That means knowing what your surveillance system can and can’t do. With this in mind, here are five video surveillance myths and the truths behind them. Read on to make sure you’re using your system in the right way and following physical security best practices.
Myth #1
Video surveillance systems are only used to catch criminals.
Many companies do use video surveillance systems to catch criminals, but the technology can be used for so much more.
Live video surveillance systems can actually help business owners deter crime. They also can be used for business purposes beyond security.
Intelligent video surveillance systems can do more than just catch criminals – they can deter crime. These systems can issue powerful audio and visual deterrents to scare off would-be criminals.
In fact, Pro-Vigil uses these methods to successfully deter 97% of all intruders before they can commit a crime.
Additionally, beyond crime deterrence, these systems help users with business use cases, such as viewing footage to improve operations, customer service and project management.
Myth #2
Security guards are a popular choice when it comes to property protection because many business owners feel more confident with actual people responsible for securing their property.
What many organizations don’t realize, however, is that live video surveillance systems can provide that much anticipated human element too.
Remote video monitoring services, such as Pro-Vigil’s, provide virtual security guard services – which are, in fact, live humans!
These trained security professionals remotely monitor your property from an operations center – whether you need 24×7, overnight or weekend coverage. They quickly identify suspicious activity, issue audiovisual deterrents and notify authorities when needed.
In fact, this powerful combination of human surveillance and video technology enables Pro-Vigil to detect threats within 24 seconds and deter crime within 30 seconds.
Myth #3
Video surveillance systems are only beneficial for long-term security needs.
It’s true that fixed video surveillance systems can require a significant upfront investment in time, resources and budget – especially when you have to run electrical cables and set up infrastructure required for permanent surveillance.
That’s why video surveillance is commonly thought of as a solution to long-term security needs. If you’re going to put in all that upfront work, you’ll want to get the most of your investment, for as long as you can.
Mobile video surveillance solutions are an ideal solution for temporary (and other) security needs.
Mobile surveillance systems are self-contained units powered by solar panels, which means they can be implemented in a matter of hours without requiring electricity or WiFi for connectivity. They are faster and more cost-effective to deploy (no long-term contract required!), making them a great option for:
- Temporary security needs such as construction sites or car dealership overflow lots;
- Remote locations, such as oil fields and cannabusiness growth facilities; and
- Businesses that want to broaden coverage but don’t want to extend their permanent infrastructure.
Additionally, because these units are mobile, they provide greater flexibility – allowing you to easily respond and adapt to changing security needs.
Myth #4
Thermal imaging is the best option for securing property at night.
To protect their property at night, many companies choose cameras with thermal imaging. While thermal imaging is a great option for perimeter defense – for example, identifying if someone is approaching your property limits, it’s not an effective tool for managing physical security across your business.
Here’s why: Thermal images don’t provide any detail; users just see a blob of color when an object is detected in the dark.
This makes it hard to determine if the object on your property is an authorized employee or an intruder. It also makes it impossible to identify a suspect if a crime is committed on your property.
High definition (HD)-enabled cameras combined with adequate property lighting is the optimal way to protect your business at night.
HD footage provides clear visibility from afar and close-up, which can help you deter a crime before it happens or determine who committed a crime after-the-fact. However, to leverage HD cameras to their full potential, you must adequately light up your site at night.
If your property does not have access to electricity, consider implementing motion sensor solar lights similar to those you put on your garage or front door at home.
Solar lights are just as effective as commercial flood lights and often can be much cheaper and more accessible (available at your local hardware store!).
Myth #5
Video surveillance systems are a “set it and forget it” technology.
There’s not much explanation needed on this point: thinking video surveillance systems can be implemented and forgotten about is a major misconception.
Video surveillance systems must be continuously updated to ensure you’re incorporating the latest features and adapting to the evolving threat landscape. We know you’re busy, and that you don’t always have the time you need to devote to this important task.
So, we’ve developed a variety of security frameworks, tip sheets and checklists designed to make video surveillance (and overall physical security) planning, implementation and optimization as easy as possible.
Check Out These Resources:
A Security Framework for Auto Dealers
Defending Against Crime is a guide for auto dealers to strategize an effective security solution for their lot.
Auto Dealership Security Checklist
A four-step roadmap for auto dealers to reassess and enhance their physical security program.
Mobile Security Checklist
A list of tips designed to help companies secure outdoor assets and protect mobile worksites – from oil fields and gas drilling sites, to construction sites and beyond.
Seven-Step Security Checklist
Does your commercial security system need a refresh? This checklist is designed to help companies identify whether your video surveillance system is out of date, and if so, what modern features to look for and integrate.
Construction Site Security Checklist
A checklist detailing best practices to secure construction jobsites from all types of crime.
If you don’t see your industry on the list, don’t worry: most of the tips within each asset are applicable across verticals. And, you can always reach out to us for guidance and best practices specific to your business.
