The need for robust security measures has never been more urgent as crimes and violence continue to erupt at any business randomly. Among the most effective tools in the fight against crime are security cameras. These unobtrusive devices, perched silently on buildings, serve as ever-watchful sentinels. Their simple appearance provides a powerful deterrent to criminal activity.
The mere presence of security cameras can change the plans of potential offenders. Knowing they are being watched and captured on video in real-time forces many to think twice before engaging in illegal activities.
Studies Show Security Camera Presence Deters Crime
Several studies show that areas with visible surveillance systems experience a significant drop in crime rates. The Urban Institute conducted a study on the effectiveness of video surveillance. The organization looked at video cameras used in Baltimore, Chicago, and Washington, DC. Within months, Baltimore’s crime rate dropped by an average of 30 occurrences per month. This is a huge chunk as it deters 360 incidents per year.
Chicago said the reduction in crimes in one location justified the cost of the cameras. The city saved $4.30 for every dollar spent on the video surveillance solution. In doing so, the city saved a whopping $815,000 per month on costs associated with the criminal justice system and victims’ financial costs. Moreover, you can’t put a number on the emotional toll a crime has on a survivor.
Who better than to ask criminals if security cameras deter them? That’s exactly what a study from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has found. “” surveyed more than 400 males and females in prison for burglary.
The respondents revealed how they selected targets and what stopped them from going after a potential mark. More than half referenced security cameras as the No. 1 deterrent. Seeing the video cameras compelled them to find another mark.
Arizona State University Center for Problem-Oriented Policing has a guide on video surveillance of public places. The paper says it’s important for security cameras to be noticeable. Organizations can call attention to their video cameras by posting signage indicating the area is under surveillance. Once the crook is aware of the cameras’ presence, then they calculate whether the risk of committing the crime is worth it if they’re spotted on a security camera.
This doesn’t mean a business should post fake cameras with signage. That could potentially create liability problems. If employees and customers see the security cameras and signs, they expect them to work. When the cameras turn out to be fake, then it could lead to a lawsuit.
It takes more than security cameras to deter crime. The U.S. Department of Justice CCTV Surveillance for Crime Prevention is a systematic review with meta-analysis. In short, the authors found a connection between security cameras and a significant and modest decrease in crime. They also said security cameras that integrate active monitoring were more effective than passive security camera systems without monitoring.
Integrating Real-Time Monitoring with Security Cameras
From vandalism and theft to more severe offenses, the psychological effect of being monitored is undeniable. Security cameras with real-time monitoring shift the risk factor for would-be criminals, making it clear that their actions could have immediate and lasting consequences.
As technology evolves, so do the capabilities of security cameras. Traditional Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems have served as the foundation of surveillance for decades. Modern systems now take advantage of advanced tools like artificial intelligence and real-time monitoring to further enhance crime prevention efforts. These innovations make it harder for criminals to go undetected as well as speed response to suspicious activities, sometimes stopping crimes before they escalate.
Security cameras with monitoring do more than just act as a proactive crime deterrent. When crimes do occur, security cameras provide invaluable evidence that helps law enforcement in their investigations and brings perpetrators to justice. Footage captured by these systems can make the difference between an unsolved case and a fast resolution, offering both clarity and accountability in legal proceedings.
Another area in which this footage becomes valuable is for liability claims. They’re hard cases to win without proof. It turns out that security cameras with monitoring can reduce liability. There are many case studies that show how security cameras and remote monitoring can deter crimes and lead to an arrest before the criminal leaves the business.
In this video from a dealership, a suspect attempts to open car doors and finds an open door. The monitoring operator contacted the police who arrived to arrest the suspect. Trespassers at a construction site broke through the perimeter. A trained monitoring operator caught the suspect and notified the police.
Sometimes an audible warning from a monitoring operator is all that’s needed to resolve the situation. Loiterers at an apartment building received a verbal warning over the remote speaker. The monitoring operator watched from a safe location away from the building and talked to them through the remote speaker. This is proof that monitored security cameras can be more impactful than those without monitoring.
How Technological Advancements Boost Security Camera Surveillance
Security cameras have transformed from simple recording devices into powerful, intelligent tools capable of proactively deterring crime. The integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other emerging technologies has revolutionized the way surveillance systems operate, making them more effective and efficient.
Artificial intelligence and real-time analytics
Incorporating real-time analytics allows artificial intelligence to analyze video feeds in real time, identifying unusual or suspicious behavior as it happens. This capability allows for immediate alerts and rapid response to potential threats. This often leads to deterring crimes before they spiral.
For example, AI can watch for and spot patterns of movement that are typical loitering, trespassing, erratic movements, abnormal behavior, or unauthorized access. When it recognizes such behavior, it triggers an alarm to notify the monitoring operator who investigates.
Artificial intelligence has also made it possible for security cameras to detect and track objects, such as weapons or vehicles. They can also analyze behavior to determine whether it poses a threat. For instance, a security camera might detect a weapon in someone’s hand and send an immediate alert.
Facial recognition technology
Facial recognition allows security cameras to identify individuals by analyzing their facial features and comparing them to databases of known persons. Video analysts can send the video footage to law enforcement agencies that use this to track down suspects. While privacy concerns remain, when used responsibly and within legal frameworks, facial recognition technology can be a powerful tool for deterring crime and capturing offenders.
Remote access and cloud integration
Another significant advancement is the ability to remotely access surveillance footage via cloud-based systems. This means that security personnel can monitor multiple locations from anywhere in the world, using mobile devices or computers. They can share the access and footage with management and law enforcement.
Cloud storage also allows for unlimited video retention as incidents can be brought up days, weeks, and even months after they occur. In addition, this remote access capability increases the flexibility and scalability of surveillance systems, allowing businesses to scale up and down easily.
Thermal imaging and night vision
Technologies like thermal imaging and night vision allow monitors to have a better view during low-light conditions or adverse weather. Thermal cameras detect heat signatures to make it easier to identify people or objects in complete darkness, severe weather, fog, and smoke. Night vision technology enhances visibility in poorly lit areas, ensuring that surveillance remains effective around the clock.
Predictive policing
By analyzing historical crime data, these systems can predict where and when crimes are likely to occur. Security cameras in high-risk areas can be programmed to focus on potential hotspots, improving crime prevention efforts. Predictive analytics, combined with real-time video feeds, helps law enforcement allocate resources more efficiently and respond proactively to emerging threats.
Security camera integration with Internet of Things (IoT) devices
Smart security cameras can be part of a network that includes alarms, door locks, and motion sensors, all working together to detect and deter crime. For example, when a security camera detects movement outside a property, it can trigger the lights to turn on, sound an alarm, and notify a trained monitoring operator. This interconnected system amplifies the deterrent effect and makes it easier to manage security across multiple devices.
Advanced security camera technology has turned them into active participants in crime prevention. By integrating artificial intelligence, facial recognition, remote access, and other cutting-edge innovations, modern surveillance systems are more capable of providing commercial-grade security to protect and secure businesses.
Choosing the Right Security Camera Solution
You can implement a security camera with real-time monitoring services by selecting a security company that specializes in these systems. Some have a turnkey system that allows them to do it all for your business. They can install security cameras, monitor them from a location away from your business, and run system health checks to ensure they continue to function or to fix them.
Security companies that get results create a customized security camera solution for your business. To learn more contact us.
Resources to Learn More
To learn more about security cameras with remote monitoring, check out these resources.
