTV Cameras Illegal in the Workplace, for more information, and be sure to double-check with local law enforcement officials.
If you would like to have your home or business covered with surveillance cameras in the event of an emergency, give us a call. We provide free estimates and are always happy to answer any questions you may have!
Explore Our Other Blogs
Lowe’s Iris Line Goes Under
Many consumers are seeing red with the recent news that big-box retailer Lowe’s is shutting down service to its Iris smart home platform. Lowe’s launched its Iris cloud service in 2012 so it could sell its own smart home products to the public. Customers with an Iris smart hub, the heart of the network, could…
Can You Get in Trouble for Breaking into Your Own House?
Is it legal for you to break into your own house? Yes, you can get in trouble for breaking into your own house—at least temporarily. If the police are notified that there is a break-in at a residence, either by a neighbor or a security alarm, they can detain or arrest you until you can…
Video Doorbell Privacy Issues
Video Doorbells In the News Video doorbells are one of the hottest home security tools on the market today. We agree. Once you have a video doorbell, you’ll probably wonder how you ever lived without it. Check out our blog on How a Video Doorbell Works to learn more. However, like any technology on the…
Will CCTV Work Without Internet?
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is a TV system where the signal isn’t publicly broadcast but is watched and monitored, usually for surveillance and security purposes. From city streets and highways to retail stores and banks, CCTV cameras are placed in most places to protect property and deter crime. Learn whether a commercial CCTV system can work…
Monitored vs. Unmonitored Security Systems
If you’re thinking about installing a security system, you may be wondering if monitoring is a necessary feature. While an unmonitored system is better than nothing at all, there are some critical things you should consider before making a decision. The Benefits of Monitoring The noise and commotion caused by the sirens and lights associated…
What to Do if Someone Breaks into Your House
Arriving home to find that your home has been burglarized is one of the worst feelings someone can have. You’re left feeling raw, vulnerable, and angry. In this time of high stress, it may be hard to put your thoughts together to remember everything that now needs to be done. We have put together a list…
Fire Systems for the Healthcare Industry
Healthcare facilities face uniquely complex life safety challenges and fire hazards. Unlike other commercial properties, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care centers must safeguard patients and protect equipment that’s both expensive and essential to life safety, and maintain 24/7 operations with no downtime. With vulnerable lives at stake, the healthcare industry must adhere to strict fire…
Fire Safety Procedures for the Workplace
The bad news—a fire breaks out in your workplace. The good news—you are ready because you have done your homework and prepared for the possibility of an emergency. Emergency Action Plan The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires most employers to have an emergency action plan for various scenarios, including fires in the workplace. There are…
How is a Fire Sprinkler System Designed?
While fire sprinkler systems seem the same at first glance, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for all commercial properties. Depending on a structure’s needs and circumstances, fire sprinkler systems use different combinations of various components. The ideal design should accommodate the unique features of each industry, layout, and operation. Whether you’re looking to install a fire…
Fire Systems for Commercial Properties
Commercial property management companies have portfolios varying in scale and specialty. Still, they all share the standard responsibility of understanding and implementing fire safety measures for their operations. Fires pose a significant but avoidable threat to your properties, occupants, and sources of revenue. While not all fires can be prevented, some can cause catastrophic damage…