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Below are commonly asked questions regarding the installation of covert video surveillance equipment:

Q:  How are the camera and recorder concealed?
A:  At the time of the installation, installers will determine the actual location of both the camera and recorder.  However, it is not unusual for several hundred feet of cable to be run in order to place the recorder in a "safe" area.  When installing the recorder, installers will take several factors into consideration.  First, the need to change the tapes; second, the safety of the area from discovery; and third, the availability of 110 volt power.  Typically, the recorder is concealed above the ceiling or in appropriately sized cabinets.

Q:  What do I do after I have the evidence on film?
A:  That is entirely up to you.  Our clients deal with the evidence in a variety of ways, including allowing the employee to resign, terminating the employee with cause, and criminal prosecution.  We usually don't recommend telling the employee he/she was caught on tape.  You can review the tapes yourself or an investigator can do it.   The amount of time it takes depends upon the amount of activity on the tape.

Q:  Is covert video affordable?
A:  Are theft, sexual harassment, and malicious destruction of company property affordable?  The failure to take appropriate action in any of these circumstances can cost you in any number of ways--from the real losses associated with theft to the potential for civil litigation to the costs associated with loss of productivity and morale. At Surveillance Specialties, we offer a wide range of variables in our pricing schedule, allowing companies to buy, rent or lease covert video equipment depending on what solution is most affordable and appropriate. All of our billing is done on a weekly basis and typically includes a detailed description of services rendered. At the client's request, however, we can provide a generic bill on a consulting letterhead so that the invoice can be submitted to accounts payable without arousing suspicion.

Q: Do I have to inform my employees?  Do I have to have a policy in place before I use covert cameras?
A:  In most cases, no. In fact, the fewer employees who know about a covert installation, the greater the chance of success.  Some union agreements also include language that requires an employer to notify employees of any video monitoring in the workplace.  In situations like this, it's essential to proceed with caution.  However, we have creative ways of working around this provision, within the limits of the law or agreement, of course.  There are no policies required; however, if there is a policy in place, great care needs to be taken to operate within those guidelines.

Q:  Is covert video surveillance legal?
A:  Covert video monitoring is legal in situations where there is not an "expectant right of privacy."  As with any other major business decision, be sure to check with your attorney before doing an installation as laws vary among states.

Q:Can the terminated employee receive unemployment?
A:  Every situation is different;  however, in the cases in which we have been involved that have resulted in unemployment hearings for emergency benefits, the employer has prevailed each time.  In each of the cases, the employer presented printed pictures derived from the original tape and offered the original videotape as backup evidence if the hearings officer so requested.  Each time, the hearings officer waived the actual presentation of the footage and ruled against the employee.