Yes. Many modern CCTV cameras have built-in microphones and can record audio alongside video. The UniFi Protect cameras that Doberman installs include built-in microphones with two-way audio, so you can listen and speak through the camera from the app. However, recording audio in the UK has stricter legal requirements than recording video.
Under UK law, recording video on your own property for security purposes is generally fine. Audio is different. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) makes it an offence to intercept private communications without consent. In practice, this means you can record audio on your own property where people know they are being recorded, but recording conversations where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy can be unlawful.
For homes, the safest approach is to enable audio only on cameras covering your own entrances - like a front door or driveway - and make sure CCTV signage is clearly visible. Doberman advises on signage placement during every install.
For businesses, audio recording is more common and more clearly justified - especially in retail environments, reception areas, and anywhere disputes are likely. Clear signage stating that audio and video recording is in progress is essential. Most insurance-related CCTV requirements focus on video, but audio can add valuable context to incident footage.
On the UniFi Protect system, audio recording can be enabled or disabled per camera through the app. This means you can have audio on your front door camera but disabled on a camera overlooking a neighbour's boundary, for example. Doberman configures these settings during installation based on your setup and what is appropriate for each camera position.