In upstate NY, Geddes town employees complained that they were being eavesdropped on through security cameras that had audio capability. Originally the town supervisor, Manny Falcone, denied that the cameras had any microphones at all, but a work order was produced that indicated that at least one of the cameras did have audio capability.
It sounded like a “non-story” at first, maybe just some paranoid employees, but state police have since arrested the secretary of Mr. Falcone on felony eavesdropping charges, so there may be more to the accusations.
When installing new security cameras, make sure that there is no audio capability active. If you do intend to monitor or record conversations, you better have a good reason, and you should be sure that everyone affected gives approval. A simple sign saying “audio monitoring on premises” may not be enough to prevent law suits or even arrests.
Eavesdropping and bugging incidents often get traced back to employees or staff, it’s best not to tempt them either. They have not revealed what the secretary had supposedly listened to, but I’m sure there are a few people in Geddes who wish the audio capability never existed.
Here are excerpts from some related news articles.
Troopers probe eavesdropping allegations after Geddes installed cameras in town hall
Geddes, NY, Dec 13, 2016 – State police and prosecutors are investigating the Town of Geddes after a complaint to state police about possible criminal activity, according to the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office.
Town Supervisor Manny Falcone acknowledged that he’d talked to state police about the cameras “well over a month ago,” but said he hadn’t heard back from them since. He strongly denied that any security cameras had microphones, or that they were ever used to eavesdrop.
In New York state, it is illegal for a third-party to record a conversation between other people.
Geddes, NY, Dec 15, 2016 – State police have charged the former secretary of Geddes Town Supervisor Manny Falcone with eavesdropping on town employees in the town hall. Ellen Colelli is accused of using microphones attached to town security cameras to listen in on employees’ conversations. It’s a felony in New York to use an electronic device to listen in on conversations between other people without their knowledge. The investigation began in September with allegations of eavesdropping made by some town employees. The probe became public Tuesday when the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office confirmed to Syracuse.com possible criminal activity. It’s not yet known why Colelli might have wanted to eavesdrop. Falcone said today that he could not comment, but added that what happened to his secretary “wasn’t my business.”Geddes town supervisor’s secretary faces felony for eavesdropping on co-workers