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Criminal Law/video surveillance

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Expert: - 6/27/2009


Question
My neighbor has recently installed 2 infared surveillance cameras. One is facing our driveway and the other my back patio. Now some say unless there facing a window he can legally do it.Now I have a window and a door right in the cameras path. But he seems to still get away with this. Even though the police say they can't do anything, wouldn't that fall into the "peeping tom" catagory?
  My family and I stay to ourselves and don't even talk to him. He calls the cops about 2 times a week. Stating my 5 year old through a rock or stick in his yard. I don't let my kids outside without me or my husband because we live on a busy street and have a crabby neighbor.The police think he has ocd. And his disease is his yard.Would harassmant charges appply? Any advice?

Answer
Here is what you have to understand.  We have fifty states and each has its own laws.  What might be against the law in MY state does not necessarily apply to YOUR state.  

If the police have already been there and said that no laws were being broken I would have to defer to them since they know the laws in YOUR state.

Your only remedy would be the civil courts and that is going to cost you money to hire an attorney, legal fees, depositions, etc.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

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