Cameras and Home security

What Are the Benefits of Home Security Cameras?

A set of eyes when you’re away

Whether you’re at the office during the day or on an extended vacation, home security cameras provide a live view of your home and can notify you of notable events like movement, human detection, or delivered packages. With the compatible mobile app for your camera, you can check in on your home wherever you are. Some cameras even offer two-way audio so you can listen and speak through your camera. This is beneficial if you’d like to tell your mailman where to leave a package or spook a potential threat.

Deter criminals

Like an intimidating dog or heavy-duty gates, the sight of a security camera can deter potential criminals. A study of incarcerated burglars by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology showed that most burglars considered indicators of increased security, such as outdoor cameras, when selecting a target. Approximately 60% of burglars said they would find a different target if an alarm were present. While home security cameras alone aren’t alarms, they may still spook burglars, as many home alarm systems offer security cameras in their packages.

Video evidence for insurance or police

Offering recorded surveillance video to your insurance company can help move claims along quickly and provide any missing information from a verbal account. Some home insurance companies may also offer a discount if you have security cameras.

If there is a break-in or any other crime on your property, recorded video from your home security camera may help the police identify the criminal and prevent them from committing more crimes.

Monitor pets and babies

Home security cameras aren’t just useful for policing your property; they can help keep an eye on children and pets when you can’t be there. A security camera with facial recognition by your front door can send you a push notification saying, “John is at the front door,” so you know your child is home safely. Two-way audio on indoor cameras can act as an intercom, allowing you to hear and talk to your family or pets when you’re not home.

What Are the Drawbacks of Home Security Cameras?

Privacy Concerns

Having eyes in or around your private residence may reduce your sense of privacy. “Whatever it records is technically on the internet forever,” says David VanWert, a home technology consultant and founder of VanWert Technology Designs Inc. “Once it's stored in the cloud, in theory, it never goes away.” But as VanWert points out, you likely already have a number of devices in your home with cameras that can record what you’re doing, such as smartphones and computers. There are steps you can take to minimize the security and privacy risks of installing security cameras, however. If you're concerned, consider only installing cameras on the outside of your home, and don’t put them in personal spaces such as bedrooms.

Legality Concerns

Your camera’s line of vision can be a point of contention and possibly illegal. Your camera should not monitor another person’s property where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. “If you're just watching your own property, you’re probably fine,” says Jeff Welch, a former corrections officer and founder of Grab The Axe Total Security Solutions. “But if your neighbor believes or has evidence that you have one pointed towards his bedroom window or front door, then you have an issue on your end.”

If you record someone’s conversation without their knowledge, even on your property, you could be breaking the law, depending on where you live. Denise Howell, an internet and technology lawyer, says that under federal law, as long as you’re a party to the conversation and consent to it being recorded, it doesn’t matter what the other parties think. However, several states have two-party consent laws that make it illegal to record audio conversations without the consent of everyone involved. Plus, it’s almost always illegal to record a conversation if you’re not participating in it at all. Additionally, specific features such as facial recognition are unlawful in some states. A good rule of thumb is to let visitors know when they are being recorded and post notices on your property indicating it’s being surveilled by audio and video technology.

Check your state and local legislation regarding privacy and surveillance equipment.