Covert CCTV (closed circuit television) is a hidden video monitoring system that is used to record suspected illegal activity or improper employee behaviour.  Covert CCTV installations are legal in Canadian workplaces; although, the onus is on the employer to establish that it was installed with good cause and does not violate an employee’s expectation of privacy.  Canadian courts and arbitrators may accept the evidence if the covert CCTV installation meets the following criteria.

  1. Was it reasonable, in all of the circumstances, to request video surveillance?
  2. Was the surveillance conducted in a reasonable manner?
  3. Were there other alternatives available to obtain the evidence?

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU CONSIDER THE INSTALLATION OF COVERT CCTV

  • The covert CCTV installation must not violate an employee’s expectation of privacy. ( No washrooms or change rooms.)
  • The covert CCTV installation must not be used to monitor general conduct or productivity.
  • The covert CCTV installation must be installed for good cause. (Specific area of suspected illegal activity.)
  • There must be no alternative means of obtaining the evidence.
  • The covert CCTV surveillance must be conducted in a reasonable manner.
  • The covert CCTV installation must not include the collection of audio. 

CIS CCTV EXPERTISE IS AT YOUR SERVICE

The use of Covert CCTV installations are effective investigative tools when monitoring a specific area for theft, vandalism, sabotage, and in some cases, employee violence or harassment.

CIS has the expertise to assist you in determining if a covert CCTV installation is the right choice for your situation.

Our CCTV experts will plan and install state-of-the-art CCTV equipment that will provide you with the greatest likelihood of acquiring the evidence you require.