Security Matters

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The Pros And Cons Of CCTV Monitoring

CCTV Monitoring

As an added layer of security, many businesses and even cities are using CCTV monitoring to detect suspicious activity and catch criminals in the act.

However, there are some cons to using this technology. It’s important to weigh both the pros and cons to determine if CCTV is a good option for your business.

When used in addition to other security methods, it can boost security and keep a careful eye on trouble areas. This is why you often see them at banks, malls and department stores.

Understanding CCTV Monitoring

Closed-circuit TV monitoring involves filming an area and sending the video to a specific monitor or set of monitors. The video isn’t public and is only used by the business and law enforcement (if necessary). It’s a technology that allows businesses to keep an eye on their property, employees and customers.

While some people believe they’re an invasion of privacy, others see them as a way to help make premises more secure. This is especially true when CCTV is monitored remotely and details relayed to on-site guards. The most important thing to remember is to ensure you’re following all state and federal laws when using a CCTV monitoring system.

Pros Of CCTV Monitoring

One of the main benefits of CCTV monitoring is being able to quickly notice suspicious activity (if footage is being monitored live) or prove guilt, as was the case with the Boston Marathon bombings. It’s for that reason alone that many businesses opt for this security option.

Another benefit is most CCTV cameras are fairly easy to notice, which is actually the point. Some businesses even have dummy cameras in place as a way of deterring would-be criminals.

It’s important to remember that your CCTV footage is only as good as your cameras. If you want to make the most of them, use higher quality cameras with color footage. This makes it easier to see the video and identify individuals, which is important if the footage is used in court.

A few other pros of choosing CCTV monitoring include:

  • Keeping unauthorized personnel out of the workplace
  • Checking on employee behavior
  • Receive security alerts based on certain activity
  • Notice misconduct among employees and prevent fraudulent accusations
  • Reduce retail and office thefts
  • Create safer working environments by noticing safety violations before they become issues

Overall, it’s a great addition to any security plan, but as you may have guessed, there are also a few cons.

Cons Of CCTV Monitoring

Many people, including your employees, may feel that CCTV monitoring is not only an invasion of privacy, but proves you don’t trust them. Of course, you can’t monitor anyone in private areas, such as bathrooms and locker rooms.

Those against CCTV monitoring are often afraid of how the footage is used. If you’re adding CCTV cameras to your business, it’s a good idea to educate employees (and even offer explanations to customers if asked) as to why you’re installing cameras and how the footage is stored and used.

Another issue is hackers may be able to get into your system and spy on your business. For businesses with sensitive information, such as passcodes on doors, this could put the business at risk for theft. However, adding on-site security guards helps prevent this problem.

A few other common cons include:

  • Higher quality systems can be costly, but simple black and white systems are cheap
  • Grainy footage is questionable and may not serve as solid proof when necessary
  • Employees may still balk at the idea and leave
  • They don’t prevent all crime, but it may deter some

The benefits typically outweigh the cons, but cost and making employees happier sometimes makes businesses opt of out of using CCTV cameras.

Contact BOS Security

Have more questions about CCTV monitoring or what other security options your business might need? Contact our friendly team today at 404-793-6965.

You can also try our free Security Needs Assessment to better understand your business’s security needs.

Related Articles on the Topic:

IS VIDEO SURVEILLANCE AN INVASION OF PRIVACY?

THE IMPORTANCE OF REMOTE VIDEO MONITORING: WHY SECURITY CAMERAS ARE NOT ENOUGH

COMMERCIAL BUILDING SURVEILLANCE AND SECURITY CAMERAS: A GUIDE FOR OWNERS IN ATLANTA

Image: Rob Sarmiento

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