Video surveillance systems can be wired or wireless. They use both audio and video and can capture moving or still images. Surveillance can be an effective way to protect one’s family, home, or business. It can also be an effective way to cross the boundaries of individual privacy. Individuals using surveillance systems should adhere to the privacy rights laws but not all of them do. It is important to know these laws so that any footage or audio taken can be used in court, if necessary.
In order to comply with the law, whenever audio is being recorded, a disclaimer stating, AUDIO MONITORING ON THESE PREMISES must be posted in clear view. Anyone using surveillance equipment should be aware that it is illegal to record conversations when the parties are not aware of such recording (as stated below). Therefore, if sound recording is necessary, post notices in plain view.
United States Codes, Title 18, Section 2510 (2) states:
· Oral communication means, “any oral communication uttered by a person exhibiting an expectation that such communication is not subject to interception under circumstances justifying such expectation.”
· A person cannot have an expectation of privacy, nor can he or she expect that communication will not be intercepted, if there are public signs posted, indication that the communication is being monitored.
· The First Amendment of the Constitution provides that any conversation between individuals is private, unless otherwise notified.
Types of Technology
There are numerous types of technology that can be used for video surveillance. A common type used today are the camera / video boxes for traffic monitoring. Ever run a red light in the middle of the night while no one was around? You might want to rethink breaking the law since cameras are being put up all over the place.
With the growing number of computers, most video recording systems are built for use with any laptop, notebook, or desktop. Embedded technology is fixed or implanted with multiple capabilities.
Embedded Technology
·
Provides
video solutions that are independent of the hosting hardware platform
·
Platforms could include mobile
phones, portable PCs or PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants)
·
Used for wired and mobile networks
·
The expectancy for high quality
video transmissions will continue to expand with trends such as:
·
The convergence of H. series
and MPEG standards
·
Research into error characteristics
of new mobile networks
·
Certain video encoding and decoding
engines will provide the same or better quality picture over lower bandwidth
Surveillance in the Workplace
Video covers such a wide array of life, that it is not just limited to job performance. It gathers information that taps into other facets of employee life such as personal conversations and characteristics, dress, eating habits, etc. Since video surveillance is “so invasive and may capture actions unrelated to the job,” it should not be covert (Cavoukian & Tapscott, 1997). Employees should be told that it is taking place and why.
The idea of the Panopticon is related to a prison, where we never know who is watching us or when. Since we have the idea that someone might be watching us at any given time, we are more inclined to act in accordance with particular socially constructed expectations. This can create tension in the workplace that does not necessarily have to be there if everyone is doing what they should.
Personal Surveillance
Where does one draw the line when it comes to personal video surveillance? There are many different styles of camera in the market today for personal surveillance use. With a larger number of working mothers, the need for childcare has increased. It is not so uncommon to see parents investing in hidden cameras to monitor nannies. Is it an infringement on the nanny’s rights if he or she is videotaped? Do these rights change if the nanny abuses the child?
Hidden Cameras
·
Clock cameras
·
Pixie cameras are hidden in digital
picture frames
·
Vitamin cameras are disguised
as a bottle of vitamins
·
Pin hole cameras are designed
to fit anywhere (scary if you think about its use in public)
·
Smoke detector cameras
·
Necktie cameras look like regular
ties (another uncomfortable form of camera)
These cameras are capable of suffocating privacy rights. A man wearing a necktie can catch anyone walking passed on video. Smaller cameras can be placed in the vents of bathrooms, in taxicabs, or in apartment walls. In fact, these have each been reported to have happened.
Web Cams
As Internet communication has increased, companies have designed cameras that allow you to see the person you are connected with. These cameras could raise some issues on privacy rights because of the lack of control over what is being viewed and the lack of limitations. The government has loose regulation of this product due to its ephemeral and ambiguous nature.
The Internet web site Earthcam.com connects users with various web cameras from around the world. Any viewer can see the Ground Zero sight in New York or the Pentagon recovery in Washington, D.C. Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, the White House, The Capitol, the Washington Monument, Pakistan, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel can all be viewed with a click of the mouse. Images are clear enough to see snipers walking on the roof of the White House. How easy is it then, to place a web camera anywhere (like the traffic ones) and watch people.
What are some of the current applications?
In today’s world, there is an unprecedented requirement for information or evidence to be gathered in order to protect both private industry and the public (the individual) from adversaries.
Private Sector Applications
·
Prevent Loss
of Valuables
·
Increase Efficiency
of Employees
·
Protect Property
and Investments
·
Verify Transactions
Public Sector Applications
·
Protection of
Law Enforcement Officials
·
Protection of
Government Assets
·
Intelligence
Gathering Device
Private enterprise has always been subject to the dishonest employee and the occasional inside criminal element within a company. In addition, video surveillance has also been employed by companies to keep watch on productivity of employees. When companies stay within reasonable parameters society has allowed companies to continue with this type of surveillance whether overt or covert in nature. However, when a major hotel chain, in the early 1990’s, used covert video surveillance in an employee locker room to ensure the staff was not taking company materials home, society felt the private sector had gone too far and stopped this type of work place surveillance.
Public sector, because of the nature of its business has always been required to keep watch and has found video surveillance to be an economical and reliable means to do so. For example, keeping watch on a large government complex is manpower intensive and therefore costly. Video surveillance allows the government to reduce cost by only requiring a few individuals to monitor this complex through video and therefore reducing the need for large numbers of individuals to physically patrol the complex.
Future Applications
·
Remote Global
Closed Circuit Surveillance
·
Interface of
Facial Recognition Systems
·
Electromagnetic
Cameras
Future technologies will allow individuals that operate video surveillance to expand the reach of their viewing area (beyond the government complex to include the surrounding city block and neighborhood). Facial Recognition Software as recently demonstrated at the Super Bowl will allow law enforcement to view massive audiences and pick out faces from pre-determined databases. The electromagnetic camera allows an individual to detect metallic objects through clothing and will eventually be expanded to include plastic and non-metallic objects.
Whether you agree or disagree with video surveillance and its ramifications on privacy and personal life, it is here to stay, especially in light of recent events. Being an informed citizen can help people be aware of its applications and possible future uses and or abuses. The United States Air Force 9th Reconnaissance Wing is charged with the responsibility of monitoring some of the United States most sophisticated video surveillance equipment and has a very appropriate motto, “In God we trust - all others we monitor.”
EarthCam: A Variety of Cams for a Variety of Purposes
The Surveillance Camera Players
Cavoukian, A., & Tapscott, D. (1997). Who knows: Safeguarding your privacy in a networked world. New York: McGraw-Hill.