Covert Cameras and Security
One of the fastest-growing industries in the security field is that of camera installation, particularly covert or hidden cameras. You might suppose that alarm companies do this kind of installation more than investigators, but in most areas, this isn't true. Alarm companies usually put most of their effort into the installation of their main systems, for which they receive monthly monitoring fees.
Many alarm companies feel that there's not enough demand for covert cameras to justify paying to keep them in stock, train installers, and purchase accessories unique to these cameras. So, with only a few companies really specializing in covert cameras, there's a niche waiting to be filled in most areas. However, make sure that this is true in your area before you jump into the expense of selling and installing cameras because it's difficult for a small PI business to compete with large alarm companies.
If your area is bereft of covert camera installers, this service could be built into your business. Experienced PIs who sell and install these cameras do well because they are knowledgeable about security and criminals. It's not enough to go into someone's home or business and ask, “Where do you want these?” Sometimes the client will know exactly where she wants cameras, but an experienced investigator can always advise the client where they will be most effective. The areas chosen by the owner may not be the best locations for the purpose for which she purchased the cameras. The PI can advise from his perspective, one that's different from the home or business owner and very different from the alarm company.
Stationary Covert Cameras
Covert cameras have become smaller and are hidden in more inventive items than ever before. Prices have also been lowered. You can purchase a covert camera in almost anything — clocks, VCRs, air purifiers, sprinklers, exit signs, speakers, books, plants, and much more. Cameras in pens, eye-glasses, hats, briefcases, and the like can be used for recording by being carried on your person. Many companies will install cameras in anything you wish. The best improvement in decades is the availability of cameras and recorders with batteries to power them all contained in one unit.
In the past, investigators were forced to be very creative when installing stationary covert cameras because of the problem of hiding and powering a recording device. Now, many recorders power themselves and the camera to which they're attached, so there are no wires to camouflage. Because of this, these cameras can be moved around much more easily.
Wireless Versus Wired
You might ask about wireless cameras, thinking they have the same capabilities as wired cameras. They do, but there have always been draw-backs to wireless transmission.
Problems with Wireless Transmission
Other wireless devices can and do interfere with wireless transmission. Devices such as portable phones, some cable connections, microwaves, and other items can render wireless cameras almost useless.
Wireless depends, usually, on line of sight
Transmission is limited to a fixed distance between transmitter and camera receiver. Usually, the distance is very short. Only law enforcement personnel are allowed to use wireless transmission that extends far enough for a backup team to be inconspicuous.
At any rate, stationary covert cameras can be placed in hospital rooms to monitor nursing personnel and in nurseries and other locations for checking on nannies and babysitters. They can also be used to prove spousal abuse. One woman contracted with a PI service to help prove that her husband regularly abused her. She'd never been able to prove it because his blows landed on her midsection. They didn't leave any visible bruising, but they were hard enough to require hospitalization.
The man's behavior escalated and his wife was afraid that the next beating would kill her. Worse, she was terrified that her children would be hurt. Investigators installed a covert camera inside a speaker in her living room where most of the incidents took place. PIs changed the tape when the husband was out. Three days after the camera was installed, the man arrived home intoxicated and beat his wife with both fists until she passed out on the floor. She was admitted to the hospital, this time with internal bleeding, and an investigator retrieved the recording and delivered it to police. Because of the evidence on the covert camera, the husband is in prison today. The client has returned to school and she and both her children are in counseling.
Mobile Covert Cameras
Only a few years ago, if investigators wanted to wear a covert body camera, it entailed finding a way to conceal a not-so-small video recorder on his person and inconspicuously run wires to a camera, such as a pen, pager, or glasses case, in the PI's pocket. Because of this, every shirt, jacket, and pair of jeans or slacks contained a hole for threading a line to the covert camera. Things are different today; it's much easier and much less conspicuous to wear covert technology.
Covert body cameras can be used to check someone's mate and in mystery shopping, but there are other uses for these cameras. PIs who investigate childcare or eldercare facilities and treatment centers use them when interviewing. The camera records exactly what is in front of it. It can't be accused of overstating the truth or omitting facts; the facts are exhibited for all to see.
The PI walks around filming, checking the cleanliness of the child's or elder's room, common areas, restrooms, and kitchens. The camera is unemotional when watching for the response — or lack of response — of personnel to a child's or elder's needs and requests. As in the case of the abused wife, recorded evidence in cases such as this is rarely challenged.
Covert Versus Visible Cameras
Many camera purchasers, and even investigators, believe that visible cameras are superior to hidden cameras. This may have been true in the past, but is no longer the case. Visible cameras can serve a purpose, but only when they are used correctly and in conjunction with covert cameras.
Some security experts believe that because visible cameras are so prevalent, most people forget about them. The person who enters an office or retail store with the intention of stealing is keenly aware of these cameras. Potential shoplifters scope them out to ascertain location, distance apart, and possible blind spots between them. In the very misinformed businesses where the owner or operator displays the camera views to the public on a monitor or TV, he's helping the thief locate those blind spots within which he can operate.
An example of the use of blind spots occurred in a parking garage at dusk. A young woman named Anne walked through the dim garage toward her car, feeling safe because of visible security cameras spaced equal distances apart on concrete pillars. She waved at one of them. Suddenly, she was pulled into a corner of the deck and brutally raped. After crawling into the main area of the parking garage, Anne was rescued by a distraught security guard. When she was interviewed in the hospital, she reported looking up at all those cameras and wondering why no one came to her assistance. Then it struck her: She'd been dragged into a blind spot where she and her attacker weren't visible to even one of the cameras. The attacker had obviously scoped out the area ahead of time, knowing just where to commit his crime.
Owners and managers often purchase cameras in order to deter theft. Cameras may deter the basically honest soul who experiences a momentary temptation, but nothing really deters the serious criminal. Hidden cameras are the alternative. If covert cameras were to be placed strategically among the visible ones, even if a sign were posted alerting the public of this fact, criminals may be deterred, not knowing where their actions may be documented. Hidden cameras also catch people in the act of a crime, preventing loss from habitual shoplifters as well as employees.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Camera
When choosing a camera or camera system for yourself or your client, there are several questions you should ask up front.
How will you use the camera?
Used to watch a nanny or caregiver?
Used to watch housekeepers or maintenance persons?
Used to monitor employees in a business for possible retraining?
Used to observe suspected thieves, employees, and customers?
What do you want to record?
How long will you need to record?
Will you record inside or outside activity?
Will you move the camera or keep it in one location?
How much movement is in the room; a business will have more activity than a room in a home.
Will you need motion-activated cameras for a slow activity area? Scheduled recording? Both?
Where will the camera be located?
Is the location a bright or low-light area? Black and white is best for low light.
Can a recorder and wires be hidden or would wireless be preferred?
Will power be available for the camera?
What type of addition to the room would not raise suspicions?
How large is the area? How many cameras will you need?
How many separate areas will you want to cover?
How far away will the target likely be? This will determine the camera specs.
Would wired or wireless recording be better for your purposes?
Are you aware of problems with wireless transmission? Microwaves, cordless phones, and other wireless products such as wireless Internet can interfere with transmission.
Is it necessary to watch from another room or will recording alone suffice?
Is there no way you can find to hide a wire and recorder?
Have you looked into a camera system with recorders inside the item?
For a great array of cameras for purchase, both hidden and otherwise, see these sites:
SaferSecurity Inc.,
SpyTekBirmingham,
