That site simply looked and felt too much like ours for comfort. We felt someone was trying to copy our methods of marketing and designing our site so they too could reap the fruit of our hard-earned efforts.
We decided to monitor our employees and their computers. No sooner than we started monitoring them, we discovered one of our employees was spending the majority of his work hours running his very own business through OUR computer.
That's right: we were paying him to compete with us and steal our business!
In order to collect evidence, we installed a surveillance system that featured a pair of hidden cameras and a simple DVR. What we saw on these cameras shocked us: the employee was actually stealing products from our inventory to sell on his Website!
Needless to say, we used the footage to collect evidence of the embezzlement and the theft to turn the employee to the authorities.
We realized from our experience that a good video surveillance system is a necessary component of running our business effectively and efficiently.
But we also learned that our security system must be reliable. The system we had purchased hastily was not flexible or convenient for our needs.
After some research, we realized that a PC-based surveillance system was far more powerful, flexible and reliable. It allows you to record literally thousands of hours of surveillance footage while providing you with extensive control.
What is the Need for a Spy Surveillance Hidden Camera?
You probably are well aware of what a hidden camera is, and probably know what it can be used for. But do you know whether you are in need of a spy surveillance hidden security camera? Understandably, you probably have never considered whether or not you are being watched. After all, why would you think this? But it is better to be safe than sorry.
There are a lot of uses for spy surveillance hidden covert DVR security cameras. These cameras are covert camera devices that can protect you from perpetrators and 'watchers.' After placing the camera in a hidden spot, the camera will then keep a continuous recording of all the images in the field of vision for the camera.
The images that are picked up by your spy surveillance hidden security camera can then be viewed on a television or computer screen. This will allow you to see exactly what was happening during the time the camera was running. If something disturbing was seen, you can take action before it is too late.
The main need or reason to have a hidden camera is for security purposes. You will typically find these cameras in department stores, banks, hospitals, airports, and any other kinds of businesses. Then, employees or security will observe and watch the tapes for any unusual activity. Sometimes there is someone that is assigned to watch the tapes constantly as they are receiving feedback.
Another device that many businesses have connected with the spy surveillance hidden covert DVR security cameras is a CCTV network. A CCTV network allows more than one camera to be hooked into the same monitor. This is by far the most popular security device that is used because of the wide range that can be viewed.
Although not quite as popular, another use for hidden cameras is in homes of individuals and families. These are known as spy cameras, but can also be referred to as spy surveillance cameras or hidden cameras. The most common reasons for this are to watch over your kid's nannies or caretakers while you are away. Whatever the reason may be, hidden cameras can be a great way to protect your loved ones.
Whether you are purchasing a spy surveillance hidden covert DVR security camera for a business or for your home, make sure to take the time to research. There is a wide variety of cameras to choose from and a wide price range as well. Regardless, having a hidden camera can be a great way to protect you, your business, and your home.
Increased Surveillance, Does This Mean Hello Big Brother?
By saying that life today is not what it once was, I mean that the day to day threats that society faces are vastly different than they were say 10 years ago.
I live in Northern Ireland, which for the international readers of this article is, as of the date to this article, still part of the United Kingdom. In Northern Ireland and we have had to live with and come to terms with increased security and surveillance of the past thirty years. It is not meant a massive loss in civil liberties rather day to day life becomes a trade off.
The Terrorist that the government faces today is not the terrorist / freedom fighter of yesterday. By this I mean that in the good old days (a slight attempt at black humour here) in Northern Ireland there was certain predictability and a certain cycle to the violence. You knew by and large that if you were part of the establishment (Police, Government etc) that you were a "legitimate target" (more black humour and euphemisms here) for the Provisional IRA. Life dealing with the Protestant terrorists, was albeit slightly different but there was still a black code of honour (more black humour - there is nothing noble or honourable in death from terrorism, it was and still is murder).
However, with the onset of 911and the bombings in London of July 7th, the world as we knew it changed. Fanatics bent on suicide aren't fazed by cameras nor massive loss of innocent life.
Today's terrorist plays by a different rule book. The days of somebody calling a radio station from a telephone box and uttering a pre-agreed and recognised security code and warning are all long gone. Now it is civilisation one minute and carnage the next.
This does not mean however that in our response to these changed threats to our society that we sacrifice all our liberty and freedom that we once held dear; rather we have to embrace a slightly more pragmatic response and approach to the these changed threats.
If in helping to ensure that we all live slightly longer I don't think a few more cameras is a problem. Surely, as I mentioned earlier, some things in life, if not life itself are worth compromising over.
Are Spy Cameras and Surveillance Gadgets Illegal?
On top of it all, violation of this is considered a felony.
Cellular and cordless telephone communications are protected under state law.
A person is guilty of eavesdropping when he unlawfully engages in the following activities.
Wiretapping, which is defined as the intentional overhearing or recording of a telephonic or telegraphic communication, by a person other than the sender or receiver, without the consent of either the sender or receiver, by means of any instrument, device or equipment?
One New York court ruled that a mother who listened to her son's telephone conversation through an extension phone violated this provision of the statute because the son explicitly instructed his mother to stay off the extension phone during the conversation and there was no proof that the other conversation participants had consented to her listening. The fact that it was her phone, in her apartment, was irrelevant.
"Mechanical overhearing of a conversation," meaning the intentional overhearing or recording of a conversation by a person not present, without the consent of at least one party to the conversation, by means of any instrument, device or equipment.
