ChrisCairns
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2001
- Messages
- 2,197
Does anyone happen to know if a security camera in a retail store is legally allowed to have audio recorded as well as the video?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Security Cameras
- Thread starter ChrisCairns
- Start date
Welcome!
By registering with us, you'll be able to discuss, share and private message with other members of our community.
I work for a national retailer chain and they do have audio ability, I have seen and heard it. At first I thought it was illegal but this company is very careful due to lawsuits NOT to compromise themselves legally. They (security) claim to never use it and I don't think they would even try in court. I worked there for 5+ years before I even knew they could listen in and was surprised.
Whenever I ave entered the security office it is always off.
I talked to a few of the workers in that area and it seems true that they rarely use it. They do watch as much as possible though, especially employees. Most of us just pick our noses and scratch our rears a little more for the benefit of the camera
W know where a lot of them are as well as where they are most likely to be watching, however more go up all the time.
Curious..... why were you asking? Are you in some kinda trouble?
Whenever I ave entered the security office it is always off.
I talked to a few of the workers in that area and it seems true that they rarely use it. They do watch as much as possible though, especially employees. Most of us just pick our noses and scratch our rears a little more for the benefit of the camera
W know where a lot of them are as well as where they are most likely to be watching, however more go up all the time.
Curious..... why were you asking? Are you in some kinda trouble?
ChrisCairns
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2001
- Messages
- 2,197
No trouble. We have security cameras in my pawnshop.
A week ago or so one of the other guys thought I'd collected the money ($150) from someone redeeming a rifle and I thought he'd collected it. So we were out $150.
We checked the security tape and have proof that the guy only paid off one of his two redemptions (I did collect for that one). The proof is in the audio portion when I said aloud how much he handed me and also said aloud how much change I gave him back.
I wrote to him and informed him he still owed us the money, which is true. He came into the store today and although I wasn't there he insisted on seeing the tape when the guys told him we had him on tape. He, mainly his friend apparently, stupidly said we'd altered the tape and they left without paying.
So now the ball is in my court and I've had to do crap like take people to small claims court before so I'm not too worried about that....other than I'm not sure audio is legal to record. Similar to phone conversations.
That's why I'm asking here....it's not worth seeing my bulldog over this so I thought someone here might know.
A week ago or so one of the other guys thought I'd collected the money ($150) from someone redeeming a rifle and I thought he'd collected it. So we were out $150.
We checked the security tape and have proof that the guy only paid off one of his two redemptions (I did collect for that one). The proof is in the audio portion when I said aloud how much he handed me and also said aloud how much change I gave him back.
I wrote to him and informed him he still owed us the money, which is true. He came into the store today and although I wasn't there he insisted on seeing the tape when the guys told him we had him on tape. He, mainly his friend apparently, stupidly said we'd altered the tape and they left without paying.
So now the ball is in my court and I've had to do crap like take people to small claims court before so I'm not too worried about that....other than I'm not sure audio is legal to record. Similar to phone conversations.
That's why I'm asking here....it's not worth seeing my bulldog over this so I thought someone here might know.
Well, I am no expert but I would think that if you have a security camera in your sho you must have a sign somewhere saying that they are being monitored and this deals with a specific business transaction so it should be ok. I mean you wern't prying into his personal life or watching him in the dressing room.
Theclincher to me would be if you had the "you are being monitored..." sign. Again I am no expert but I hope that helps.
If this ends up in small claims what would be the worst that would happen... sorry that is inadmissable?
Theclincher to me would be if you had the "you are being monitored..." sign. Again I am no expert but I hope that helps.
If this ends up in small claims what would be the worst that would happen... sorry that is inadmissable?
ChrisCairns
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2001
- Messages
- 2,197
Dunno. What if the worst is "YOU RECORDED THE AUDIO, YOU BASTARD, screams the judge. THIRTY YEARS AT HARD LABOR, NO BUICKS.
Just as you say...if the worst is "non admissible" fine and dandy, but if it's illegal then I can be charged.
That's my worry.
Just as you say...if the worst is "non admissible" fine and dandy, but if it's illegal then I can be charged.
That's my worry.
- Joined
- May 26, 2001
- Messages
- 9,208
Take it to court Chris and we will then all know.
Besides, that is the least the SOB [and his friend] deserve.
Besides, that is the least the SOB [and his friend] deserve.
ChrisCairns
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2001
- Messages
- 2,197
You're very "free" with my freedom Nick....lol.
How about if you go in my place, tell 'em you're me, and if we don't see you in Vegas we'll have the answer.
How about if you go in my place, tell 'em you're me, and if we don't see you in Vegas we'll have the answer.
Chris, I thought I was the only pawnshop guy in here. I manage one here in Detroit.
Have you found the audio to help? We have the digital systems that are run by computer. It is set-up to do audio, we just dont have mic's hooked up to it. Is it worth it?
Andy
Have you found the audio to help? We have the digital systems that are run by computer. It is set-up to do audio, we just dont have mic's hooked up to it. Is it worth it?
Andy
just checking to see if anyone with real legal experience had chimed in.
It's kind of funy too as I had just read this post last night before going to work. When I get there the place is crawling with about 5 asset protection officers puting up cable and cameras and one just giving people a hard time and attitude. Fun time for me was when this little pr$ck wants out to smoke I get to tell them no as we are locked in overnight. Then he has to wait for me to let him out as I have a key and alarm code (being assets protection they are not allowed these thinngs). Capper of the night is when the security gate goes off as he tries to leave embarrasing and aggravating him as he can't leave untill al his equipment is checked and cleared by me.
