Surveillance Cameras: Are Companies Watching You In Real Time?

Companies use surveillance cameras for a variety of reasons, including preventing internal theft, recording employee accidents or injuries, and security. Surveillance cameras are also used to monitor employees' productivity and ensure compliance with company policies. While the use of surveillance cameras in the workplace is generally permissible, employers must notify their employees about it and respect their privacy rights.

Surveillance cameras can be monitored in real-time by security professionals, who can respond to and prevent crimes such as trespassing, theft, and vandalism. This is known as active monitoring and can be a very effective way to secure a property.

Live video monitoring is more effective than security guards

Companies use surveillance cameras to monitor their employees and their activities for various reasons, such as preventing internal theft, having a record of employee accidents or injuries, and for security purposes. While security guards have been a traditional way to ensure security, live video monitoring is becoming increasingly popular due to technological advancements.

Live video monitoring is a cost-effective alternative to security guards. Security guards can be expensive, especially when multiple guards are required to cover a large area. In contrast, live video monitoring can cover an entire property with strategically placed cameras, providing a complete view with no blind spots. This makes it possible to monitor every inch of a site with live cameras, ensuring that suspicious activities are detected promptly.

Another advantage of live video monitoring is its ability to deter crimes before they happen. Trained security personnel can spot suspicious activities and react immediately by using two-way speakers to communicate with the intruder or contacting law enforcement. This proactive approach helps prevent break-ins, vandalism, and theft, reducing the financial losses and disruptions caused by criminal activities.

Additionally, live video monitoring offers improved visibility, especially in low-light conditions or remote areas. Modern surveillance cameras can capture clear footage in various lighting and weather conditions, providing better visibility than security guards who may rely on flashlights, which criminals can easily spot and avoid.

Live video monitoring also provides detailed data, analysis, and video evidence that can be useful for investigations, protocol enforcement, and training purposes. The recorded footage can be reviewed to determine what happened during an incident, ensuring a definitive account of the events.

Furthermore, live video monitoring can be used to enforce safety regulations and company policies. For example, cameras can be installed in vehicle inspection areas to ensure that inspections are completed correctly and that the business is complying with laws and regulations.

In conclusion, live video monitoring offers several advantages over traditional security guards. It provides comprehensive coverage, proactive crime deterrence, improved visibility, detailed data and analysis, and protocol enforcement, all while being a cost-effective solution for businesses.

Surveillance cameras can be installed virtually anywhere

When installing security cameras, it is advisable to place them as high as possible, out of reach, to prevent tampering, stealing, or blocking. Lighting is another important consideration, as adequate lighting is necessary for cameras to capture clear and detailed footage. In addition, the angle of the camera is crucial; it should be positioned in a way that complements its placement. For example, if a camera is placed directly above a window or door without proper angling, it may only capture the top of an intruder's head.

There are two main types of security cameras: wired and wireless. Wired cameras are more secure, less prone to hacking, and offer more reliable performance. However, they may require professional help for setup. On the other hand, wireless cameras are easier to install and are ideal for those looking for a cable-free option. Wireless cameras also offer flexibility in placement, as they can be placed anywhere within Wi-Fi range.

In addition to placement and type, there are other factors to consider when installing security cameras. One factor is camera height and visibility. Mounting cameras at least nine feet off the ground can deter tampering, and you can decide whether to make them visible as a deterrent or keep them discreet for covert surveillance. Another factor is field of view and lighting. Avoid blind spots by carefully planning camera placement, and ensure there is adequate lighting or infrared capabilities for night vision and heat detection.

Surveillance cameras are an effective tool for monitoring and enhancing security in both commercial and residential settings. By installing them in strategic locations and considering the various factors mentioned above, property owners can rest assured that their premises are under constant surveillance, deterring potential intruders and providing valuable evidence in the event of an incident.

Companies must have a legitimate reason to monitor employees

In most cases, employers are not required to inform employees of the monitoring. However, four US states (Connecticut, Texas, New York, and Delaware) require employers to notify their staff about the use of monitoring software.

Legitimate reasons for monitoring employees include:

• Reducing the risk of theft
• Protecting patrons from security threats
• Preventing harassment, assaults, and batteries on company premises
• Capturing video recordings of accidents and other incidents
• Monitoring employee productivity
• Ensuring company resources are being used appropriately
• Providing evidence for potential litigation

Additionally, employers must respect employees' privacy rights. Surveillance in areas where employees have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, is prohibited. Employers must also be cautious about acquiring too much personal information about their employees, as this could violate privacy laws such as HIPAA.

Overall, companies must strike a balance between their business interests and their employees' privacy rights when implementing monitoring practices.

Surveillance systems are connected to a professional Alarm Response Centre (ARC)

Surveillance systems are often connected to a professional Alarm Response Centre (ARC). An ARC is a facility that monitors a range of systems, including fire alarms, CCTV cameras, and access control. The centre is staffed by highly trained operatives who work around the clock, all year round, to ensure that alarms are responded to appropriately.

When an alarm is triggered, the ARC team receives a signal, which is viewed by a monitoring operative. The operative will then try to contact the key holder of the site to confirm whether the alarm is genuine or a false alarm. If it is a false alarm, the ARC can often fix the issue remotely, saving the client time and money. If the alarm is genuine, the operative will initiate an appropriate response, such as contacting the police, fire brigade, or the account holder.

ARCs can also monitor systems for faults and false alarms, improving site and staff safety and security. They can identify issues that could compromise safety and fix them remotely, preventing downtime and reducing costs.

Connecting surveillance systems to an ARC ensures a fast and effective response to any alarms, providing peace of mind for businesses and homeowners.

Remote video monitoring is cheaper than hiring security guards

Remote video monitoring is a cost-effective alternative to hiring security guards. Security guards can be expensive, with the average rate per hour being $15.38, which amounts to a monthly cost of $5,721.36 for a 12-hour shift. In contrast, remote video monitoring services can offer 24/7 surveillance at a fraction of the cost.

One of the main reasons for the cost difference is that remote video monitoring allows a single team to monitor multiple locations from a centralized control center, reducing labor costs. Additionally, remote video monitoring eliminates the need for businesses to hire multiple guards for different shifts or to cover all areas of a property. With strategically placed cameras, remote monitoring can provide comprehensive coverage of a property, including hard-to-see areas like dark alleys and rooftops.

Another advantage of remote video monitoring is the quick response time. Security personnel monitoring the cameras can react promptly to any suspicious activities and notify authorities or take appropriate actions. This helps to deter crime and prevent incidents from escalating.

Furthermore, remote video monitoring offers customization options, such as triggering alarms or alerts for specific events, reducing false alarms, and increasing security effectiveness. The recorded footage can also be stored in the cloud, making it easily accessible for future reference, investigations, or evidence.

While some businesses may prefer to have a combination of onsite security guards and passive surveillance camera systems, this option often proves to be more costly and less effective. Passive surveillance systems are limited in their ability to interfere and often rely on being triggered by alarms, which may be too late to prevent a crime.

By choosing remote video monitoring, businesses can benefit from advanced technology, continuous surveillance, quick response times, cost savings, and improved security.

Frequently asked questions