CCTV for Safety and Security

We offer to bridge the gap between equipment vendors and clients by assisting in the creation of specifications for bid requests.  We then work with the vendors to answer any technical questions to ensure all bids are working off of the same specifications.  Email us your questions.

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CCTV and its component parts have made quantum leaps over the past several years.  We have seen the equipment vastly improve and the pricing become near commodity level.  The recording devices have gone from analog video tape to digital recording DVRs to network recording (NVR) with prices so low it is affordable for any business or residence.  

Today's video has superior capabilities but also has risks if used improperly.  The private sector has long used cameras but there is a growing use of cameras for everything from traffic enforcement to general surveillance.  Great Britain has deployed over 200,000 cameras across the country in an effort to combat crime and terrorism with great success.

CCTV is generally not an "out of the box" piece of equipment.  In other words, one size does not fit all.  There are many technical considerations regarding lighting, positioning, type of recording device, and the type of activity that is to be recorded.  We are experts in assisting with these decisions and can also assist creating requirements so that vendors can bid appropriately for your project.  Here are some issues to consider for the implementation of CCTV

Pros
n   CCTV may give employees and management more confidence to approach suspects.
n   CCTV may be used as a management tool to increase employee productivity.
n   CCTV may be interfaced with a number of devices such as cash registers, burglar and fire alarms, and controlled access systems.
n   CCTV may give customers, visitors and employees more comfort that security is a priority.
n   CCTV is a deterrent to criminal acts.  Criminals tend to go to where the risk is the least.
n   CCTV video may be used as evidence for prosecution of offenders.
n   CCTV may aid in reconstruction of safety incidents to determine cause.
n   CCTV can be viewed remotely from any location and multiple cameras can be viewed simultaneously.
n   CCTV may cause an increased perceived risk of being caught.

Cons
n    CCTV may decrease awareness level of employees as they feel they do not have to be as vigilant.
n    CCTV is no longer just a part of an overall security program, it IS the security program.
n    To be fully effective cameras need to be actively monitored.

Tips

1. Hire a professional, independent security consultant to assess your needs.  Companies that sell equipment and services may not see all areas that need coverage.  They are also in the business of selling and not advising.
2. Research pricing.  If you are getting a bid for an installation demand that the equipment parts are priced individually.  Some vendors may wish to include warranty fees in the price of each piece.  Have the warranty and any other services quoted as a separate line item.
3. Purchase a DVR for recording.  They produce high resolution video (with the proper cameras) and they hard drive sizes can fit almost any need.
4. If your business is prone to burglary or robbery use a decoy VCR and hide the DVR.  Keep the junker in plain view with it plugged in and running with a video tape in place.  Run the cameras to the DVR and place it where it is not easily found but accessible to you.  Criminals often take the tape (or entire VCR) when they commit a crime.  They won't have anything and  you'll have the evidence.  Keep that information CONFIDENTIAL.  Employees often commit or stage crimes with accomplices.
5. Review your proposed camera locations throughout the day to determine if lighting is a factor.  Pointing a camera at a door that faces West will be blinded during sunset.
6. Spend a little extra on hardware and position "public view monitors" at highly visible locations.  These are the monitors that are usually mounted on walls and ceilings that show what the camera sees.  These should be placed no higher than 8'-9' off of the floor for optimal viewing by passers by.  Clean the monitor(s) once a week to keep them dirt and dust free.  It's the first indication to the public of your attitude towards security.
7. Again, hire a professional security consultant to assist in determining your needs.  They will also create the specifications of equipment, if needed, to ensure that all bidders are quoting on the same equipment and services.

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