Serves him right, he should have been nicer to everyone.
Anyway, maybe you could find out on one of those spy equipment links I saw someone post a ittle while ago. I would have asked one of those guys last night if they wern't so full of themselves.
It's kind of funy too as I had just read this post last night before going to work. When I get there the place is crawling with about 5 asset protection officers puting up cable and cameras and one just giving people a hard time and attitude. Fun time for me was when this little pr$ck wants out to smoke I get to tell them no as we are locked in overnight. Then he has to wait for me to let him out as I have a key and alarm code (being assets protection they are not allowed these thinngs). Capper of the night is when the security gate goes off as he tries to leave embarrasing and aggravating him as he can't leave untill al his equipment is checked and cleared by me.
Serves him right, he should have been nicer to everyone.
Anyway, maybe you could find out on one of those spy equipment links I saw someone post a ittle while ago. I would have asked one of those guys last night if they wern't so full of themselves.
ChrisCairns
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2001
- Messages
- 2,197
Whoa.... managing a pawnshop in Detroit must be an experience....lol.
Well having the mics sure helped to prove we didn't collect the money but if it ain't legal it won't be worth it.
Here is a example of the law when I took PI back in '94. If you are standing there with 2 other people you can be tapped, but you cannot just tap a room without a warrent. If you were present in your business then you can tap/tape if you want. In other words, you can't tap a persons home, but you can record if the device is on your person... i would assume a business would be the same since it's a representation of you.
ChrisCairns
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2001
- Messages
- 2,197
Originally posted by olds443
just checking to see if anyone with real legal experience had chimed in.
It's kind of funy too as I had just read this post last night before going to work. When I get there the place is crawling with about 5 asset protection officers puting up cable and cameras and one just giving people a hard time and attitude. Fun time for me was when this little pr$ck wants out to smoke I get to tell them no as we are locked in overnight. Then he has to wait for me to let him out as I have a key and alarm code (being assets protection they are not allowed these thinngs). Capper of the night is when the security gate goes off as he tries to leave embarrasing and aggravating him as he can't leave untill al his equipment is checked and cleared by me.
Serves him right, he should have been nicer to everyone.
Anyway, maybe you could find out on one of those spy equipment links I saw someone post a ittle while ago. I would have asked one of those guys last night if they wern't so full of themselves.
Asset Protection Officers???
I harken back to the day when they were simply called Rent-A-Cops.
Today I'll go to a few stores around town that have security cameras and see it any of those people know the answer for sure. Thanks.
- Joined
- May 28, 2001
- Messages
- 16,772
"The rest of the story"!!
Actually, Chris has deleted the audio portion so that the judge would not hear the "bovine beauty" he has in the back room, mooing for some more "attention"..... 
Actually, Chris has deleted the audio portion so that the judge would not hear the "bovine beauty" he has in the back room, mooing for some more "attention".....
I used a video camera with sound once to record damage being done by a employee. Our legal dept. said it will get thrown out of court and we would be in more trouble then the guy doing the damage. This was at a public utility. All states have different rules. Here is a state by state list: http://www.rtnda.org/resources/hiddencamera/allstates.html
- Joined
- May 9, 2002
- Messages
- 2,576
In a public place there is no expectation of privacy....I suspect you'd be able to use it in court.
Make a casual visit to your local Sherriff's off ice or police station, they'll know, or know who to ask.
Make a casual visit to your local Sherriff's off ice or police station, they'll know, or know who to ask.
ChrisCairns
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2001
- Messages
- 2,197
I asked our local Chief of Police. He didn't have a clue (hehehe) regarding civil usage of recordings he said.....his expertise is with police or government recordings.
Ed...thanks. That's what I needed. And apparently we can't record it without everyone involved being expressedly informed. I think I'll cover our microphone....lol.
And shortly after talking to the Chief, the guy who owes the money phoned me and said he'd like to take care of the matter and has agreed to pay us off at $50 per month so that's that.
Chuck....you HAVE to find another joke.
Ed...thanks. That's what I needed. And apparently we can't record it without everyone involved being expressedly informed. I think I'll cover our microphone....lol.
And shortly after talking to the Chief, the guy who owes the money phoned me and said he'd like to take care of the matter and has agreed to pay us off at $50 per month so that's that.
Chuck....you HAVE to find another joke.
- Joined
- May 29, 2001
- Messages
- 1,598
Who has the right to tell someone they can't record an audio tape on their own premises?? Whether the tape can be used as evidence against someone is questionable, but it's highly unlikely there's a law against making a tape!! And even if there is, I'd bet it'd never hold up in court!
I was just watching something on the tube the other night about this, one thing mentioned was "if 2 people are recorded, only ONE of them is required to KNOW they were being recorded"...
whatever---I still don't think there's any law against making audio recordings...kinda like making a law against drawing pictures of people who walk in...
JMO
I was just watching something on the tube the other night about this, one thing mentioned was "if 2 people are recorded, only ONE of them is required to KNOW they were being recorded"...
whatever---I still don't think there's any law against making audio recordings...kinda like making a law against drawing pictures of people who walk in...
JMO
