Here at Intraguard, we specialise in CCTV monitoring services … but what does it involve and how does it work? Let's go back to the beginning…. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is a surveillance device that allows you to monitor what’s going on in and around your business. You can watch live events on cameras and monitors, with recorders saving videos for viewing late, whilst most modern CCTV systems offer live streams.
A CCTV display only receives video from surveillance cameras mounted on the premises, not publicly broadcast material. Therefore, each system must be set up correctly and optimised for your workplace. While CCTV technology has been around for decades, recent advancements have made it much more successful at catching offenders whilst aiding prosecutions. To help you better understand the advantages, we’ve outlined the different components of a surveillance system and how they interact.
What exactly is CCTV?
Closed-circuit television, or video monitoring, is the abbreviation for closed-circuit television. Unlike “regular” television, which is broadcast to the general public, “closed-circuit” television is broadcast to a small (closed) number of monitors. CCTV networks are widely used to track and prevent illegal activity such as thefts, vandalism and traffic violations, but they may also be used for other purposes. German scientists invented CCTV technology in 1942 to track the launch of V2 rockets, while American scientists later used it as part of the atomic bomb trials. Today, there’s an extensive range of CCTV systems for businesses of all sizes, so features and specifications vary considerably.
How does CCTV surveillance work?
The video data collected by the camera is sent via the internet to a remote monitoring station for analysis. These monitoring stations are designed to ensure a quick response to suspicious behaviour, ensuring that your property, people and assets are protected from a variety of threats. If the device detects suspicious activity, the CCTV monitoring guards will manually evaluate the scene and change the cameras to capture the best possible video. If an alarm system is mounted on the property, it is usually activated to scare intruders away or dissuade them from committing the crime. The authorities will be notified, and the competent CCTV monitoring service will contact the owners or keyholders. Below, we’ve detailed some of the top advantages that this crucial safety device can provide to companies of all sizes.
Management of criminal activity
Potential offenders can be deterred by CCTV surveillance. When a crime occurs, video recordings will aid law enforcement in their investigation and later serve as evidence in a court of law. When used in combination with CCTV, audio, thermal, and other forms of sensors, it will alert officials to unusual events, such as a fire or gunshots at a site. CCTV cameras in businesses can detect and track in-house criminal activity. Video monitoring can be used in prisons to deter drones from delivering drugs and other contraband to inmates. Security cameras can also track areas that are difficult to reach, such as rooftops.
Also, in drug-related offences, especially those involving trafficking or distribution, surveillance footage often becomes a cornerstone of the legal process. From identifying suspects to corroborating timelines, CCTV recordings can significantly influence the outcome of a case. A seasoned drug case lawyer will know how to scrutinise this evidence for inconsistencies or misuse, ensuring their client’s rights are upheld. At Law Firm Ocala, attorneys are well-versed in challenging video surveillance that may have been improperly obtained or misinterpreted. Their expertise ensures that every piece of footage is reviewed with a sharp legal eye, making certain that justice isn’t just served—but served fairly.
Disaster control
Emergency services and rescue workers may assess and track incidents in real-time using CCTV cameras and then relay a “situation” to disaster management teams via video, such as inside a burning building or a helicopter flying over a scene.
Collect evidence
In the unlikely event that a crime occurs on your property, getting a CCTV system pays off because it allows you to gather information to help ‘suss out’ what happened. With additional information from a CCTV camera, such as dates, places, and, most importantly, perpetrators, crimes can be solved much more quickly.
Keeps an eye on things
CCTV systems can keep track of what’s going on at the location where they’re built. You and your employees will have complete peace of mind about what is going on under your roof by tracking the behaviour of staff and tourists on your company’s premises.
Medical surveillance and diagnosis
There are approximately 43 facial muscles that enable people to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Smart software can more quickly detect these expressions (such as pain or fear) in photographs faster than humans. Patients – such as infants or the elderly – may also be monitored by CCTV cameras to detect possible medical emergencies, such as a stroke or an epileptic or asthma attack.
Behavioural science
According to CCTV footage used in suicide studies, 83 per cent of individuals trying to jump in front of a train displayed specific behaviours. These were analysed later using CCTV footage and are now used to warn monitor watchers of possible suicides. Researchers often use surveillance networks to monitor crowd activity in public places and avoid anti-social behaviour. Schools, for example, have used cameras for surveillance and to monitor bullying and playground events on video.
Intelligence on retail
Market intelligence gleaned from consumer video surveillance is being used to analyse purchasing patterns and optimise sales strategies, such as how people shop, which aisles they use the most, and how likely they are to respond to calls to action in various store layouts. Heat maps can help retailers recognise peak buying hours, preferred advertising styles, and staffing requirements for peak shopping periods by displaying the peaks and lows of shopper traffic at locations in the store.
Making a decision
When it comes to resolving conflicts, surveillance cameras can be beneficial. This is true in both domestic and business situations. You’ll know the truth by referring to CCTV videos, whether it’s dealing with family disputes, employee feuds, or altercations between workers and customers.
At Intraguard, we have a wealth of experience providing manned guarding and remote CCTV monitoring services. With 24-hour coverage thanks to the carefully planned setup of multiple cameras (as many as needed on-site), we serve footage via the internet to a central control room. Innovative remote monitoring systems include alarms, audio warnings (which may announce via speakers that the intruder is currently under surveillance), whilst we can provide a rapid response to emergencies and suspicious behaviour.