I can't believe the technology that's' available to the average person these days, like the snake camera that can twist and bend into small spaces. There are pinhole cameras that can be hidden in a hollowed out book or other commonplace objects. Almost any kind of covert camera that you can think of can be purchased on the internet. They have cameras built into clocks, smoke detectors, lamps and all kinds of things that can be placed around a room to catch whatever's going on. It's no wonder that people are getting caught on tape in embarrassing situations. Cheating spouses, misbehaving babysitters, house cleaners stealing from the homeowner, all kinds of situations are being recorded. If someone is considering stealing or breaking into a house these days, they really better think twice, since they just might end up with the picture on the six o'clock news. I'm planning to install covert security cameras in my house, for sure. I found this website that has an extensive product line. Check it out.

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I'm trying to find an inexpensive video multiplexer for my home system. I'm buying a spy microphone to record the audio. I'm going to be installing a covert camera system. I just want to have the extra piece of mind from being able to check to make sure that my two little one's are being treated well by the babysitter when my wife and I go out. There are so many horror stories in the news these days and I'm sure every one of those parents trusted their babysitters, too. If I put cameras in each of the major areas of the house, then use a video multiplexer to let me record all the cameras at once with a single VCR, then I can make sure I don't miss anything.

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Look at this article from a CO newspaper. There is much controversy over the issue of surveillance cameras in public places, and some critics say that is "erodes privacy, inhibits freedoms and chills public expression". This article explores the obvious advantages of living in a city with video surveillance.


"Police say the cameras, though controversial, are an effective way not only to deter criminal activity but also to give officers a proactive crime- fighting edge and to aid in investigations.

"It's a tool," Lt. Ernest Martinez said. "It's not that panacea that's going to eradicate crime just by being there."

The 50 cameras, originally purchased with grant money for the Democratic National Convention, will join 13 others that have been tested in Denver over the past three years.

Each High Activity Location Observation camera has a radius of at least a block and can be monitored in real time to spot crime as it occurs. Images will be stored for at least 30 days, longer if they are needed for investigations.

In addition, the city is looking to connect its system to cameras used by Denver Public Schools and the Regional Transportation District, Martinez said.

Systems like Denver's are becoming increasingly popular across the country as police departments strive to reduce and displace crime.

Surveillance cameras in cities such as Baltimore, Chicago and New York have been "quite effective," Martinez said.

In Washington, D.C., which has 73 neighborhood-based wireless cameras, violent crime in 2007 fell 19 percent in areas that were within 250 feet of cameras, according to a report by the Metropolitan Police Department.

The cameras also have captured killings and provided crucial investigative information.

"These cameras do provide us that necessary engagement to enhance our crime-fighting efforts," Martinez said."