Note: This post was updated in February 2026 with new information on Georgia security camera laws.
In recent years, criminal activity in the Peach State has continued to worsen. According to the 2024 Crime Statistics Summary from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, a crime is committed in Georgia every 2 minutes and 33 seconds. Total reported criminal incidents have increased from 168,376 in 2020 to 205,472 in 2024.
In 2023, Georgians reported the highest percentages of first-hand experiences with violent crime (26%) and gun violence (25%) in the nation. They also had the fourth-highest percentage of property crime experiences (38%). In addition, only about 42% of people in GA feeling safe in their state, compared with the national average of 50%. Naturally, workspaces and buildings are also affected by this elevated crime rate.
In an effort to create a safe environments at work, installing video surveillance equipment can offer your business the ability to detect and mitigate dangerous situations that may arise. Camera systems have the power to monitor every aspect of your site, including entrances, hallways, parking lots, and to alert you to in-progress crimes or potential offenses.
Some of the technologies commonly used with video cameras in the workplace include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Video Analytics, and License Plate Recognition (LPR). They collect unbiased data in the form of images and provide valuable insights into what is happening on your premises.
A comprehensive video surveillance system can reduce risk and help prevent crime, both on-site and off-site. Plus, by integrating an advanced platform with access control technology, cameras can track who enters certain areas and if they are committing a crime or violating internal building policies.
Video surveillance and business resilience
Given the current socio-economic landscape, elevating the security of your organization and ensuring business continuity is more important than ever . However, this is particularly important for sites with valuable equipment or inventory, or those located in Georgia communities with high crime rates. The FBI 2024 Reported Crimes in the Nation statistics are a great resource for identifying areas of high crime in all states, including Georgia.
The purpose of video surveillance is not only to record crimes but also to monitor productivity to improve workflows and identify areas of concern.
Likewise, to address future needs and withstand unexpected crises, it is important to determine the performance requirements, footage retention time, and storage capacity of your video surveillance system. Being mindful of these factors can increase a business's tolerance levels for disruption, including lost or interrupted video.
Georgia on video surveillance in the workplace
In Georgia, employee monitoring can be legal, as long as there is a legitimate business reason for doing so, such as improving security levels, enhancing staff productivity, dismissing false legal claims, or increasing safety features in the workplace.
Georgia law prohibits electronic surveillance in areas where employees have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms or locker rooms. It is also against the law to record a person’s activities occurring in a private place and out of public view, without the consent of that person or any other party being recorded.
It is legal, however, for employers and property owners, to use a device to record, observe or photograph the activities of persons who are on the property (or in areas where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy) for the purposes of crime prevention, crime detection, and better security.
Cameras must be visible to demonstrate that implementing video surveillance at the workplace is for a legitimate business reason. When recording are made by hidden cameras, courts place a higher burden on the employer to justify their use.
To avoid issues, it is good practice to install cameras in visible areas, provide explicit notice of their purpose and location to workers, and post clear signs of their existence. Avoiding hidden cameras may seem burdensome or counterproductive, but overt video surveillance is an effective crime deterrent strategy.
Penalties for Violating Georgia Security Camera Laws
A business can violate Georgia code O.C.G.A. §16-11-62. by:
- Intentionally overhearing, transmitting, recording, or attempting to overhear, transmit, or record the private conversation of another that originates in any public place;
- Using a device to observe, photograph, or record the activities of another that occur in a private place out of public view without the consent of the persons being observed;
- Selling, giving, or distributing, without legal authority, any photograph, videotape, or recording of the activities of another which occur in any private place and out of public view without the consent of all persons observed.
A conviction under O.C.G.A. §16-11-62 will be a felony conviction punished by prison between one and five years or a fine up to $10,000.00, or both. While this may seem like a minor crime, the consequences are severe.
To be convicted of eavesdropping, surveillance, or intercepting communication between private parties in Georgia, the State must demonstrate that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This involves demonstrating that the suspect acted with the intent to invade another's privacy.
Interfering with employees' rights
Employees have the right to unionize, to join together to advance their interests and it is unlawful for an employer to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of their rights.
As a leader, make sure that the topic of video surveillance and its specifics are addressed as part of the collective bargaining process for unionized labor forces.
Audio recording in Georgia — one-party consent state
Georgia is a one-party consent state for video and audio recording, meaning that it is illegal to use any device to record or disclose communications, whether they are wire, oral or electronic, without the consent of at least one person taking part in the communication.
Nevertheless, when you are a contributor to the conversation, or with prior consent from one of the involved parties, as per GA. Code Ann. § 16-11-66(a), recording that interaction is not a criminal offense. This means you may not record conversations that you are not a part of without the consent of at least one party.
Without question, sound can enhance the meaning of security recordings, offer greater context to a situation, and minimize misinterpretation. There are, however, some nuances to regulations in Georgia around recording audio, so to be on the safe side, if you are utilizing advanced audio technology along with your cameras, make sure you notify your employees, tenants, and visitors that audio, in addition to visuals, is being recorded in common areas. By receiving their consent you are taking measures that respect their privacy.
Do You Need a License to Install Security Cameras in Georgia?
In Georgia, people or businesses that install and maintain security systems need to have a Low Voltage Contractor License provided by the Georgia State Board of Low Voltage Contractors. Fully licensed contractors, like Security 101, carry liability insurance and a warranty on all installations.
A license ensures:
- Knowledgeable installation with proper camera placement to keep your organization secure and compliant.
- Safe installation to protect against electrical issues and camera failure.
- Recourse through your state licensing entity, if the installer does a poor job.
- Protection against scammers, fraud, and criminals who use security camera installation as a cover.
Lawful Use of Video and Audio Surveillance in Georgia
Efficient monitoring is important to protect your employees, tenants, and property. Despite that, it is equally necessary to comply with Georgia video and audio surveillance laws to avoid penalties and expensive liabilities.
To ensure your organization complies with the law, closely collaborate with an expert security professional, who is efficient in protecting businesses with sophisticated video surveillance technologies and who knows in depth the specific laws and regulations at the state and local level in Atlanta, Savannah, and other cities across Georgia.