Security Cameras Can Be More Than Just Deterrence Tools
Security cameras can improve safety and help deter crime, but they also raise concerns about privacy. Whether you’re worried about your family’s safety or a dispute between neighbors or employees, surveillance can be a powerful tool.
Look for a camera with a high video resolution and field of view to capture clear images. Some include local storage capabilities, and others offer free 14 days of cloud video storage.
1. Deterring Crime
Security cameras are often used to deter property crime like burglary, vandalism, and trespassing. They can also help prevent other crimes such as arson. However, they do not completely stop criminals, as some studies have shown that cameras can actually give criminals a false sense of security and may not be effective at stopping violent crimes.
Regardless, cameras can capture video evidence that can be used to identify suspects and convict them. This can be especially useful when eyewitness testimony is unreliable. Additionally, cameras can provide a clearer picture of what really happened, which is helpful in legal scenarios.
Homeowners can use security cameras to monitor incoming traffic, while businesses can install cameras at entrances and around valuable onsite equipment. Security cameras come in different options, from basic 1080p to HD. Higher quality models have a better field of view but will also consume video storage and wireless bandwidth more quickly. Some security cameras can even be hacked, so it’s important to set up protocols and maintain strict security measures. This way, you can ensure that your camera systems are working properly to deter crime and protect your home or business.
2. Gathering Evidence
Security cameras are much more than just deterrence tools. In the event of a crime, they can be a valuable tool for gathering evidence and bringing criminals to justice. They can also act as a digital force field that deters would-be criminals from committing crimes on your property, acting as a psychological barrier that says “Back off punk!” to those up to no good.
Commercial-grade security cameras have the ability to zoom in and capture images that are crystal clear. They can also use specialized software to enhance and analyze footage, identifying suspects or objects. This can also help corroborate eye witness testimony, provide a timeline of events, and strengthen criminal cases by showing what really happened rather than just an account someone remembered from memory.
Security cameras do pose some risk of government abuse, from petty indignities like security guards ogling women security cameras to more serious misuse such as police misconduct or even false arrests. However, with proper administrative control mechanisms, these risks can be mitigated.
3. Detecting Intruders
Intruders aren’t always easy to detect, but security cameras can help. They can send you and the monitoring center an alert when they detect a person or object that shouldn’t be there. They can also record footage that shows a break-in in progress, helping law enforcement catch the perpetrators.
Many security camera systems use motion detection to monitor the perimeter of your property. This is a more accurate method of tracking movement than unreliable video based motion sensors, and it allows for precise notification to be sent to your Smartphone.
These sensors are usually wireless and communicate over your home Wi-Fi network, so it’s important to practice password safety and change your password frequently. Top-tier brands like Nest and Ring offer robust encryption protocols to protect data transmissions.
Other security cameras have features that can further prevent intruders, such as face recognition. This can let you know if it’s your neighbor coming over to walk the dog, or a careless thief. It can also alert you to packages left on your front stoop, which is especially helpful if you’re away from home.
4. Monitoring Your Property
Security cameras are a great tool for monitoring your smart camera solutions property. You’ll know if something is stolen from your porch, if there’s any tampering on vehicles or exterior structures and you can also see if unwanted guests are hanging out at your property when you’re away.
Security camera systems allow you to monitor your property in real-time from the comfort of your home or mobile device. This helps you catch criminals in the act and can provide you with valuable video evidence to help solve your case.
Remotely monitored cameras can also be a good way to keep tabs on your rental properties. This will give you peace of mind if extreme weather causes damage like a broken window, or can help expedite insurance claims by providing high-definition footage to prove that damage occurred.
Keep in mind, however, that some security cameras can be hacked. Look for models that offer built-in security features, like encryption, which scrambles account information, livestreams and archived videos to prevent hackers from accessing them. It’s also a good idea to practice password safety by changing your password regularly.
5. Monitoring Your Employees
Whether it’s theft, vandalism, or employee safety incidents, security cameras can help. They can capture footage that demonstrates an incident occurred, who was responsible, and how it happened. This will save you from false liability claims or lawsuits and will help you avoid retaliation against anyone involved in an incident.
While employees may protest being monitored at work, it’s not unreasonable for a business to want to take steps to ensure their facility is safe and secure. However, when a company goes too far and starts monitoring personal email accounts, social media, in-house chats, or tampering with the system, it can cause a backlash amongst their workforce.
In general, employees will be less likely to steal or commit a workplace crime if they know they are being monitored. Moreover, they will work harder to make sure that they’re not breaking any rules and that their company’s policies are being followed. This can boost productivity and overall business efficiency, especially if you opt for a security camera system that offers high-quality video. Integrating this with a modern access control system like Kisi can further improve your security measures by alerting you when a door is forced open or propped up.
