Jake Lahmann - Benefits of Covert Surveillance

At times traditional security cameras may need backup performing their mission, especially as it relates to protecting against employee theft or internal security issues. After years of experience we can attest that potentially problematic employees will know the locations of your visible cameras and therefore keep out of their range / view. Working in concert with traditional video surveillance, covert video can be placed where dishonest employees believe they are free from view. Covert surveillance can also enable managers to view employee behavior to quietly address non-productive work habits without impacting a company’s general culture. An additional benefit is to monitor customer service. Covert video enables managers to see things as they really are and to use the information to improve training and hiring procedures to boost customer service standards. Upscale restaurants, libraries, museums and even retail stores often want to minimize the evident presence of video cameras without losing the protection that video offers. The clear answer is covert video, which provides all the benefits without impacting ambiance.

Legalities and the Expectation of Privacy
Covert video in most cases is completely legal, and subject to the same privacy laws that restrict traditional camera systems. Simply put, cameras cannot be placed in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms, dressing rooms or locker rooms. If the area in question is a public space — such as a sales floor, production line, warehouse, parking lot or cash office — it is absolutely acceptable to use covert (or visible) video cameras. The only caveat is that specific laws can vary from state to state and it is a good idea to consult legal counsel if there is any question.

However, it should be mentioned that there is a concern about the use of microphones in a covert application. Current interpretations of Federal wiretapping laws prevent the manufacture, sale, purchase and possession of any covert device that includes microphones, with the only exception granted for law enforcement and government entities. Different states have various laws pertaining to “one party” or “two party” knowledge pertaining to any type of audio recording. Federal Laws are more stringent regarding audio vs. video recording.
A good place to read about recording of conversations is located at the following site: Can We Tape? http://www.rcfp.org/taping/index.html

Many businesses do not use covert security cameras because they feel their employees might perceive these as a violation of privacy. This is certainly a reasonable thought — but one that is not supported by formal studies and/or surveys. In fact, the vast majority of people have a reaction similar to the answer given by one hotel gift shop employee to this question: “Would you be offended to learn that throughout the gift shop there were hidden security cameras watching you?” The response was, “No. As a matter of fact I would like that. It would make me feel even more secure. After all, there are already cameras in here. And if something did occur or something went missing, then I know my boss wouldn’t suspect me.”

Planning A Covert Camera System:

When planning a covert surveillance application to address specific activity, it is helpful to consider the following questions:

1. Who are the suspects? Is the greatest concern visitors, customers or employees? In the latter case, it would be necessary to maintain complete silence about where equipment is hidden.

2. What is the activity? Does it happen quickly (such as an employee stealing money from a cash box or register)? The answer points to what kind of recorder to use, how much recording time is needed and how will it be powered.

3. When is the activity occurring? If it happens at night, special pinhole cameras can be used to see in extremely low light levels — near complete darkness to the human eye. Additional light can be added with infrared illuminators which are undetectable to the human eye..

4. Where is the activity occurring, and where will the camera be in reference to the area of concern? Special telephoto micro-lenses may be needed to gather small but important details.

5. What are the goals in using covert video? A single camera can identify someone at a certain place and time. But if the objective is to collect sufficient evidence to prosecute an offender, multiple cameras may be needed to capture multiple elements of a crime.

While gathering details about the mission at hand, consider what should be used to contain the camera. In other words, what kind of article concealing a camera could be introduced into the environment without attracting attention? In some environments, almost anything new would be out of place. If options are limited, look for existing fixtures that could house equipment, such as posters, paintings, furniture, draperies, ceiling tile, within existing wiring, smoke detectors, clocks etc. Wireless video transmitting devices are often used to make installation of covert video fast and easy; however, some environments may have radio frequency (RF) interference, or the building may have thick concrete walls that make sending wireless signals difficult. Most of the time we can find an innocuous location to hide a camera and recording device.

Technology Update:
Whether an environment is suitable for a ready-made solution, or if a customized solution is needed, there are plenty of technology choices to serve any covert surveillance need.

• Ready-to-install covert video: Covert video options are available as wired or wireless devices, pre-packaged in many different forms. For wired devices, consider something that people naturally expect to have wired, such as exit signs, flood lights, fire alarms, PIR sensors, loud speakers, ceiling speakers, motion lights or computer speakers. For wireless devices, consider items that normally use 120 volts of power, such as clock radios, air purifiers or boom boxes. The covert surveillance gear inside the enclosure shares the power pulled by the device. The installation of a wireless device consists merely of setting it down and plugging it in. The video signal is then sent to a receiver, where it can be monitored and recorded remotely. There are also self-contained surveillance devices that have a camera, power and recorder all in one package and simple record on SD cards, the same type of cards that are used in everyday digital cameras.

• Pinhole Cameras: Today pinhole cameras no longer give you a “tunnel vision” view but capture a wide FOV (field of view) with crisp clear images through the tiniest of pinholes. Additionally, these cameras come in various shapes and sizes with an assortment of different everyday items such as buttons or screws that can further camouflage the actual lens. The most important element to consider is the lens, which can either be a flat pinhole (best used for thinner materials such as paper and fabric) or a conical pinhole (whose cone-shaped lenses require that they be embedded in thicker materials such as drywall, drop-tile ceilings or cardboard). These lenses require a hole less than 1/16-in. diameter.

• Recorders: Traditional DVRs should be chosen based on resolution, frame rate, available camera channels and remote monitoring capabilities. Miniature versions — called “micro DVRs” — can be smaller than a pack of cigarettes, but can record at full D1 resolution at 30 frames per second. For most micro DVRs, recording capacity is limited by battery life but can be augmented with AC power supplies for indefinite run time. Built-in video motion detectors trigger recording, which can be exported via a USB and/or SB Card. Micro DVRs can lie dormant for weeks and only record when activity occurs. Also, hybrid DVRs and NVRs (Network Video Recorders) can reach out across networks to record video from IP cameras.

• Wireless: The most popular devices used for covert applications are FCC Part 15 approved, which means that no license is required for use. The range of these devices is between a 60-feet and 300 foot line of sight. If more range is needed, other devices can offer more power and are FCC approved under Part 90, but will require a FCC license for use. The two most popular frequency options today are 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz, both of which provide ample range and plenty of bandwidth to transmit high-resolution video signals. Wireless video in an area should be on a different frequency than the local Wi-Fi operation. When considering range, it is best to cut the line-of-sight range at least in half for non-line-of-sight applications. If there are obstructions such as concrete walls, the range may be less.

• Lighting: Infrared illumination can augment covert video and is invisible to the human eye; however, not all infrared illuminators are undetectable. The frequency of choice for a covert application should be 940nm, which is so far out of the human eye’s spectral response that it emits no visible signature (i.e., no red glow).

• Power: Battery power is great for body-worn applications, and for temporary placement of fixed covert gear, but the finite run time will require visits to the camera to swap out batteries, which can increase the chance of discovery. Batteries are available that offer a run time anywhere between 8 hours and several days. A duplicate battery enables one to be charging while the other is in use. Alternative power, such as solar cells, are highly visible but can sometimes be introduced as if they are being used for another item that is perceived as benign. For rural applications, camouflaged and flexible solar cells are available. They blend into wooded areas and can be wrapped around the limbs of trees. For remote applications, hydrogen fuel cell and propane generators are also available — they are small, quiet and some can even be buried. As more and more businesses understand the unique capabilities of covert video to solve internal security problems, we can expect the demand (and social acceptance) of covert video to increase. Younger generations are seeing covert video as an unbiased advocate. As for the bad guys, if you’re willing you can mitigate the damage, prevent further loss and dismiss or prosecute them.