February 28, 2007
CCTV: When and Why to Use Closed Circuit Television
CCTV can be a useful adjunct to a high-quality, integrated security system, but if used improperly, it can also be a liability. Generally the use of cameras produces some deterrence to some types of crimes. Whatever deterrence does result, the deterrent value of all cameras is denigrated by those who use “dummy” cameras. Cameras can generally be classified into three categories of security applications.
First, cameras can be used to help control points of ingress and egress. For example, you may live in a building that has cameras focused on the entryway so that a tenant can view their visitor before granting or denying entry. Doors that are controlled with a card access system may also be monitored by cameras so that security personnel can monitor coat-tailing or grant entry to a recognizable employee. Cameras may also be placed to monitor fire stairwells and potential escape routes for would-be perpetrators. These cameras are usually monitored live and may be interactive.
Second, are those cameras that are primarily used to collect evidentiary documentation that may later be used in investigative efforts or in legal proceedings. These cameras are usually set up with shortened focal points with a limited field of view in the hopes of identifying suspects facially. These applications apply to banks, convenience stores, all night gas stations and ATMs. These cameras are used to document criminal acts and provide images of the perpetrator that will lead to apprehension. Cameras dedicated to this application may, or may not be monitored live, but in all cases they are recorded. Environments where evidentiary cameras are often monitored live are might be cameras that provide surveillance of gaming operations or loading docks. Generally this second group of cameras is primarily in place to protect assets.
If the second category of camera applications is aimed at protecting assets, the third group of cameras may be classified as “people cameras.” We believe people cameras should be monitored live, in most cases, by trained security personnel. This group of cameras is generally surveying “common areas.” Common areas that need to be under live surveillance include shopping mall parking lots and walkways, hospital exteriors, city streets as well as hotel hallways and elevator lobbies. These cameras should also be continuously recorded. Cameras that are watched 24 X 7 may include PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom) cameras.
The greatest potential for liability issues arise from the use, or the alleged improper use, of people cameras. Citizens, who become victimized by criminals while under the watchful eye of a camera that no one was watching, often bring premises liability lawsuits. Those lawsuits can be successful if they are able to convince a jury the “they had a reasonable expectation that someone was monitoring the camera.” This is why there must be planning and forethought prior to installing this third camera application. If you are considering incorporating CCTV into you security program, as you consider each camera application, ask this question: Do I want to see bodies or faces?
Cameras can be a very useful and efficient security tool if used properly. With today’s technology, we are able to transmit these images over long distances. The manager of a golf pro-shop could check on his business from home by merely turning on his laptop. Certainly there are many uses for CCTV. The expansion of usage has been gained because cameras have gotten smaller and are able to perform well at low light levels. Citizens are incorporating cameras into home security systems. CCTV is often integrated with other security systems to help protect newborn babies while in the hospital or to activate when an alarm point is triggered. However, cameras should not be used in any environment were a private citizen has a reasonable expectation of privacy such as bathrooms and retail store changing rooms.
Please contact SSO with your CCTV questions.
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