Hidden Cameras

Rachel V

Is there any federal law or NJ state law that says you have to inform employees that you have installed hidden cameras that will be on all the time? We recently had a number of items stolen from the office - including a brand new desktop computer. We have installed cameras by all the doors to record who goes in and out.

Do we need to tell employees about the cameras if we would use those tapes as evidence of wrong doing which led to termination?

Theresa Gegen TX

I do not know about new jersey law, but if your company has a union, the union probably needs to be informed and may have a right to bargain over the cameras.

Good Luck!

Rachel V

We don't have any union employees so that shouldn't be an issue. But Thanks!

Terry

Generally speaking, as long as the cameras are not installed in an area where there would be an expectation of privacy (bathroom, locker room) you could be ok. I will check NJ statues to make sure.

Don D

We have a union. The union has no right, expected or otherwise, to know where, when or if the Company places cameras at its facilities, UNLESS that is somehow addressed in the collective bargaining agreement. The contract always has(or should always have)a strong Management Rights Clause which clearly gives the Company rights to do many things, one of which is usually stated as "The right to do anything and everything which furthers the Company's business interest as long as it is not expressly and explicitly prohibited by written provision of this contract". The Union would have no right to know if the Company has decided it is in its best business interest to install surveillance cameras on or about the facility. Now, we all know, of course, that installation of cameras or monitoring devices in dressing rooms or restrooms or "other places" where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, is not recommended at best and illegal at worst. Don in MS

Rich

Why wouldn't you want to inform employees? You may or may not be successful in catching one thief if you hide the cameras, but if you announce the measure you will have a deterrent and maintain a level of openess and trust that you will lose with some employees if you hide them.