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Getting The Most Out of Commercial CCTV

Getting The Most Out Of Commercial CCTV

Many business owners install CCTV systems at their commercial properties, but how many of them are actually fully utilising the benefits? Actually, not many.

CCTV systems are useful for far more than just providing evidence in an unwanted incident. That's why we've put together a guide on commercial CCTV and it's benefits, to ensure you're using your system to its full capacity.

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Purpose

Before you choose your CCTV system, you'll need to consider what purpose you'd like it to fulfil. There are many uses of surveillance systems in the workplace including:

Crime Deterrent

If potential thieves can see that there's a CCTV system in place, they're much less likely to commit a crime. However, if they do still choose to go ahead with their vandalism or theft, you should be able to identify them using your high quality security cameras.

Employee Monitoring

Installing a CCTV system in the workplace can work wonders for staff productivity. Not everybody enjoys being watched, but if your employees know there's an extra set of eyes on them, it's likely they'll get on with their job to the standard you require.

Remote Monitoring

You'll be able to hook up your CCTV cameras to various devices including laptops and mobile phones, which allows you to keep an eye on your premises and staff when you're not around.

Fraud Protection

With issues of fraud on the rise, you can use your CCTV systems to ensure protection against fraudulent claims. If you know you're not at fault, use your CCTV system as evidence.

Placement

You want your system to specifically address the security and surveillance needs of your business, which is why careful consideration must be given to where you place your CCTV cameras. The type of results you can expect from your CCTV system will be dependant on the type of  environment in which it's being used. For example, will your system overlook a private car park or high street? Or will your cameras be located indoors in well-lit areas? Consider where they're going to be placed and choose your system accordingly for best results.

The most important factor to consider is whether or not your camera will be able to capture clear, high quality images and videos and whether your recording system has sufficient space to store the data you need.

Maintenance

It's very important to have a system in place to regularly check that all your cameras are both displaying clearly live and also that they are all being recorded. It is always better to find a fault when the CCTV footage is not needed than when you have had an incident and don't have it recorded. Also regular cleaning of cameras will prevent dirt build up on the lens keeping your HD CCTV cameras giving an HD picture.

Layout

The design of your CCTV system should allow you to get the best possible value for money over the longest period of time. As an important long term investment, the cost of any upgrades or maintenance plans should be coherent to the value the system generates for your business.

It's also important to mention that when choosing a DVR, you should choose one that is capable of recording more data than you actually require, so that if you choose to add more cameras to your premises at a later date, you'll have the space to record the images you require.

CCTV & The Law

If you're planning on installing CCTV anywhere in your premises, it's important that you consider the rules and regulations as stated in the 1998 Data Protection act. Here are some of the points you need to be aware of:

  • When CCTV captures members of the general public, they must be aware that the recording is taking place- i.e. putting up a sign that is clearly visible and readable.
  • You need to contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO to notify them that you're going to be installing CCTV and why.
  • As an employer, it's your responsibility to ensure that any captured footage is used only for it's intended purpose. For example, if the intended purpose of your CCTV is to detect crime, you should not use it for staff monitoring.
  • Requests to view recorded footage can be made by anyone and must be granted within 40 days.
  • If you have any doubts you should obtain legal advice where commercial CCTV is concerned.
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