Reading Room Document

Legality of Television Surveillance in Government Offices

This document discusses the legality of using concealed television cameras for surveillance in government buildings where the government officer occupying the space has consented to the surveillance. The document concludes that the Fourth Amendment is the only existing check on governmental action in such situations. It also presents a detailed analysis of the Fourth Amendment's requirements and the implications for television surveillance in government offices. The document raises questions about the reasonable expectation of privacy in government offices, the authority of the government to conduct surveillance, and the public nature of the areas to be surveilled. It recommends that responsibility for screening proposed television surveillance be vested in specific officials and that guidelines be formulated to ensure consistent screening in the Criminal Division and the Investigation Review Unit.

February 2, 1979