Security is always critical, whether at home or the office. The police cannot effectively monitor every single building or suspected criminal, which is why, even with privacy concerns, the CCTV camera, an integral part of security camera systems, is here to stay.
According to statistics, 0.7 percent of the American population is in jail as result of crime related activities. This means that the crime rate in the US is higher than in any other developed nation
This places the onus of personal safety on an individual. The installation of surveillance cameras at home or at the work place is the logical step.
Some of the areas that can benefit from the installation of a CCTV camera are;
1. Business Establishments
In spite of the concerns that have been raised, a business can use a surveillance system to its advantage. Employees are unlikely to engage in unethical undertakings while at work.
It also acts as a repository of records and can be used to settle any disputes. Employees are also protected from harassment or exploitation.
2. Learning Institutions
In schools, a surveillance system can be used effectively to monitor hallways, entrances and stairways. This can help to cut down on drug use and vandalism.
If children know that they are under observation, it is unlikely that things like bullying will take place.
3. In Public Areas
Five studies carried out in North America found that the CCTV camera was most effective in preventing crime in car parks.
Footage of a crime can be used as evidence in court to convict a suspect. A surveillance system can also be used to trace missing persons as the technology to zoom in is quite advanced.
4. CCTV At Home
You can enhance personal safety at home also by installing cameras to monitor movement outside. You can even monitor your premises while on holiday and alert the local authorities in case of a break in.
if you have an elderly person at home you can monitor their care while away at work to ensure that they are properly cared for.
There are several things you should take into consideration before you install a surveillance system. Some of the questions you should answer are:
Which Areas Do You Want Covered
You need to have entry points like the doors and gates covered. You could either use discreetly placed cameras or visible cameras. Remember to use the appropriate bracket for mounting on different surfaces.
Cabling
To cut down on costs it is advisable to have the DVR installed near the cameras. The co-axial cabling should have some extra length to allow for any adjustments.
It is advisable to draw a budget before you go shopping. This is because surveillance systems cost anything from a few hundred dollars to millions, depending on the brand and functionality.
Most cameras detect motion and capture images that are stored in the DVR. Make sure there is enough lighting. Position the camera in front of light sources to ensure the camera lens is not damaged by exposure due to prolonged exposure.
To get the best field of view, consider the limits of the camera’s pan, tilt and zoom. If well placed, a CCTV camera can aid in cutting down crime.