SECURITY CAMERAS IN THE POOL AREA
Q.
Our condominium association is experiencing a great deal of unlawful
activity around our pool area. Can we safely install
security cameras in the
pool area in order to discourage this type of activity?
A.
Your association can and should install security cameras in the pool area if
illegal activity is taking place. However, it is important that the cameras
be installed in such a way as to avoid invading the reasonable expectation
of privacy of people using the pool.
I recommend that you consult with an attorney before purchasing and
installing any cameras in the pool area. Top
DUMMY CAMERAS
Q.
The board of directors of our condominium association is considering the
installation of dummy cameras in our parking garage and entry areas to deter
crime. I have been told this may not be a good idea. What is your opinion?
A.
Dummy cameras are never a good idea because they create potential liability
for the association. When owners, renters and visitors see dummy cameras,
they often believe the premises are being monitored and therefore, they are
reasonably safe. If a serious crime takes place, you can be certain the
association will be named as a defendant. It is far better for the
association to spend its money on real cameras to deter crime.
Check with an experienced insurance broker to determine if your association
can qualify for a discount on its premiums if it installs real security
cameras. Top
GUARDS AS EMPLOYEES
Q.
Our homeowner association is spending a great deal of money on several
security guards at our condominium association. We are considering hiring
our own guard employees who will be required to obtain guard cards. The
board is split. Some board members are agreeable to paying more to a guard
company even though it is more expensive. What is your opinion?
A.
Do not hire your own guards. Hire a professional security firm that trains
and supervises its guard employees. You will greatly reduce your
association's potential liability. The money you will save is not worth the
increased risk. If there is a serious incident at the property resulting in
a lawsuit, you want the benefit of the guard company's insurance and
expertise in training and supervising guards. Top
SECURITY SIGNS
Q.
In order to provide better security, our board recently installed security cameras in the common area. Are we required to post signs informing members and visitors that we have surveillance cameras?
A.
No. If the cameras are limited to common areas where there is no expectation of privacy, posting signs is not required. If the cameras are in the pool area, signs should be posted because of the greater expectation of privacy.
Notwithstanding, I believe posting such signs is a good idea because these types of signs act as an added deterent.
Top
