How to Shop for Surveillance Equipment

Surveillance equipment is no longer restricted to government officers and private detectives. Today, anyone can get their hands on virtually any kind of high-tech or low-tech surveillance equipment they need. Hidden cameras, voice-activated recorders, telephone recorders and "nanny cams" are readily bought online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Such equipment is most commonly used for security purposes, and can be integral in protecting your home, business and family.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Shop for Video Surveillance Equipment

1. Determine whether you want covert surveillance or visual deterrence. When monitoring the behavior of someone in your home such as a nanny, housekeeper, or contractor, covert video cameras are most common. Surveillance cameras positioned in obvious locations, on the other hand, serve as visual deterrence for crime in commercial venues.
2. Consider your budget before you shop. Video surveillance cameras and recorders are available at a wide spectrum of prices. On the low end, hidden video cameras can be wired to your VCR or DVR, while more elaborate security systems can provide hours of multicamera footage wirelessly.
3. Shop for "nanny cams" if you are interested in monitoring the behavior of a caregiver with your children when you are away from home. Concealed within innocuous objects such as teddy bears and alarm clocks, these cameras can covertly monitor a whole room to make sure your children are in safe hands.
4. Consult a security professional if considering a major video surveillance project. A professional can provide expertise about areas of vulnerability and appropriate equipment to neutralize them. You can also hire a professional to perform the installation and setup for the system.

Shop for Audio Surveillance Equipment

5. Add audio surveillance to your video surveillance system if using low-tech cameras without audio. Many inexpensive cameras do not record audio, but audio recording often adds context to a situation.
6. Look for voice-activated audio recorders. Because they only record when they hear a sound and automatically stop recording when the room falls silent, tape or digital space is not wasted.
7. Consider telephone audio recorders if you are receiving threats, dealing with sensitive information or making verbal agreements. Telephone recorders can be installed on virtually any phone and are user friendly.

Tips & Warnings

• Invest in a DVR for video surveillance recording or record to the hard drive on your computer. It's much easier to manage digital video files than bulky cassette tapes.
• Shop around for the best prices. There are dozens of online retailers of surveillance equipment selling comparable products.
• Buy from a store with telephone installation and support services. If you are not tech savvy, some systems can be hard to set up.
• Check the laws of your state to determine whether covert surveillance is permitted. Some states require notification prior to audio or video recording. If you break the law, any evidence you might have collected could be inadmissible in court, and you could face legal penalties.

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