March 3, 2011

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Question

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Ken

    I have a question I’m not sure if you were asked before.  I was asked by a potential customer to install camera around his house and inside the basement.  The job was in a ghetto neighborhood, while I was specking the job I noticed that the customer had a Gun on him, he claimed he is a PO.  Long story short, I have a feeling that these camera are going to be used to monitor some sort of an ILLEGAL ACTIVITY.

    I have a family member that works for the NYPD told me usually when these people gets arrested or busted, the NYPD tries to get in touch or find out who did the surveillance work for them.  I just wanted to know what are my responsibilities when I come across these jobs and could I get in trouble for doing the work ?

Kareem

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Answer

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    To be prudent you should specify in your contract that you have advised the subscriber on the proper use of the CCTV, gave him the law in your state [which you may find on my web site at  http://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/avstatutes.htm     Also, do not install covert cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms.

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Question

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Ken

    Question for you from one of my dealers:

    Could you find out what is the Canadian law on having CCTV cameras installed in public areas. Is it required by law to have signs posted where CCTV is installed and if so how many??

Thank you,

Gordon Hebb

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Answer

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    You would need to check the various jurisductions in Canada.  I suspect you will find that the law is consistent with United States state laws, which generally, prohibit installation or viewing in private areas.

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Question

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Ken,

    are there any guidance documents that identify requirements for camera system recording and how long recordings must be kept?

Keith Randall

Superior Alarm & Electronics High Country

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Answer

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    I am not aware of any laws that cover length of time CCTV data must be maintained, or the duration of recording before erase and record over occurs.  That would be state law which means there is little likelihood of consistency, assuming there is any such law.