Vivint Authorized Retailer Mesa
Smart Security Specialists -- Your Vivint Authorized Dealer Covering Mesa & the surrounding area

What are the laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home security in Mesa?

May 28, 2024
Outdoor surveillance camera overlooking residential property

Thinking about improving your home security with surveillance equipment but want to make sure you understand the law regarding their use? It’s wise to verify if you’re in compliance, and bolstering your home with another layer of security is a great idea. So, what are the laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home security? See what you need to know.

Keep the reasonable expectation of privacy under consideration

A chief principle that governs the use of inside and outside video cameras is the reasonable expectation of privacy. It has been accepted from a legal standpoint that citizens have a right to privacy in specific places. This reasonable expectation of privacy covers areas like changing areas, bathrooms, and bedrooms. But, it’s totally fine to install cameras in public spaces like the outside of your property.

Avoid snooping and keep your focus on home security in Mesa

While laws on outdoor surveillance cameras for home usage defend your legal right to install exterior cameras, that doesn’t allow you to point them at your neighbor’s bathroom or bedroom windows. Always be mindful of where your surveillance devices are pointing. Whenever using interior cameras, they should stay out of bathrooms and bedrooms, as guests will expect privacy in those spaces.

It’s worth noting that state laws pertaining to surveillance video in public areas will differ. However, if you’re placing cameras on your property for the explicit basis of security, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

What about audio recordings in Mesa?

Audio recordings from surveillance cameras can get a little trickier. Even though a federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) allows the recording of private discussions when just one party allows, state laws differ. The preponderance of states abide by the single-party consent stipulation, but many others mandate all-party authorization in various situations. Take a look at the breakdown by state. If you are located in a state that allows single-party consent and are taking part in the discussion, you may legally record without asking the other parties.

What are the leading options for outdoor cameras in Mesa?

Surveillance systems have advanced quite a bit in recent years. You now can choose helpful wireless options and find worthwhile features like HD image quality, night vision, wide-angle viewing, and motion activation. Some innovative models even offer built-in crime deterrence. For instance, some components deter intruders by brightening an LED light and sounding an alarm. This is an effective way to keep unwanted visitors away.

Get a Vivint smart home with top-end surveillance

Elevate your home’s protection and effectively prevent theft with an advanced home security system from Vivint. We offer some of the top video equipment in Mesa, including models with active deterrents. You’ll enjoy this additional security layer and the automatic notifications you get whenever a camera perceives dubious movement. Call (480) 568-6350 to see what we have to offer.