Video Surveillance
Security cameras and more
Capturing crime on videotape has never before been as important in litigation as it is today. Business owners, homeowners and even just concerned citizens who support placing security cameras on high-risk street corners believe in the usefulness of video surveillance.
Wireless security cameras are easy to install and offer immediate security footage to those who travel and work a lot. Once the camera is hooked up to a computer, live footage can be accessed from anywhere in the world, making any homeowner feel safe and secure.
Distrust is growing in the work place and at home. Employees, contractors and childcare workers are often monitored and videotaped to ensure life and property are not at risk. Recent news stories regarding abusive nannies and unfit babysitters have pushed parents toward installing hidden cameras throughout their homes. Everything from the eyes of a teddy bear to a boom box, alarm clock, mirror or smoke detector can be used for camera concealment.
Although business and home monitoring is worth its weight in gold, sometimes dummy cameras are enough to deter crime. Most people intent on committing a crime will be intimidated by the obvious presence of a security camera. Generally, they have no way of knowing if the camera is a fake, or if they are actually being recorded and monitored.
CCTV, or closed circuit television, is a type of video surveillance used widely throughout the world. As opposed to broadcast television, where a signal is transmitted openly, CCTV cameras transmit information only to specific monitors. This type of monitoring is used in homes (generally larger estates), businesses, industries and cities. Banks, airports, casinos and other high risk locales use this type of monitoring to help ensure not only their safety, but the public’s as well.
Why Is Video Surveillance Important for Home and Public Security?
- Video monitoring of home and business employees ensures peace of mind by eliminating doubt and worry over unknown behaviors.
- Criminals are prosecuted daily based on video surveillance footage alone.
Things to Consider Before Setting up a Video Surveillance System
- What is the intent – deterrence or capturing adverse behavior? To ward off burglars or shoplifters, security cameras (real or fake) should be installed in obvious places; if capturing behavior is the intent, hidden cameras should be used.
- What is the budget? Fake cameras will be more cost-effective than installing an entire home monitoring system.
Top Brands of Video Surveillance Systems
- American Dynamics Digital Video Management System
- Honeywell Security and Data Collection Systems
- Pelco Video Security
