Video surveillance provides an opportunity for organizations to record footage for use in investigating incidents. When it comes to security, that’s how surveillance cameras have been perceived. But, did you know that it also can be leveraged as a deterrent to criminals?
In the 2019 research article, “CCTV surveillance for crime prevention – A 40‐year systematic review with meta‐analysis” authored by Eric L. Piza, Brandon C. Welsh, David P. Farrington, and
Amanda L. Thomas, evidence is presented showing the efficacy of the use of security cameras to prevent crime. What they found is that some types of crime are reduced while others are not impacted. They refer to a recent review (Alexandrie 2017) that found crime reduction between 24% and 28% occurred on public streets and urban subway stations where video surveillance was deployed. They also found, ”CCTV was associated with significant reductions in both vehicle crime and property crime in general, with no significant effects observed for violent crime.”
Conspicuous Placement
The knowledge that security cameras are in place and footage from the cameras is being recorded is often enough to keep dishonest people away from a facility. Using larger housings for cameras can help make it obvious that video surveillance is underway in the area. However, as the number of cameras installed, the quality of camera images improves, and the software used by security professionals improves, the ability to respond faster to incidents can cause a criminal to think twice about committing a crime in an area that is under surveillance.
Early Detection
Video analytics can provide an alert to suspicious behavior before a crime occurs. For example, if someone is loitering in an area where they shouldn’t be, an alert can be made to security personnel to investigate before an incident occurs. This technology could also be used to create a warning before someone climbs or cuts a fence to enter a facility.
Verification and Response
As more cameras are deployed and better mechanisms are in place to alert staff before an incident occurs, more criminal activity can be deterred.
Layered Solutions
The study also noted that video surveillance may be most effective when other technologies are deployed in the same area. Examples include adding or improving lighting, placement of warning signage, enhanced patrols, use of access control, and use of voice communication systems like intercoms.
If you consider the example of loitering around a perimeter fence before attempting to climb it, a voice communication system layered with video surveillance could allow a security operator to turn on additional lighting and send a verbal alert to the person near the fence.
Clear Vision
Vision Security Technologies has the expertise required to recommend the ideal security camera for the right application. This ensures that you’ll deter crimes from occurring and will capture the video footage you need for post-incident investigations. We can design, install, monitor, and maintain your state-of-the-art security solution to secure your staff, students, visitors, and property.
