Security cameras arefound in several locations like retail stores, office buildings, parkinglots, etc. They are used to monitor public activity by recording footageonly. Surveillance camerasare designed to alarm the authorities when criminal activity takes place.

Don't risk breaking the law (and inviting lawsuits) by placing a cam where people have what the law calls a reasonable expectation of privacy. In practice, don't place a security camera in a bathroom, bedroom or similar area with a very strong expectation of privacy.

"Essentially, if the system is monitored, and the homeowner has given permission to the [security camera's] central station to make a judgment call based on an incident in the footage, it can be shared with other parties, such as law enforcement, for a response if necessary," says Kirk MacDowell, home security expert ...