When most people think of video surveillance, they think of what happens after something goes wrong. A theft. A break-in. A safety incident. The footage gets pulled, reviewed, and handed over to law enforcement or HR.
In movies and TV, we watch as unwitting security guards turn away from their bank of security monitors just as the thief is walking through the frame to disable the camera or crack the safe. Or we see the hardened detective carefully reviewing grainy black and white footage, trying to identify a suspect.
Security cameras are all around us, nearly everywhere you look, always watching. We even put them in our homes to keep a watchful eye on home, sweet home even when we’re away.
From retail spaces to schools, churches, shared facilities, our homes and beyond, video security keeps us safer through the simple act of a camera being there. The UNC Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology surveyed 422 burglars and found that half of them considered outdoor security cameras as effective deterrents. And a multi-city analysis by the Urban Institute across Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Chicago found that in areas with actively monitored cameras, crime dropped by up to 20%, with no noticeable shift to nearby zones.
But crime prevention is just one piece of what a video security system can do. Your video system can take your security posture from reactive to proactive by helping manage and protect your business in real time.
Live Eyes on What Matters
With today’s smart video systems, you’re not just recording the goings-on of your facility, you’re seeing what’s happening, as it happens. Whether you’re onsite or checking in from your phone, you can instantly view live feeds across your entire facility.
That means you can:
· See who’s entering or leaving through restricted doors
· Monitor deliveries, parking lots, or loading docks
· Spot-check employee activity in key areas
· Perform visual inspections on equipment or production lines
All without walking across the building…or even being in the building at all.
Save Time (And Steps)
If you manage a large facility, warehouse, or multi-building campus, a quick in-person check-in isn’t always so quick. A quick check of the video gives you an immediate overview of key areas. You can view it from your office, the road, or your other facilities. You can also virtually check in on multiple locations at the same time.
Monitor Operations Without Hovering
Video is also a helpful tool for employee oversight. Not in a creepy “Big Brother” way, but in a way that ensures processes are being followed, safety practices are in place, and everyone is where they need to be.
It’s a simple way to confirm that equipment is being used correctly, procedures are being followed and no one’s cutting corners when they think no one’s watching.
As the saying goes, “trust, but verify.”
Keep People Honest
Just the presence of cameras can influence behavior. When people know there’s accountability, they’re more likely to stick to the rules, follow protocol, and treat the workspace with respect. It’s a quiet deterrent that encourages integrity while protecting both your team and your assets.
A Tool for Security and Management
The bottom line: video isn’t just a reactionary tool, it’s a real-time solution that gives you added visibility, saves you time, and adds another layer of safety and protection.
And if something does go wrong, you’ll have footage you can review to correct and prevent issues going forward.
Wellington Security Systems has been designing and installing security systems for Twin Cities businesses for over 40 years. Let our team of experienced and highly trained technicians add peace of mind to your day with custom-designed security solutions, and find out how we deliver results. Contact us today to schedule your free security assessment.