Note: This post was updated in January 2026 with new information on Illinois security camera laws.
In the past year, violence in the State of Illinois has been a pressing issue. The crime rate rose 41% from 2021, and in 2022, the state reported a higher number of incidents per 1,000 people than the national average. This was the second consecutive year violent crime rates had gone up and the third year the state reported higher rates than both the East North Central region and the US overall. That said, we saw reported violent crime rates decline in 2024, down to 36,756 from 39,002 in 2023, indicating that some of this problem has been effectively addressed in recent years.
What are concentric circles of protection?
Safety demands the application of concentric circles of protection. The idea behind this in-depth defense strategy is that the security of your property gets stronger with every integration of security hardware, starting from the outer perimeter and moving inward to internal areas, where usually, the greatest protection is demanded.
A key element of concentric circles of protection is the integration of video surveillance especially, when the technology being adopted is sophisticated, custom-built or specifically designed to address the physical vulnerabilities of your site. When this technology is utilized in conjunction with other modern solutions, it can be an incredibly useful tool, but the more complicated your tech stack gets, the more legal, technical and external considerations you become responsible for.
Smart, IP-based video cameras can deter, detect, delay, and even respond to criminal activity. Moreover, footage can be a valuable source of evidence. In a proactive video surveillance system, expert operators monitor live feeds 24/7, potential suspects get identified, and crime is successfully deterred.
There is no doubt that a robust security environment should include the use of modern, advanced camera systems. However, organizations must adhere to strict video and audio surveillance laws in each state as well to avoid violations of privacy and expensive penalties. Along with federal requirements discussed herein, Illinois also has its own Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act that can have additional implications when it comes to the installation and placement of security equipment.
Illinois Laws on video recording in the workplace
In Illinois, employers can utilize video monitoring to improve staff productivity, diminish false legal claims, or increase protection in the workplace by preventing theft, violence, or sabotage. Although cameras can be legally installed, the business reason to videotape employees still must always be legitimate and clearly stated in signage and resources provided to employees (e.g. an employee handbook).
Typically, video monitoring is essential to support the security and productivity of a business. There are several laws relating to surveillance cameras and privacy that must be considered when integrating monitoring solutions, and failing to do so opens a business up to significant risk of violating one of many state or federal statutes. Employees have the right to privacy in most work settings, and their employers are responsible for maintaining that right while they are at work.
In Illinois, the following guidelines are a great starting point for employers that are looking to legally install and use security cameras in the workplace:
- Determine and document your business reasons for having surveillance cameras. Legitimate reasons include health, safety, theft prevention, workplace productivity, and security. If applicable, consider limiting the times during the day the cameras will be in use to achieve the specified business purpose (i.e, productivity, internal theft).
- Cameras are prohibited in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, like locker rooms or bathrooms as stated on 720 ILCS 5/26-4(a).
- Cameras should be visible and employees, tenants, and customers must be informed that there are security cameras on the premises with clear and explicit signs designating the camera’s presence. They should also be notified about video storage and reviewing policies.
- When the recording is done by hidden cameras, courts place a higher burden of proof on the employer to demonstrate that the surveillance is for a legitimate business reason. Therefore, it is advisable for decision-makers to always notify staff about hidden cameras in the workplace.(see Case No. L-CA-10-061, a dispute between the Illinois Labor Relations Board and the Service Employees International Union relating to placing hidden cameras).
- Any footage taken must only be used for security purposes and cannot be released to any other party without permission from all involved.
The only time surveillance laws in Illinois allow a business to record someone secretly is if you have a reasonable expectation that a crime is about to be committed against you or someone in your property (720 ILCS 5/14-3(i)).
In addition, property managers specifically must recognize that it is unlawful for any person to knowingly make a video, record, or transmit live video of another person in that other person's residence without that person's consent 720 ILCS 5/26-4. Note that “residence” includes a rental dwelling, but does not include stairwells, corridors, laundry facilities, or common areas, in which the general public has access and there is not a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Penalties for Violating Illinois Security Camera Laws
IL Law imposes felony status to surveillance violations. For first-time offenders, the law imposes Class 4 felony status with consequences of 1-3 years imprisonment, probation, and fines of up to $25,000.
Second or subsequent offenses bump it up to a Class 3 felony carrying harsher punishments such as 2-5 years behind bars along with other penalties like probation, plus the same amount in fines.
Interfering with Employees' Rights
Employees everywhere in the U.S. have the right to unionize, meaning that they can join together to advance their interests as employees, or they can collectively decide to refrain from certain activities. Thus, it is unlawful for an employer to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees away from their federally-provided work rights.
As a leader, make sure that the topic of video surveillance and Illinois recording laws are addressed as part of the collective bargaining process for unionized labor forces.
Audio recording: Illinois — an all-party consent state
Illinois is an all-party consent state that requires the permission of any individual whose voice is being recorded. Recording another individual’s words without the individual’s knowledge or consent is a felony in the Prairie State.
A person in the Land of Lincoln commits eavesdropping when overhearing or recording private conversations, without consent, and in a “surreptitious manner”. Illinois enforces its all-party consent law under its eavesdropping statute 720 ILCS 5/14-2(a)(1).
Overhearing, transmitting, or recording all or part of any private conversation, to which you are not a party, may be considered a Class 4 felony offense in IL. However, if you obtain consent from all participating parties to be recorded OR the conversation is open and obvious and takes place in an area where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy, it might be legal to record it.
Further, The Federal Wiretapping Act could apply to the audio captured by Cameras as well. This is a criminal law that requires prosecution by a federal agency D. 18 U.S. Code §2511).
Generally, a secret, non-consensual workplace recording can be considered a form of eavesdropping under Illinois law. You can be charged with a crime for using an eavesdropping device to record a private conversation without consent.
Do You Need a License to Install Security Cameras in Illinois?
In Illinois, people or businesses that install and maintain security systems need to be licensed. Fully licensed contractors, like Security 101, carry liability insurance and warranty 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 Surveillance in Illinois
Efficient monitoring is important to protect your employees and property. However, it is equally necessary to comply with Illinois video and audio surveillance laws in order to avoid penalties and expensive liabilities.
To ensure your organization is abiding by the law, closely collaborate with an expert security professional, competent in protecting businesses with sophisticated video surveillance technologies. Security 101 technicians have in-depth knowledge about the specific laws and regulations at state level as well as locally in cities like Chicago, Champaign, Springfield, Peoria, or Rockford.