Hidden camera technology is great for home and business security, but the reality television craze of late has allowed users to become more creative with these devices. Citizen journalists, amateur videographers and producers are taking hidden cameras to the streets and documenting day-to-day events in hopes of coming up with something worthwhile that could possible alter public opinion.

Alex Jones, A Texas based media personality who came to fame through his book about “Government Sponsored Terrorism,” and his blog, Jones Report, had his friends working for him to expose corruption in the police state back in 2002. These “spies” would drive around with hidden dashboard cameras ready to capture any police related incidents they might encounter. One friend in particular uncovered an unprecedented amount of corruption amongst officers and broadcast the footage on YouTube.com and other popular sites to expose it.

So far the videos captured have created quite a buzz as they show police performing an illegal search, hounding the driver about certain legal items they found in his car, such as a picture of one of the driver’s friends armed while serving in Iraq which they claimed was evidence enough to search the vehicle for illegal firearms, and treating him with extreme disrespect. The clips have gotten so much media attention that police officers in the Austin, TX area have actually come to recognize the ringleaders in this hidden camera ploy and in order to avoid being further exposed for corruption have backed off quite a bit in terms of the unnecessary “power tripping.”

Surveillance cameras, when used strategically, provide a superior layer of preventative security and indisputable evidence when theft occurs. Traditionally, surveillance cameras served as a presence that let thieves know “big brother” was watching, often deterring them from stealing in the first place. However, thieves are wising up and learning how to outsmart the system which has resulted in the increasingly difficult task of catching them in action.

One way to build a stronger surveillance system within your business is to use the traditional surveillance camera in tandem with covert or hidden cameras. As a first level of defense the traditional security camera will deter a person who is less motivated to steal and will catch a clumsy criminal. Surveillance cameras now come with advanced features, many of which give you the option of viewing video footage wirelessly from any location. Additional features may include infrared technology which helps provide proper night surveillance or dome shaped camera designs which are difficult to tamper with.

Covert cameras act as a second layer of defense by covering blind spots, and catching more finely tuned and planned out crimes, especially those from within the business. Covert cameras allow business owners to keep an eye on employees without their knowledge and are designed to fit seamlessly into any setting. Hidden cameras, especially self contained cameras (an object with the recording device built in- no wires, transmitters or receivers) are very difficult to detect, even for the seasoned thief. A cleverly placed wall clock, sprinkler head, or even a minute screw head hidden camera could provide a valuable record of a cash register sleight of hand. By the same token, an exit sign hidden camera could provide surveillance in a stock room or catch valuable merchandise camouflaged with the trash leaving the store.

With the many surveillance devices on the market, the possibilities for combining traditional cameras with non-traditional covert cameras for effective video surveillance are seemingly endless.

Spy equipment is becoming very popular in homes as well as businesses across the country. Spy equipment allows families to closely watch over the safety of their homes and children when they’re not there. Spy Equipment also allows businesses to easily monitor their workplace and employees. Despite controversial press, “Nanny Cams” have gained wide popularity among families who wish to protect their children against abusive sitters. Several websites out there today offer a wide selection of Spy Equipment including Hidden Cameras, Telephone Recorders, Voice Changers, and Super Hearing Equipment.

A wide variety of Hidden Cameras or “Nanny Cams” are being offered online. You would be surprised what objects have actually been transformed into Hidden Cameras. Alarm Clocks, Pens, Smoke Detectors, Watches, Eye Glasses and Cigarette lighters are just a few objects that have been converted. Whether you are a private investigator, or mother of three, these Hidden Cameras are very well-concealed and provide high quality images. The prices on these cameras, the other hand, tend to be high. Video Glasses can cost over $3600, while Alarm Clock Cameras can cost around $350. Hidden Cameras give you the luxury of being able to watch over your home or business when you’re not there. Although most cameras require you to download images to a computer via a USB cable, some cameras actually allow you to watch footage in real-time, online.

Telephone Recorders allow for silent and automatic recording of phone calls as soon as someone picks up the receiver. Recording ends with the end of the conversation. Some Telephone Recorders can even de-code numbers as they were dialed, as well as track all outgoing calls. These recorders are less expensive than the Hidden Cameras and can range any