Smile You’re On Camera Signage: Frequently Asked Questions

Smile You’re On Camera Signs can be used to deter most unwanted behavior on your property. Some of the major crimes you can discourage by putting up these signs are:

• - Shoplifting
• - Theft
• - Robbery
• - Burglary
• - Vandalism
• - Trespassing / Loitering
• - Dumpster Diving
• - Illegal Parking
• - Breaking In
• - Harassment/Stalking

Usually, it is unnecessary to inform you that you are using a video camera in a public or private space, provided that the cameras are not placed in areas like restrooms, hotel rooms, locker rooms, or dressing rooms where the people expect privacy. Yet most property owners use camera warning signs because video cameras are not always very noticeable. In a way, signs make people aware of cameras and deter criminal activities. Also, since “reasonable expectation of privacy” is not a very clear term, posting signs is a safe way to sideline from privacy laws (although posting signs will not relieve you of liability for video surveillance in situations where it is prohibited by law or common morality). Signs help strengthen your goal to protect your property against criminals and make sure everyone entering your property knows the camera is there so that the expectation of privacy is naturally reduced.

That said, it is always safe to look at your local laws and regulations for specific requirements. In New York City, for example, surveillance cameras are required outside cabarets, public dance halls, and catering facilities along with signage at appropriate locations.

Any kind of facility that requires to strengthen its security can use Smile You’re On Camera Signs. Since these signs are lighthearted and do not come across as harsh warnings, facilities and properties with a guest-centric approach would love to use them. Some of the facilities requiring these signs can be -

• - Homeowners Association
• - Offices
• - Hotels
• - Retail Stores
• - Universities and schools
• - Hospitals
• - Construction Sites
• - Bars

There are many ways to amp up security in a jewelry store or, for that matter, any retail store. Some of the most common ways are:

• - Use live video monitoring
• - Appointing security guard and security gates at checkout
• - Ample lighting on display counters
• - Installing security signs for safety and warning purposes
• - Have policy like showing one item at a time
• - Spread high-value merchandise across your showroom
• - Using strong display showcases to prevent smash-and-grab robbery

- Keep doors locked before opening and after closing 

This depends on individual state laws. But yes, mostly it is legal to have cameras that view and record video outside your property. Recording audio is usually not legal though. Video surveillance outside on the street is generally allowed in a public place and doing so would not be considered invading someone's privacy.

However, if a camera is pointed towards a private space like someone's bedroom then it can come under radar. Even outdoors, the camera cannot ge

This depends on individual state laws. But yes, mostly it is legal to have cameras that view and record video outside your property. Recording audio is usually not legal, though. Video surveillance outside on the street is generally allowed in a public place and doing so would not be considered invading someone's privacy.

However, if a camera is pointed towards a private space like someone's bedroom, then it can come under the radar. Even outdoors, the camera cannot generally be installed in a manner that it invades an area where someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Some states do not permit capturing the video of another without their consent.If you are a property owner and not sure whether and where you can place surveillance cameras, you may consult with the local law enforcement agency or contact an attorney to ensure your compliance with local, state, and federal video surveillance laws. 

nerally be installed in a manner that it invades an area where someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Some states do not permit capturing the video of another without their consent.If you are a property owner and not sure whether and where you can place surveillance cameras, you may consult with the local law enforcement agent or contact an attorney to ensure your compliance with local, state, and federal video surveillance laws.