CCTV... Security Cameras. Can they film the pool area.

Our HOA has approved and are ready to install 7 cameras throughout the building starting next week. ( That has been a 9 month job waiting to happen!)

Now, this morning as I talked to the VICE PRES. she stated the President is having second thoughts about placement of the cctv in our pool area. As previously mentioned there have been many trespassers and now after voting Yes for the project... there seems to be doubts about this AGAIN.

The concern is the Pres feels that people may not want to be filmed laying by the pool My response is that this is no different than someone walking by on the above cat walk.

There are no known laws prohibiting this, and people shouldn't be doing anything in the pool that someone couldnt' watch.

Is there anything that should deter this project. Once voted upon... actions cant be "taken back".

Suzy, since you are in California, make sure you post notices at every entrance that cameras are in use. Unlike the other 49 states, you cannot video someone without their being "aware" of it in Cali... it takes two to legally video in Cali.

What's the purpose of the cameras? To film during the day, or on off hours? (you said trespassers are coming on the property.)

If so, run the cameras only during when the pool is not in operation.

SuzyC - Second guessing yourself does not in and of itself make you an idiot. It's human nature and in and of itself admitting an error in judgment is noble. I know you have your convictions of the President, but your statements do come across a bit harsh when read.

Frankly, the expense of installing cameras, and the labor involved in storing video and reviewing it is a project in and of itself. However, to your question, "Is there anything that should deter this project": What is the procedure outlined in your governing documents, and or any overriding state law that guides the Board on capital expenditures and improvements without a vote of owners? If that procedure was followed to the letter, than the installation of the cameras stands on solid ground. Your project should also include a sign posted in several prominent locations to the effect, "Area Under Video Surveillance", and all owners should be advised by letter of the change. The sign in and of itself may be all the deterrent needed.

On a side note, I would be inclined to pursue other options for monitoring prior to playing big brother and video taping the residents. Additionally, unless there was some vandalism, or compelling reason, I'd probably not go as far as to video tape at all. There are some rules that will always be broken, it doesn't make it right, it's not fair to those that abide by the rules, it's not fair to the residents vs. the trespassers/non-association members. But you absolutely can not legislate everything. You've probably done this already but I'd provide a brief letter to all owners to discuss the problem, hold an open meeting for further discussion and owner input/suggestions, discuss instituting a sign-in and sign-out sheet pool policy, badges, maybe a lifeguard, or pool monitors volunteering on a rotating basis. The point, as I see it is to implement procedures to try to prevent people before they commit the act.

Curious what you and the Board will do if the video captures the violating act?

RobertG - Spot on. LOL.

PatrickH - "Try the system out for a year and if you get lots of complaints about the camera at the pool, you can always disconnect that one camera from the system.". If it were me, I'd notice the community of the agenda topic at the next open meeting, or hold a special meeting to discuss the expense and the matter entirely. Get their input first, rather than wait for complaints later. I've always thought it best, in sports, negotiations, etc. to be on the offensive, rather than defensive. But that's just me.

FWIW: We put a camera system in our pool area last year. It has been a big help in cutting down not only on vandalism, but also problems from rowdy teens and general trouble-makers. If we needed to revoke someones pool access, we could show them why it was revoked.

Initially some of the homeowners did express some concerns about being recorded while at the pool. We were able to address those concerns with a couple of points:
1) the video is only accessible by Board members and select members of the Pool committee.
2) the resolution of the cameras is not good enough to be all that interesting. We can see that it was Johnie Walker throwing the deck chairs into the pool, or maybe that Mary Smith was wearing a skimpy bikini, but that's about it. Somebody at the pool with a hand-held camera for their kids will get much more interesting video than we would be able to see.

If people are worried about voyeurism, the security cameras should be the least of their concerns.