What is Overt CCTV?

Overt CCTV is when you place CCTV Cameras in a way that you are not hiding that they are there. Overt CCTV cameras tend to be cameras that are noticeable, such as Bullet Cameras.

Most CCTV cameras are aesthetically pleasing and they do blend in the environment however, overt CCTV cameras are still recognisable as the recording devices that they are.

The idea is that overt cameras can act as a deterrent more than anything but sometimes people don’t take note of the particulars of their day-to-day environment.

Overt CCTV is pretty much everywhere but the most common uses are in public areas like car park, receptions and hallways.

Difference between Covert and Overt CCTV

Covert CCTV cameras are designed to be more discreet than the Overt CCTV counterparts. Covert CCTV cameras can be disguised in every-day objects so that they do not catch people’s attention.

Where Overt CCTV cameras are placed in more common areas, covert CCTV cameras are usually placed where there is a need for surveillance in a particular location. Quite often in warehouses they are particularly useful if they are placed in the high value or a high-security location. In general retail or offices, they are useful around safes or where sensitive information is kept.

Another reason that some businesses use Covert CCTV rather than Overt CCTV is where it used to detect harassment or abuse. We hear about this use more and more these days as a perfect (but heart-breaking) example of its use in care homes or children’s nurseries. It’s there to ensure the protection of the young and the old but ultimately, it’s there to pick up those failings.

CCTV Rules

Regardless of whether you choose covert or overt CCTV, you still have rules to follow (See CCTV Rules for Businesses blog.)

The bottom line is that you need to use the recorded material for what it was intended for and not affect anyone’s privacy whilst doing it. For instance, you cannot put CCTV in toilets or locker rooms.