| As technology becomes more advanced, security | | | | that, "Generally, a person walking along a public |
| cameras are becoming smaller and more mobile, | | | | sidewalk or standing in a public park cannot reasonably |
| allowing surveillance to take place just about | | | | expect that his activity will be immune from the public |
| anywhere. People are becoming intertwined in a | | | | eye or from observation by the police." |
| society that’s constantly connected to one another, | | | | While there is no federal law to regulate use of |
| and privacy terms are becoming more loosely | | | | security cameras, most state governments would |
| interpreted. The definition of privacy has changed | | | | agree that hidden cameras in private areas like public |
| drastically in the last decade, as it is becoming part of | | | | bathrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms and similar |
| our every-day lives to be monitored by others. From | | | | areas are a definite invasion of privacy and should |
| the obvious security cameras at convenient stores, to | | | | never be used. Although there continues to be a fine |
| the increasing popularity of hidden cameras, people | | | | line between what’s considered private and not |
| can be monitored on a greater scale. The question is, | | | | these days, the benefits of security cameras should |
| where is the line drawn between legal monitoring and | | | | not be forgotten. Security cameras placed in the public |
| invasion of privacy? | | | | areas mentioned previously are a great asset to the |
| Most people or companies that install security cameras | | | | community. If you’ve ever been a store owner |
| are striving for the same goal, to deter theft and | | | | who has encountered a thief or in a traffic accident |
| prevent crime. However, people can reasonably install | | | | where you had no eye witnesses, security cameras |
| a camera for mere personal use and there is little | | | | become immensely helpful. |
| anyone can do about it. Basic public monitoring is | | | | While hidden cameras in public areas are completely |
| generally expected now amongst most Americans; | | | | legal, it is recommended to consult your local law |
| however some continue to feel that hidden cameras | | | | enforcement or lawyer who is knowledgeable about |
| are a violation to their privacy even in these public | | | | these laws before installation of the security camera. |
| arenas. | | | | The laws dictate the allowance for hidden camera use |
| Cameras are generally placed anywhere there are | | | | without much stipulation; however, there is still a great |
| large concentrations of people or in an area that is | | | | deal of legal dispute on the issue. |
| visited frequently-- the most obvious places being | | | | As legal debates over public privacy are imminent, it |
| traffic intersections, outside popular buildings like banks | | | | should be noted that security cameras in public areas |
| and grocery stores, tourist attractions, ATMs, gas | | | | allow police an extra set of eyes, and those in the |
| stations, schools and the like. While it may be | | | | community an added feeling of safety. Security |
| disconcerting to some to be monitored without their | | | | cameras placed in public places that benefit the overall |
| knowledge, security of this nature is | | | | good of the neighborhood are a great asset and |
| allowed according to the U.S. Supreme Court decision | | | | should be treated as such. |
| in Katz vs. United States, which states | | | | |