Should Your Business Use Security Cameras?
Thursday, November 12, 2009 19:00
Let me begin by saying that I am not a big proponent of using security cameras to secure a business. I have dealt with a number of businesses that install security cameras without looking at their overall security needs. Businesses that have installed security cameras often think they have adequate security but find out they don’t when a theft occurs. Even though they have a nice recording (if the camera image quality is good) of the theft or other security incident occurring, the cameras did not stop or prevent the event from happening. Security cameras can be used as a part of security to protect a business but should not be the first, and definitely not the only, element of security they use to protect their business.
Security cameras or video surveillance are used by many businesses, especially retail businesses, to deter and catch thieves. In reality, security cameras do not always achieve this goal. The other night I was watching the local news when they showed a poor quality video that was captured by a Wal-Mart surveillance camera that showed two ladies stealing baby formula by putting the cans into a couple of plastic totes they had in their shopping cart. Did the security cameras stop these ladies from stealing the baby formula? That is a big fat no! The security cameras were not being monitored by Wal-Mart staff so they were not caught while in the store. They were caught later because the recorded video was released and shown on the local news, and one of the ladies turned herself in to the police. My point here is that security cameras by themselves do not provide adequate security. Security cameras provide a video or pictures of the thieves but do not deter them from stealing even though (as in the Wal-Mart case) they know they are being watched by video surveillance.
Should I Install Video Surveillance?
As I alluded to in the above paragraphs, I would not consider using surveillance cameras in most cases until security needs have been assessed and the needed improvements have been implemented. As a general rule, improve the physical security first, then look at security cameras to see if they might enhance or improve security for your business. Using video analysis or analytics with security cameras from the start is an exception to this rule. Video analysis software used with security cameras is like combining an intrusion detection system (i.e motion sensors etc.) with your surveillance system. It is basically killing two birds with one stone.
Other Uses For Video Surveillance
Video surveillance can be used for purposes other than detecting theft. In retail stores, especially, I have seen security cameras used to stop or reduce fraudulent slips and falls. A number of years ago I dealt with the owner of a supermarket who installed security cameras to cover each aisle. Within the first three weeks the system paid for itself by preventing one slip-and-fall claim. The supermarket owner stated that a lady claimed to have fallen from a pallet jack in the aisle so he went and pulled the video which showed the lady looking around and then laying down by the pallet jack. When he showed her the video, that was the end of the claim.
Video surveillance can also be used by management or business owners to monitor different areas of the business to make sure things are running smoothly. This is especially helpful if you install a digital surveillance system with a DVR (digital video recorder) that allows remote access to the video. No matter where you are, if you have an internet connection you can check on your business.
Another use would be to use security cameras to verify an alarm when the monitoring company has the capabilities to remotely view the camera feed. Verifying an alarm cuts down on false alarms and possible false alarm fines. Remote access to video requires the right type of surveillance system so make sure you research thoroughly before purchase of any surveillance system.
Do you use security cameras at your business? What is the purpose of the surveillance system? Have you found a security camera system effective as part of your overall security for your business? Please leave answers to these questions or any other thoughts you may have about security camera systems in the comment section.
Related posts: