Arizona, the Grand Canyon State, known for its stunning landscape, national parks, and dry desert climate, has a lot to offer residents. While Arizona has experienced much growth over the last few years, it also has the third-highest property crime rate in the country. As such, if you are a landlord or property manager, you want to ensure that your property is always safe and secure at all times.
Security cameras are recognized as an excellent deterrent to criminals. However, although security cameras provide peace of mind, they also have legal and regulatory implications that you should be aware of. Fortunately, you can learn about the legislation surrounding security cameras without having to wade through a mound of legal paperwork before deciding whether or not to install one.
In this article, we will cover the frequently asked questions regarding security camera laws in Arizona.
Security Camera Laws in Arizona State FAQs:
- What are Arizona’s security camera laws?
- Is Arizona, a “one-party consent” state?
- What are the security camera laws in Arizona for apartments?
- What are the workplace surveillance laws in Arizona?
- Can an employer record audio at the workplace in Arizona?
What are Arizona’s security camera laws?
Residents in Arizona are allowed to utilize a security camera system. While there are no specific federal laws that regulate how to use a residential or commercial security camera system, Arizona has consent and privacy laws that apply to video surveillance.
Arizona allows anyone to photograph, film, or videotape in public spaces for security purposes. However, in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, other measures have to be in place, such as posting a notice or signage indicating security cameras are in use.
Arizona video recording laws 2022
In 2022, Arizona residents have to keep in mind key laws and provisions when it comes to video surveillance:
- Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-3005 In Arizona, intercepting the contents of any oral or electronic communication without one-party consent is a felony. This can result in jail time ranging from six months to ten years.
- Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-3019(D) Surveilling (e.g., filming) an individual who is in a location where he or she has a reasonable expectation of privacy and spreading recordings that were acquired through unlawful surveillance are considered Class 5 felonies and carry a maximum sentence of 2 years.
- Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-3019(E) Committing the crimes mentioned in Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-3019(D) without the use of a device is considered a class 6 felony and carries a maximum sentence of 1.5 years. A second or subsequent offense under this section is considered a Class 5 felony and carries a maximum sentence of 2 years.
Is Arizona, a “one-party consent” state?
Yes, Arizona is a one-party consent state. This means that using any equipment to record communications, whether wired, oral, or electronic, without the consent of at least one person participating in the communication is illegal in Arizona. However, there is a caveat: recording is permitted in public places with no reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a street or park.
What are the security camera laws in Arizona for apartments?
Property owners in Arizona have the right to install security cameras as long as they are in common areas and spaces where people don’t have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Regardless of the location, filming or photographing someone without their agreement is illegal in Arizona.
Currently, security cameras are permitted in a restricted scope by rental firms in Arizona, allowing hosts to monitor the security of their rental properties. As previously noted, Arizona law permits videotaping for security purposes as long as a notice is displayed if the security camera is located in a location where someone would have “a reasonable expectation of privacy.”
What are the workplace surveillance laws in Arizona?
In Arizona, most workplace video surveillance is legal as long as employees are informed of the surveillance. Many businesses use security cameras for various reasons, including health, safety, and security.
Workplace surveillance rules limit the use of cameras for legitimate business purposes. These laws are intended to provide direction to corporations while also preserving employees’ rights. Employers typically install security cameras in strategic locations across the workplace to deter misconduct and assure compliance with health, safety, and security regulations.
Workplace video surveillance best practices
Since video surveillance impacts the privacy interests of employees, an employer must ensure that employees are on notice regarding employer monitoring. Other best practices include:
- Providing a handbook to staff that explains the video surveillance policies.
- The video surveillance policy should specify how the monitoring will be carried out as well as the sections of the workplace that will be monitored.
- Employees should be given the video surveillance policy separately and asked to sign and return the document.
Can an employer record audio at the workplace in Arizona?
Employers are generally not permitted to listen to or record their employees’ conversations without the approval of the parties involved. Employers are allowed to listen in on business calls under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), but they are not authorized to record or listen to private discussions.
Arizona recording legislation says that it is a one-party consent state, as previously stated. Using any equipment to record communications, whether wired, oral, or electronic, without the consent of at least one person participating in the communication is illegal in Arizona.
Conclusion
Phoenix is filled with unique architecture and landmarks. In 2021, nearly 9,000 apartment units came online in metro Phoenix. Arizona’s security camera laws require that any cameras installed in buildings and apartment complexes be visible, as it is unlawful to install hidden or “spy” cameras anyplace on private land. Therefore, it would be best to inform your tenant that the cameras are operational. It’s a good idea to include this clause in your lease or rental agreement so that there’s no doubt that you’ve notified them.
Arizona is a beautiful state that is rapidly growing and expanding. Although property crime in Arizona is greater than in most other states, landlords and property managers can dramatically improve the protection of their properties by implementing security measures such as installing an integrated video surveillance system.
Click this link if you’re looking for a security camera installer in Phoenix.
