Twenty first century businesses cannot afford to be subjected to unnecessary expenses, especially those associated with crime. One of the biggest benefits to businesses in preventing crime related deficits is the investment in a sound security system which includes surveillance cameras and recorders.
In the 1950s it was not uncommon for a local “downtown” business to employ a 24 hour human-staffed security force while on the exterior, the local policeman “walked his beat” every night, providing additional security surveillance. However, it’s no longer 1950, few police departments can afford to staff beat-walking policemen, and few businesses can afford the expense of staffing a full time 24/7 security force. Yet, crime and vandalism still prevails and must be dealt with accordingly to prevent large losses to businesses.
So what is the solution? On of the biggest benefits to businesses in promoting safety and preventing crime (both internal and external) and vandalism is the security surveillance camera. The advances in recent technology have made the security camera cheaper and easier to use and with internet connectivity, have made security monitoring ubiquitous.
In fact police departments themselves have been employing security cameras to assist in monitoring activities. London, England now has the greatest number of police security cameras per square foot of any city in the world. This system often referred to as “The Ring of Steel,” was responsible for tracking and identifying the individuals that were involved in the subway terrorist bombings in 2005.
Some cities in the United States are also utilizing Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). According to CNN.com’s Manav Tanneeru, August 3, 2007 article titled “’Ring of Steel’ coming to New York,” Baltimore, Maryland police officials told CNN that they had over 500 CCTV cameras and crime had been reduced 17% in the areas where the cameras were located. In an article written by Jennifer Lee, published in the May 31, 2005 New York Times, “The New York Police Department supports its contention that surveillance cameras actively deter crime by citing the changes in the 15 housing projects equipped with the cameras. Crime dropped an average of 36 percent from the year before the cameras were installed to the year afterward, according to Joanne Jaffe, chief of the housing bureau.” Jeff Shields, a Philadelphia Inquirer staff writer stated in an article published on October 23, 2007 titled “More Police Cameras to go Up” that the Philadelphia police department estimated a 37% drop in crime after the implementation of CCTV cameras.
Obviously, if police departments about the United States and around the world are utilizing security and surveillance cameras, businesses can benefit from their use as well. Security cameras can be used to identify and record actual acts of crime, and can be submitted later as evidence to enhance results in legal proceedings. The mere presence of a security camera has proven to deter theft, not only by individuals external to the business, but by employees as well. There probably is no better example of this than the extensive use of CCTV cameras and recording equipment in gambling casinos to monitor employees and customers and to protect them as well.
One of the biggest benefits of security cameras is the prevention of loss to businesses. However, they also have applications besides crime prevention. Businesses can use CCTV to enhance staff productivity and enhance the safety of their employees. Further, businesses can reap the benefits of a CCTV camera system to provide security while eliminating unnecessary personnel expenses to provide the same service. CCTV cameras don’t require payroll services, workers compensation coverage, overtime, and other personnel expenses.
Finally, all types of businesses can benefit from the use of security camera systems. Besides businesses that deal with the direct exchange of money such as banks, retail stores, and convenience stores, there are other widespread uses of security cameras. Hospitals, extended care facilities, museums, college campuses, elementary and high schools, day-care facilities, and even laboratories are just a few of the businesses making use of security camera systems.
The facts speak for themselves; it’s obvious that security cameras are becoming ever more popular and useful for 21st century businesses. Technology improvements including internet protocols, 4G telephone service and digital camera component enhancements are all contributing factors to making security cameras a necessity in today’s business world.
