Do Security Cameras Affect Property Values? Surveyor's Reporting Duty

Land surveyors use a variety of tools and equipment to perform their jobs, including cameras. While the public may assume that land surveyors are taking their picture, the equipment they use is actually a measuring tool. This equipment is essential for land surveyors to perform their jobs, but it is unclear whether they have to report surveillance cameras. There are different laws and regulations regarding the use of surveillance cameras, and these can vary depending on the location. In general, hidden cameras are allowed as long as certain rules and regulations regarding privacy and consent are followed.

Land surveyors' equipment cannot capture your picture

Land surveyors use a variety of tools and equipment to measure the Earth's surface, including tapes, rulers, chains, laser devices, compasses, clinometers, transits, and theodolites. They also employ prisms, reflectors, magnetic locators, and stabilising equipment like poles, tripods, and mounts.

While some of these tools may resemble cameras, they are not used for capturing images but for taking precise measurements of elevation, angles, and boundaries on a property. For instance, the Trimble Robotic Total Station, which is controlled by radio and Bluetooth, shoots out a laser that bounces off a prism pole to determine distances, angles, and depths.

Therefore, while land surveyors' equipment may look like it can take pictures, it is designed for measuring and mapping purposes only.

Cameras are not allowed in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy

While there is no specific federal law that regulates the use of security cameras, there are national consent and privacy laws that apply to video surveillance. In the US, it is generally legal to install a residential security camera and record video. However, US citizens are also guaranteed a reasonable expectation of privacy, which extends to video recording.

This means that cameras are not allowed in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes places like bathrooms, bedrooms, and changing rooms. An easy way to remember what falls under the "reasonable expectation of privacy" is to think about times when you would normally draw the blinds or close the door. If you wouldn't normally do an activity in public, it probably shouldn't be recorded on video.

For example, a landlord who installs a hidden security camera inside an apartment unit without the tenant's consent is a clear violation of privacy. Similarly, putting a camera in a bedroom or a child's room is also a violation of the expectation of privacy rule.

In addition to federal laws, some states have their own specific laws regarding security cameras. For instance, California makes it illegal to record any confidential communication, regardless of consent. Georgia allows video surveillance in private and public settings, but the cameras must be in plain sight.

It's important to note that the laws around security cameras can vary by state and county, so it's crucial to check local regulations before installing any surveillance equipment.

It is illegal to place hidden cameras in someone else's house without their consent

While land surveyors do use cameras to record issues observed during a survey, these are typically DSLR or mirrorless cameras, and not hidden cameras.

In most states, it is legal to use hidden cameras, or "nanny cams", in your own home, even without the consent of the person being recorded. However, it is generally not legal to place hidden cameras in someone else's home, even if your child is being cared for there.

If you suspect that someone has illegally placed a hidden camera in your home or office, you can hire a private investigator to conduct a bug sweep and remove any devices.

It is generally legal to use hidden cameras in public places

The use of hidden cameras in public spaces is generally legal. However, there are some nuances to this. While citizens are guaranteed a reasonable expectation of privacy, this does not usually extend to public spaces.

In the US, it is legal to install a residential security camera and record video. However, it is prohibited to record people in private spaces such as bathrooms, bedrooms, or changing rooms. This is because people generally have a heightened expectation of privacy in these spaces.

In the case of hidden cameras in public places, the laws differ from state to state. For example, Georgia permits the use of video surveillance cameras in public and private settings as long as the cameras are in plain sight. On the other hand, states like New Hampshire, Maine, Kansas, South Dakota, and Delaware require consent for hidden camera surveillance, applying the "reasonable expectation of privacy" principle.

It is important to note that the laws around security cameras are constantly evolving, and there may be specific regulations in certain counties or cities that differ from state laws. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the local laws before installing any security cameras.

Employers can place hidden cameras in the workplace

State laws and privacy expectations vary, but there are some places where surveillance is typically not allowed, such as bathrooms, locker rooms, and other areas designated for employee rest or comfort. Federal wiretap law prohibits the recording of certain oral communications, which is why surveillance cameras usually do not have audio.

Employers must also be mindful of union activities, as the National Labor Relations Act (NLRB) prohibits the use of video cameras to record union meetings and conversations.

In summary, while employers can place hidden cameras in the workplace under certain conditions, they must ensure they are complying with relevant state laws, respecting their employees' privacy, and avoiding prohibited areas and activities.

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