In one case, the court ruled that the tape recording of conversations heard through a hole in the floor of an apartment did not violate this provision of the statute because the person doing the recording was "present" during the conversations and the conversations were "freely overheard."
"Intercepting or accessing of an electronic communication," meaning the intentional acquiring, receiving, collecting, overhearing or recording of an electronic communication, without the consent of the sender or intended receiver, by means of any instrument, device or equipment. It is not a violation if the method of transmission is configured so that the communication is readily accessible to the general public.
State courts have ruled that both cellular and cordless telephone communications are protected under the state statute.
Eavesdropping using various surveillance devices is a class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 or the amount of the defendant's monetary gain from the violation.
Possession of an eavesdropping surveillance device with intent to use it or allow it to be used in violation of the statute is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
Also illegal (as a class B misdemeanor) is the unauthorized acquisition of information from a telephone company relating to its wires, cables, terminals, and so forth or concerning records of communications passing over its lines. A class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to three months in prison and a fine of up to $500.
Regarding the use of police scanners, it is illegal for a person who is not a police officer or peace officer to equip a motor vehicle with a radio receiving set capable of receiving signals on the frequencies allocated for police use or to use a vehicle so equipped. Licensed amateur radio operators are exempt. Violation is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months imprisonment or both.
The New York statute does not specifically provide for civil damages for eavesdropping. It is not clear whether New York courts would allow a civil suit for a violation of the statute, given the state's traditional reluctance to recognize civil causes of action for invasion of privacy beyond narrow parameters.
So go ahead and buy those mini and hidden spy camera devices and don't worry about if they are legal or not. I use one every day to make sure my house is safe and no intruders approach and steal or vandalize.
Big Brother Is Watching You - All About Surveillance Cameras
In 1950 while I was a senior in Good Old Franklin High in Rochester NY, our honors English class received a book report assignment. It was a shock. We were to read and comment on the novel Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell. In his writings, Orwell contributed many words to the English vocabulary. In Nineteen Eighty Four, the term "Big Brother Is Watching You" became the very symbolism of a giant super state watching endlessly over the prole or the little guy.
Over fifty years have passed since I did that book report. The year 1984 has come and gone. The Cold War is no longer. We do not have super states like Oceania. George Orwell could not in his wildest essays ever dreamed up a creation like the internet. But Orwell's creation is very evident and is with every one of us, no matter what country we live in. Here is an insight into everything we have ever wanted to know about hidden surveillance cameras
Today, hidden surveillance cameras are more common around the world than most of us realize. They can be found in banks, bus stops, department stores,7-11s, fast food restaurants, homes, and ATM machines. They are on almost every continent. These cameras were initially fed into video recording devices. Now they are monitored by real life security personnel and are channeled through the internet in order to deter crimes and rapidly identify offenders. The chances are fairly certain that if you've been in any gambling casino in the modern world that you have been carefully scrutinized on surveillance cameras As for government, if you have been in any office of federal, state, or local government, a hidden surveillance camera has captured your image.
Surveillance cameras are so small they do not take up a lot of space. When in place, they are not obvious. They are quite affordable when compared to other security methods. Surveillance cameras are effective in small 'mom and pop' type stores and restaurants. However, they are not a crime deterrent. They can only be used as evidence after the fact. They can provide valuable evidence to law enforcement, but they cannot stop the crime from happening.
To deter crimes, surveillance cameras must be used in conjunction with a law enforcement unit or a manned security patrol. In stores, cameras are mounted in "chrome domes" in the ceiling or else may sit behind store decorations. Do not be shocked if one of Santa Claus's reindeer might be housing a surveillance camera. After all, the Christmas season sees shop lifting at peak levels.
Surveillance cameras may make you the unwitting star of the latest and greatest porno flick. Pornographic webmasters have installed webcams in every conceivable place where they can photograph people that think they have privacy. No hiding place is even close. They have set up webcams in rest rooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms, and most of all, motel rooms. Not only is Big Brother watching you, but the rest of the internet world is watching you as well. A long time favorite TV show used the expresson, "Smile ..You're on Candid Camera ! How true.
There are however, a few drawbacks you should know about when considering a small, hidden, surveillance camera as part of a home or business security plan. Be aware that these cameras offer a very narrow or limited field of view. If these cameras are being used to identify perpetrators of a crime,a defense attorney in a court of law could easily establish reasonable doubt unless the defendant is well within the camera's field of vision. Also, these webcams are very small and do not necessarily offer the best quality and highest resolution when it comes to photographs.
If you are hoping to catch employees, nannies, and housekeepers in the act of stealing from you or abusing their authorities and privileges, then a hidden surveillance camera is an excellent choice. The same holds true for customers who would steal as well. These cameras can quite often be valuable tools in identifying those who transgress against you. However, the hidden nature of surveillance cameras really prevents them from being an effective crime deterrent and this should be carefully considered before relying on them as a sole means of defense or security for your home and/or business.
Here is another expression that George Orwell may not have thought about. It is, "Only The Attorneys Win." Surveillance cameras must furnish the evidence to obtain a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt. It is too easy for even a novice defense attorney to have a case thrown out of court based on surveillance camera evidence. The surveillance cameras mounted on light poles to catch you driving aggressively or running a red light or speeding may be susceptible to challenge.
The bottom line is simple enough. Get a good attorney. He or she just might be clever enough to outwit Big Brother.
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