Policy for release of HOA security videos

Started by DennisG7 • 8 replies • 155 views

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DennisG7 (Georgia)
Posts: 155

Posted:

We recently upgraded our security cameras that included installing new digital cameras and a new recorder. We also installed a LPR (license plate reader) at the entrance as many of our neighboring HOA's have done. A question has been raised regarding allowing non Board members and local law enforcement access to the videos from all the cameras. Currently we have no written policy. Any thoughts on this subject? We are a GA POA.
dennisg7

DeanJ
Posts: 1,786

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By DennisG7 on 10/24/2024 8:35 AM
We recently upgraded our security cameras that included installing new digital cameras and a new recorder. We also installed a LPR (license plate reader) at the entrance as many of our neighboring HOA's have done. A question has been raised regarding allowing non Board members and local law enforcement access to the videos from all the cameras. Currently we have no written policy. Any thoughts on this subject? We are a GA POA.
dennisg7

I see no reason not to allow LE access up request.

I would not allow non-board members access due to privacy concerns of your owners. If I come home drunk at 3 am with a gal I picked up in a bar, that is really none of the rest of the residents business.

DennisG7 (Georgia)
Posts: 155

Posted:

I think we are leaning in that direction. LE release is ok. We are thinking about asking for a written request from LE, it could be a simple email. The only release of our video since I've been the HOA President for the past 4+ years has been to a father wanting to review video of his son who nearly drowned in our pool. (The young lad is ok.) We also reviewed video with our tennis chair that involved a theft at the tennis courts. We've asked our attorney for any thoughts regarding this. Thanks for your comments
dennisg7

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Here is some info and examples:

Crafting an HOA Security Camera Policy (with Sample Template) from a security company

Hidden camera concerns | Only 2% of unlawful surveillance reports in Georgia this year have resulted in conviction Television News Story

Approved July 18, 2024 [HOA] Surveillance Camera Policy an actual policy from an HOA

Camera Policy for Common Areas Another actual policy from another HOA

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

I agree to not permit non-director owners to view them except in special circumstantnces as in the examples..

Our high rise HOA has abut 27 cameras, I think, and idividual. board members also may not view them unless a board agenda item. most likely, in executive session and likely as a part of a disciplinary issue.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

Dean's reply is a good start, but you might also contact your master insurance company to review any risk that may arise from using them and what tge associationcan do to reduce or eliminatethem. Between talking to them and your association attorney, you should be able to draft policies - the insurancecompany may even have samplepolicies you can adapt.

Also talk to local law enforcement yo see what they normally do if they may need to review security camera evidence, and draft a policy from that. (e.g. requests must gecin writing on official letterhead and list a corresponding case number).

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

DennisG7 (Georgia)
Posts: 155

Posted:

A BOD member, usually the President, does review video when we have reason to observe damage, vandalism, etc. within the common grounds/buildings. There are no cameras that are located in our actual housing areas. Many incidents appear to be from non HOA members coming into the basketball court and other facilities. Unless a BOD member or other HOA member is present the local law enforcement can not cite them for trespassing, etc. A couple of recent events has caused us to raise the question regarding the release of the videos to law enforcement and in some cases to HOA parents of young adults that have caused property damage. we just want to insure that we have a policy in place. Thanks for your thoughts.
dennisg7

DennisG7 (Georgia)
Posts: 155

Posted:

Thank you. I appreciate your email and the links. I've printed them out and I plan to discuss our options and a proposed course of action at next weeks BOD meeting.
dennisg7

MarshallT (New York)
Posts: 414

Posted:

When it comes to members, some associations say that they can request footage if it directly relates to them somehow (as an extreme case, someone's car was vandalized and a camera caught it). But they would need to give whoever is in charge a information about time and date so they aren't looking at hours of footage.

Provided they have a legitimate reason, such as conducting an investigation, police should have access to footage.

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