A video surveillance system has been an important part of business and government safety and security measures for several decades. In fact, security surveillance cameras have become such a fixture in so many different kinds of facilities that it is likely you have even found yourself mugging to the camera or craning to catch a glimpse of yourself on a video surveillance monitor.

Retail establishments, banks and other businesses that deal in cash or expensive items have come to rely on high-end video surveillance systems to deter theft and to also help catch perpetrators. These surveillance systems can easily catch criminals on tape, which provides a level of protection for the premises.

For quite some time, small businesses were at a disadvantage and unable to adequately protect their customers, employees and property because of the high cost to purchase and maintain a quality video surveillance system. However, in recent years things have changed in that regard and as technology has advanced steadily in surveillance systems, the price has also come down significantly.

With the drop in pricing of entry-level surveillance systems, many smaller businesses are able to work this kind of security into their budgets. This helps them reduce loss due to outright theft and also due to employee pilfering. In some cases, small businesses that were on the brink of having to close their doors because of the level of losses have been able to “stop the bleeding” by installing these high-tech but affordable systems.

This in turn has helped to save many jobs and also to keep the smaller, neighborhood stores open and serving their communities. When this happens, a video and audio surveillance system can even be thought of as an “unsung hero” playing a background role of providing protection and security so that the daily activities and flow of the business and community can continue with little disruption.

Another benefit of a low cost surveillance system is the peace of mind that people enjoy knowing that their premises have a diligent pair of “eyes” watching the premises 24 hours a day. In communities where there is increasing crime, security surveillance systems installed in just a few businesses in a neighborhood can actually cause a ripple effect of decreased crime throughout the area. While misguided teens previously may have felt they had the freedom to act out, perhaps to the point of causing damage or thievery, they now know that their actions will be caught on video and this serves to make them think twice.

In situations like this, security experts recommend that the video surveillance system be installed in such a way as to make it very much visible and “in your face.” Smalls businesses can even integrate a dummy camera or two into their surveillance system, which will give the impression of a more extensive security network.

Everywhere we go now in stores there are cameras watching our every move. Libraries, office buildings and even homes are now seeking out and using security surveillance to ensure that their items are protected. This may mean tangible goods found in retail stores. It could be parking lots to ensure that people are protected as they walk to their cars. Home owners want to ensure that they are safe from intruders, fires and even floods.

The world of security surveillance has become in high demand as more people want to protect themselves from harm. It is no wonder as crime still continues to rise and more people find themselves as victims. You may not know what security surveillance means and how it can protect you but this article will help answer some of the questions you may have regarding this important subject.

What is CCTV?

CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. With Closed Circuit Television an image, or images, is transmitted to a specific set of monitors. The person at the monitors can control the video camera to turn in whatever direction he or she wishes to view. You will see these cameras in parking lots, retail stores and banks. They are widely use as a security measure to try to prevent loss of property and to provide safety such as parking lots and cross walks.

What is the difference between audio and video surveillance?

The difference between audio surveillance and video surveillance is how they catch would be perpetrators in the act. Most times they work together but in the case of audio it may be used to monitor phone conversations and employees when they are at work. Video surveillance works with just a picture and no sound, audio is the reverse.

What type of equipment do I need to monitor my employees at work?

Well, that depends on what you suspect and is legal. You have to notify the employees that their actions are monitored at all time. You will need a security surveillance program installed that comes equipped with audio and video so you can both watch and hear what is happening. It can be a major issue with some employees as they feel their rights are violated. Some businesses are typically monitored and employees are aware of this fact when they first become hired. These businesses are: banks, casinos, hotels and retail stores.

What is a dummy camera?

So businesses cannot afford several cameras or enough people to monitor them all. Their solution is to put a dummy camera out for people to see. A dummy camera is not one that does not work nor is it intended too. The shoppers, players and employees are not aware of which cameras are which.

Do people really fall for a dummy camera?

Yes they do all of the time. Take for example a shopping retail store. They may have a black bubble on the ceiling that contains a video camera. But not all of these bubbles have actual working cameras installed. If they do, some will be off. Employees and shoppers are not aware of which ones are on and which ones are off.

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