Hidden Security on the Job

Small and large business owners alike have a responsibility to themselves and their employees to maintain a safe workplace. In order to ensure efficiency and profitability while encouraging workers to feel protected and at ease on the job, businesses have long utilized plainly-visible security cameras to capture video and still-image, providing a dated, easily discernable “what’s goin’ on” of their offices and storefront. Cameras possess a dual purpose as many of today’s employers are looking further than sales in efforts to achieve profit. A large percentage of firms are finding it necessary to amp up efforts in loss prevention in order to protect their elusive bottom line. It’s not that employers are becoming more distrustful or desire to spy on their employees, it is only that research has shown that workplace thefts are on the increase, and protecting company property is not devious or spiteful, but smart.

Hidden cameras are a relatively new phenomena in the workplace due to the rise in employee thefts, so legal issues concerning these hidden camera installations are very few and vague at best. Laws that are in place involve “invasion of privacy” and extend to areas where employees and patrons have an expectation of being alone and unobserved. Areas such as locker rooms, restrooms, and changing areas, fall into the category of “expected privacy”. In cases where a workers’ union is involved, it is always best to talk things over with local union representatives, assuring them that privacy will not be violated. Hidden surveillance is a necessary evil to protect against employee offense and extremely important in order to keep the workplace safe and profitable. Employers are advised to retain an attorney to counsel them on the laws that are present in their state before moving ahead with the installation process. In most cases, employers are protected under law as long as local law enforcement guidelines are adhered to, but it is better to be safe than sorry, as always.

While cameras that are mounted within plain view do much to deter illegal or lascivious activities of employees or clients, hidden cameras are able to capture how individuals behave when they are not aware they are being observed. Security firm outfitters like Security-Cams.com are allowing employers to take the safety and profitability of their workplace into their own hands, offering a multitude of security cameras and accessories to keep every workplace secure in more ways than one.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and founder of Protection Depot, a leading online supplier of surveillance cameras and security cameras. For more information please visit Protection Depot.

Security Cameras for the Home

Home security is becoming more affordable and as a result more people are interested in installing home surveillance cameras for safety and security. Trying to decide what kind of camera to purchase can seem overwhelming. Take some time to think about what it is you want to secure with your surveillance system. Here are some things to consider when determining what type of security camera is right for your needs.
If you want to protect your house from the outside, then outdoor spy cams would be your best option. They are obvious because of their size and people will see that your house is secured. That is actually a good reason to put a security camera on the outside of your home. It will let burglars know that your house is protected and they will be less likely to attempt a break in. If you decide to install an outdoor camera, then you will want to make sure that it is weatherproof and waterproof. You also want to be sure that rough weather won’t damage or break it. Decide if you need night time surveillance. Outdoor cameras with infrared are available for capturing images at night.
Spy cameras inside the house are also used for security purposes. In case burglars do break into your house, your home spy cams will detect the burglars and record their moves. There are even home security systems that have alarm functions built-in. These security systems have motion detection devices. Once armed these systems trigger an alarm if movement is detected. The type of alarm triggered can vary from sound signals, flashing light, an automatic phone call to you or your neighbours if you are away, or even an email sent to your PC or laptop.
You may have the need for a home spy cam that is not for security, but for spy and surveillance purposes. People use hidden cameras in their houses to spy on their nannies, spouses, or kids. You will want cameras that can easily be hidden for this type of surveillance. There are mini spy cameras or pin-hole cameras used for this purpose. These small cameras can be hidden anywhere, in stuffed animals, behind the book shelf, or near the computer. They can also be wired or wireless. Another alternative would be ready made hidden cameras, meaning that they are already stuffed into some regular everyday objects such as lamps, fake plants, or books.
Once you have decided if you need outside or inside security, visible or hidden surveillance, you can now begin to shop around for the best camera for your investment.


About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and hidden cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Security Cameras in Taxicabs

In September 2005 the city of Ottawa passed a bylaw that would require all city taxi cab drivers to install security cameras in their vehicles by March 21, 2008. The mini security cameras would snap periodic still photos of a car’s occupants, On February 12, 2008 hundreds of taxi drivers protested outside of city hall in Ottawa by clogging the streets and honking their horns defiantly. Prior to this demonstration of protest the taxi driver’s union representative announced that they refused to have the cameras installed without their consent.

Cost and privacy are the two major issues that have the cab drivers up in arms. "Our people feel that the camera is going to be used to discipline drivers," says Mohamad Alsadi, a national representative of the Canadian Auto Workers Union. Drivers were told that the cameras would cost between $700 and $1,000, but the price has climbed to $1,500. Drivers have been charging an extra 5 cents surcharge on all fares to help fund the cameras, but the difference in cost will have to be paid by drivers/owners of the cars.

As a result of the protest and a subsequent city council meeting , the date that drivers are required to have cameras installed by has been moved to July 2, 2008. The mayor threatened that taxi drivers would risk having their licences lifted if they refused to have the cameras installed. In the meeting mayor O’Brian stated, "The key issue in terms of my decision-making was related to public safety. A secondary issue was the safety of the drivers." This slightly thoughtless statement may explain why a large number of drivers believe that the bylaw is discriminatory. Following the meeting, the mayor's office released a statement to clarify his comment about public safety. It said the cameras are for the benefit of both the public and drivers equally, and the mayor apologized for any confusion his comments may have caused.


Advantages of taxi security camera include protection for the drivers, deterrent for potential violence, and prevention of robberies. According to Stats Canada for the period 2001 to 2005, cab driving was the most dangerous work-related job in Canada. Cab drivers work all hours of the night and in all neighbourhoods. They put themselves at the mercy of their passengers. Between 2001 and 2003, crimes against Manitoba city taxi drivers dropped 79% after security cameras were installed and mandated by the city. At the same time, the cameras monitor driver behaviour as well. Passengers aren't the only ones with the potential to act out of line in a taxi cab. Drivers can also be guilty on occasion. Taxi cameras help to ensure that cab drivers carry out their duties in a professional manner. In cases where violent confrontations or robberies do take place, in-cab security cameras can provide valuable video evidence for criminal investigations.

The drivers union claims they won’t cave on this issue and have not ruled out the possibility of a strike. The city council representative stated that the drivers concerns of cost and privacy are being addressed, but as it stands the bylaw will be enforced starting July 2, 2008. Ottawa residents may find it difficult to find a cab come July.


About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of mini security cameras and security cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.