You only need to look at the alarm security magazines to see the explosion in CCTV equipment that is available.  CCTV sales is a fast growing industry.  The questions below illustrate some of the legal and ethical issues that a security dealer faces when offering CCTV.  Keep in mind that state statutes may govern CCTV in several ways.

    One, you may need a license to install CCTV, like alarms.  Probably the same license.

    Two, there may be a specific state statute that governs CCTV installations, particularly where the equipment may be prohibited, or where it might be required.

    Three, audio is almost always prohibited unless one participant [in some states] or all participants [in other states] consent to the audio interception or recording.  I just noticed a local appliance store in New York offering to sell to the public a CCTV system that included audio.   Alarm dealers should be careful installing combination video and audio systems.

    CCTV should not be installed where privacy is expected.  That always includes bathrooms and dressing areas in public stores.  You should be concerned about installing cameras in privacy areas even in private homes.  You don't want to be named as the installer who aided and abetted a pervert homeowner who gets caught viewing his guests or even his family.  I haven't seen allegations of privacy intrusion in a matrimonial case, but I am sure they are out there.

    If you are in doubt about an installation require your subscriber to indemnify you specifically in connection with the installation.  If you know that the installation violates legal privacy rights then don't install it.  We've tried to keep the audio video statutes state by state up to date - they are posted here http://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/avstatutes.htm  If you know your state has a law we haven't posted please let me know.