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QUESTION:  SURVEILLANCE SIGNS
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Ken,
    We are a central station.  Regarding Remote Video & Audio Monitoring, one of our dealer's end users is requesting signage indicating that the building is remotely monitored in order to challenge trespassers (The signage is to act as a deterrent as well as to show that the landlord is being pro-active with security).
    However, our central station has been contracted to provide this service in specific areas of the building and only during certain hours. The video feed is subject to the end users internet service and their equipment, and is transmitted only when activated by software which recognizes lingering individuals.
    Thus, we are not actively monitoring the entire building 24/7 and our response is subject to failure of internet or equipment. So the typical "Building under Video Surveillance" signage is misleading and may lead to litigation, should something sinister occur.
    And, in case you are curious, the end user did sign your "All In One" commercial agreement.
But it's the tenants that warrant our efforts to choose the precise verbiage.  Can you recommend any signage to satisfy our signage objective?  
    Can you also recommend a sentence or two which can be sent to the tenants of the building?
Thanks,
Steve
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RESPONSE
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    You're in a gray area because there aren't any statutes that apply.  SIgns are not required; they are not prohibited.  You may just as well have a sign that reads "angry dog patrols premises".  Actually one of the most creative and I think memoriable signs to put in your front window of a residence read "My pit bull can make it from this front door to the street in 2 seconds.  Can You?"
    We see signs that buildings are under surveillance all the time.  Sometimes we even see a camera or two.  Do these signs create an unreasonable expectation for security?  I suppose the signs could have that effect, and in such case, given the right set of facts, expose the property owner and maybe the alarm company to a lawsuit and possibly damages.  But it's the property owner who is the first in line, not the alarm company.  The property owner should know that it isn't paying for 24/7 live viewing.  Most video surveillance provides nothing more than a recording that can be checked well after the event, which isn't the same as trained personnel monitoring the screens ready to intervene if necessary.
    Your signs should not create unreasonable expectations.  "Buildings under recorded surveillance" might work.  "Protected by video surveillance" might be OK.  Using the word "recorded" may convey the right message.  
    Here what I don't think you should have in your sign unless you are actually providing the coverage:  "Premises Under 24/7 Surveillance,"  "All Entering Upon The Premises Are Subject To Video Surveillance And Recording," and "These Premises Under Constant Video Supervision."  
    It's very important that your All in One Schedule Of Equipment And Services describe exactly what you are installing, how it works and what expectation your subscriber can expect.  In many cases you will be describing the system and service deficiencies rather than what is actually covered; in other words, spending more words on what is not covered.  
    The Commercial All in One provides the protection that you need for video and other security equipment, systems and services.  If your camera system includes local DVR there shouldn't be much exposure.  If you're providing remote supervised viewing you need to word the service carefully.
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