Covert Audio and the Law

At Supercircuits, we work closely with law

enforcement agencies to provide a wide array of
covert surveillance technologies including covert
audio gear. Our commercial sales division routinely
receives calls with questions about covert video
surveillance and covert audio surveillance from both
businesses and end-users.
The biggest question regarding covert audio is if its
legal. Covert audio is legal, but you need to
understand exactly when and how to legally use it
or your evidence will not be admissible in court and you could be in serious trouble. Below are
common questions we hear with explanations as to what can and cant be done with covert audio
and video surveillance.
1. What is covert audio equipment?
In general, the law defines covert audio devices as anything that is intentionally designed to
covertly intercept oral communication. Most of these laws do not cover the components that make
up covert devices such as microphones, batteries, transmitters or recorders. Instead, most laws
restrict these devices once they are constructed.
To illustrate the threshold of most laws, a common camcorder with a built-in microphone by itself is
completely legal. However, when the camcorder is concealed in something that is designed for
covert use, the person using the camcorder as a covert device to capture video and audio from a
hidden location would be in violation of federal law and many state laws dealing with
manufacturing and possession of covert and audio devices.
2. Why do the laws regulate audio and not videoit seems backwards?
To most people, video seems like the superior technology. With this reasoning, many wonder why
the laws are so strict concerning covert audio and in many cases silent when it comes to covert
video.

It is important to note that when most of the laws around covert devices were written video
technology did not exist as it does today and audio was the dominate means of covertly obtaining
information.
Additionally, audio technology has a higher propensity to do harm by covertly recording
conversations. Everyone, regardless of their walk in life, has a reasonable expectation to privacy in
their daily lives like when they see the doctor or parent a child.
If those private conversations fell into the wrong hands it would devastate relationships, break
down trust and even in some cases, ruin a persons life.
Business managers are another example. They need to have private conversations with other
managers or employees about things like the health of the business or employment. However if
these conversations were made public, business security or even careers may be at stake.
3. Are there any laws covering surveillance video?
It wasnt until the 1990s that legislation began to appear about the legal use of video surveillance
equipment. States were prompted to pass legislation after law enforcement agencies uncovered
horrific stories of voyeurism but had no law in which to press charges.
These laws can be found under statutes covering criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, invasion of
privacy, and revised peeping tom laws.
The spirit of the laws states that video cannot be used in areas where people have a reasonable
expectation of privacy such as homes, bathrooms or locker rooms. In 2004 the federal government
followed state legislation and enacted the Video Voyeurism Act of 2004 covering the use of covert
video. (Voyeurism Statutes 2009 PDF)
Were glad to see the establishment of these laws and, on rare occasion, we have assisted
agencies in the prosecution of the inappropriate use of video equipment. It is worth pointing out
that these cases are rare. The general trend for the use of video equipment is for good people to
use video to catch bad people doing bad things. Just ask any criminal, they hate video cameras.

4. My state allows covert audio, why does the federal law matter?
Federal law, known as the USC (United States Code), supersedes state law when it comes to
covert audio. Many well-intentioned individuals believe that because their particular state law does
not address or even allow the use of covert audio that it is perfectly legal for them to use it.
Unfortunately that belief is faulty and criminally dangerous. It is true that federal and state laws
conflict from time to time such as recent state legislation allowing medicinal use of cannabis. In all
of those states, federal law enforcement agents are still enforcing USC drug laws on cannabis
regardless of the state laws. The use of covert audio is no differentfederal law trumps state law.
5. Both state and federal law seem to allow one-party consent for audio recording. Does this
mean I can covertly record conversations?
Clauses about recording with one-party consent are mostly applied to recording telephone
conversations where at least one person of the conversation is the rightful owner or controller of
the telephone in use.
These clauses are also designed to restrict the highly illegal practice of wiretapping where no party
has given consent to the recording or interception of the conversation. Under federal law it is illegal
for a person to even possess covert audio equipment making the question of one-party consent
irrelevant.
6. What are the specific laws about covert audio?
USC Title 18 Section 2512 (18 USC 2512) is the federal law that regulates the manufacturing,
possession, sales and solicitation of covert audio surveillance equipment. State laws vary from
state to state, but most are similar to USC Title 18 Section 2512. Some even further outline the
legal and illegal use of covert audio equipment.
7. I am a private investigator; can I buy and use covert audio?
Unfortunately, no private investigators provide a much needed service to our nation, but the
federal law provides no special provision for private investigations. However, if a private
investigator is fulfilling a government contract that requires the use of covert audio, there may be
some legal allowance for the investigator to use this gear.

This potential allowance would also apply to security, military and training contractors. If this
allowance is applicable, the purchase would most likely need to be done through the government
agency issuing the contract.
8. Is a tiny microphone considered illegal?
No. Microphones themselves regardless of their size are completely legal and easily obtained from
a variety of legitimate sources. However, as with many things that are legally benign, how theyre
used can make them highly illegal.
9. Im from another country that has no laws regarding audio, can I buy covert audio?
Its possible that you may be able to purchase covert audio in the US and export it to another
country. However, US export laws require companies exporting such devices to obtain prior
authorization and licensing from federal controlling bodies.
United States export laws also dictate that the export of covert audio can only occur to certain
countries, organizations and individuals. All parties involved in export of covert audio equipment
are criminally liable and because of this, many companies choose not to export any surveillance
equipment.
10. If I am a full time police officer; can I purchase covert audio equipment for personal
use?
Federal law does not allow for the personal purchase, use or possession of covert audio
equipment. Any use or purchase must be made in pursuit of official duties as a government agent.
However, individuals and non-government organizations donating to government agencies can
fund, or in other words pay for, the purchase but the use and possession must be done by the
government agency.
11. I provide goods and services to government agencies; can I buy covert audio for resale
purposes?
Yes. However, prior to any solicitation or purchase a verified contract from a government agency
must be received that specifies the need for covert audio equipment. Most providers will require
the delivery of such goods to be made directly to the government agency.

12. Can I legally use audio equipment at all?

Absolutely! There are hundreds of applications of audio equipment that are completely legitimate
and legal. In the realm of security, audio has played a pivotal role in solving cases, providing
protection against lawsuits and more. Crooks in the commission of crimes often reveal names and
discuss key element or plans to cover their tracks, should they be discovered.
When using audio for surveillance purposes there are a couple of important things to keep in mind.
First, placement of audio equipment should be done in such a way that no one could reasonably
consider it hidden or covert. Secondly, state laws should be studied carefully as most will have
specific parameters for how audio is used in the security of a business or home.
Generally, states require the property to include conspicuous signs that make others aware that
audio surveillance equipment is in use.
If you have questions about covert audio surveillance, we encourage you to seek legal counsel
prior to the use of audio surveillance. They can provide you with specific information of how the law
applies to your specific needs and provide you with a legal avenue for your application.

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