Camera Surveillance Conducted by Professional Investigators

Video surveillance systems generally fulfil two different functions, though rarely both at the same time: they are either used visibly for damage prevention or covertly for evidential investigation.

Our experienced security specialists will advise you—free of charge and without obligation—about purpose-oriented video recording in compliance with legal requirements, as provided by the Kurtz Commercial Investigation Agency Switzerland. Upon request, we install tailored video surveillance systems throughout Switzerland in commercial premises, on company grounds or in private residential areas: +41 44 5522 264.

Protecting Property Through Video Recording

In private settings, camera systems primarily serve as a deterrent to offenders and, more specifically, to protect against property-related crimes, as thieves and burglars usually avoid video-monitored buildings. When installing such systems, however, it is essential to ensure that the personal rights of uninvolved third parties are not infringed.

Video Installation in Detached Houses

With single-family homes, all residents, visitors and service providers—such as cleaners or tradespeople—generally must be informed about the surveillance, unless they are themselves under suspicion. Furthermore, the footage may only show the actual property and the rooms located on it; extending the camera angle to neighbouring properties or public areas such as pavements and streets would unlawfully infringe the rights of third parties (neighbours and passers-by).

Video Installation in Multi-Occupancy Buildings

In multi-family buildings, the owner/landlord and all residents should be asked for their consent before installing video surveillance in areas such as the garden, entrance doors, stairwells, boiler rooms, etc., to ensure they do not feel intruded upon in their private sphere. In 2014, the Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne drew a more or less clear line on this issue: video surveillance in multi-occupancy buildings is generally permitted when used to protect against burglary or vandalism; however, a strict “no” applies if individual residents feel they are being observed or restricted in their normal conduct of life.

Additional Application Areas and Legal Safeguards

Video surveillance in private settings is not limited to property crimes but may also be used in cases such as stalking or criminal damage. As a general rule, you should place clearly visible signs indicating that video recording is taking place, helping to avoid potential data protection issues. The experienced security professionals of our detective agency in Zurich will gladly provide comprehensive, obligation-free advice. Send us an email at kontakt@kurtz-detektei-schweiz.ch or give us a call.

Corporate Use Cases and Limitations

As in private settings, companies primarily install surveillance systems for preventive purposes—to deter burglary and theft or at least to document such offences. Using video recordings to monitor employees suspected of offences such as goods or cash embezzlement, working time fraud or sabotage is generally unsuitable, as covert blanket monitoring of specific employees or departments is usually unlawful. To prove offences against a company, other investigative methods are required—foremost among them, surveillance conducted by professional investigators. In such cases, covert cameras may be used temporarily to support evidence gathering when clear grounds for suspicion exist. Absolutely off-limits, however, are areas involving a person’s highest degree of privacy: toilets, changing rooms, showers, medical examination rooms, and similar spaces.

If the legal requirements for installing a video surveillance system are not met, the resulting unlawfully obtained evidence may be deemed inadmissible. Furthermore, both the installer and the client may face criminal proceedings. The professional video technicians of our private investigation agency in Switzerland will gladly advise you on video surveillance and data protection and will prepare a tailored action plan and cost estimate upon request. Please use our contact form for enquiries or call us free of charge and without obligation at +41 44 5522 264.