Is It Worth Trading Privacy For Security?

September 21st, 2021



There is no doubt that security cameras can be useful tools when it comes to preventing crimes in Chico, CA or catching guilty individuals after-the-fact. Unfortunately, a security system is not without some potential issues and drawbacks. First of all, there is the expense associated with a high-end security system. A state-of-the-art system installed in a professional environment, such as a school or office building, can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. A second concern, and one that a lot of people fail to seriously consider, is the privacy aspect of constantly monitoring people as they come and go or go about their daily tasks.

Of course, there are some obvious places in Chico, CA where security cameras simply cannot be installed. In most cases, any area where an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms, locker rooms, or changing areas, are off limits when it comes to cameras. In more public areas, however, it is often up to the management, administrators, or some other official to decide whether or not it is a good idea to have cameras installed.

One of the things that make individuals so leery about security cameras, especially in work environments, is that they feel as though the cameras are there to monitor their activities rather than keep them safe. It is easy to understand why a person may not like the idea of having somebody watching them all the time. In school settings, parents may be concerned as to who it is that actually has access to the recordings. To put it simply, nobody wants to be spied on in Chico, CA, especially if they are not actually doing anything wrong. Employers and business managers, however, often argue that an individual who is not doing anything wrong has nothing to fear when it comes to security cameras. Although this may be true, it represents a fundamental misunderstanding of how people feel about having their activities recorded.

In this day and age, we have come to expect that many of our day-to-day activities are recorded. From the security cameras at gas stations to banks, and especially in areas like airports and other transportation hubs, security cameras are there to monitor for suspicious activity and record individuals who are committing a crime so that they can be brought to justice. While most people are okay with the idea of being recorded while in these types of public areas, they are less comfortable with the idea of being recorded while they are working or going to school.

The justice system in this country promises that an individual will be considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. When a person is being recorded at their place of one or after school, however, they may feel as though things are the other way around. The constant scrutiny that people feel like they are under when they know that they are being watched often leads to individuals protesting the placement of cameras or the installation of this type of security system in the first place. In fact, it is not uncommon to find school boards who are having a difficult time wrestling with the issue of whether or not to install cameras in a school.

As cameras and security systems become more and more ubiquitous in Chico, CA, it will be even more important for the individuals responsible for the security of the people inside a building to determine whether or not it is worth forcing people to give up a bit of their privacy in the name of increased safety and security. While there are no easy answers, this is an issue that is definitely not going to be going away anytime soon.

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
    Call (530) 327-7268