ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving the entire Texarkana area
Home security camera with house in background
December 11, 2023

What You Should Understand About Home Security Camera Laws In Texarkana

You want the best security for your property, and know that video cameras are an essential element. The mere presence of a camera perched on your house is enough to frighten away many potential intruders. But are there legal restrictions on where you can install them and how they may be used? By and large, you don’t have anything to fret over, but there are some things you ought to know regarding home security camera laws.

General Guidelines For Reasonable Expectation Of Privacy

While there are no particular federal home security camera laws, it is legally understood that all people have a reasonable expectation of privacy in specific areas. For example, you would expect bedrooms, locker rooms, and bathrooms to be private and off-limits to video recording. On the contrary, locations like the front or side of your residence are public and subject to video recording. As a general rule, we don’t have a right to privacy in a public area.

Where Do You Have Your Texarkana Camera Aimed?

Another thing to think about is how you aim your cameras. Even when you have a camera in a public setting, like fastened to your garage, you can’t aim it in the direction of a private setting like your neighbor’s bedroom. Within your own residence, it’s best to abstain from placing cameras in bedrooms (particularly any used by houseguests) and bathrooms.

While all states comply with the reasonable expectation of privacy requirements, there could be other laws concerning the placement and usage of video cameras. If you use cameras in public areas and for the explicit purpose of security, you’ll be in good shape, but it’s always a good idea to be informed of your state’s exact regulations.

Can You Record Audio From Surveillance Systems In Texarkana?

The audio aspect of camera systems is trickier as it depends largely on the state you live in. A federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) permits audio recording of private conversations as long as one person agrees. So, if you have an audio-capable camera at your home and consent to recording a conversation, you can legally do so. With that being said, various states have gone past the one-party consent law and now call for consent from all parties. Ensure you are aware of what is allowed in your state.

Why Use Surveillance At Your Texarkana Residence?

You have a legal right to operate cameras at your home, and there are excellent reasons to do so. Vandals are not as inclined to invade your home if they spot cameras, as they don’t want to get captured on a recording. If a burglary does occur, your recording can be essential to law enforcement’s investigation. But you may employ surveillance devices for even more. You might observe your dearest newborn, look after your furry friends, and get proof your children are back from school.

Get The Best ADT Surveillance Cameras In Texarkana From Secure24 Alarm Systems

Install the best video cameras in Texarkana by reaching out to the pros at Secure24 Alarm Systems. We’re an Authorized ADT Dealer, and our service team will make certain your cameras are installed properly and run as intended. Call today at (870) 705-5023 to request an appointment.