Security surveillance cameras and surveillance systems in themselves offer a sense of security. Unfortunately, they don’t guarantee immunity from any crimes or burglaries. They can only offer potentially helpful footage for the case investigation.
The mere presence of security surveillance cameras themselves can prove beneficial to businesses in deterring bad behavior. For situations when this is not the case and crimes do occur, security surveillance camera footage can serve as evidence of the criminal act and aids in identification of suspects or key witnesses. Using social media to circulate these images or footage can help identify criminals faster.
Social media can reach great lengths in a short amount of time. In fact, a Facebook post of a still image from surveillance footage lead to the same day arrest of a robbery suspect. Authorities are catching on and utilizing surveillance footage in conjunction with social media to get the public’s help in finding potential suspects and witnesses. Not everyone watches the news so by sharing or retweeting these posts, a broader audience is reached, increasing visibility and the chance that the suspect will be identified and caught.
While social media can strengthen security cameras systems overall, the security surveillance cameras themselves should be of high quality and reliable. It’s important to invest in systems with features beneficial to your specific environment. Your options should be weighed depending on your needs and budget.
Let SecurityCamExpert.com help you find the security surveillance cameras suited for you. Browse our selection online or speak directly with our sales team via live chat or phone – 1-888-203-6294. We are always happy to help you find what you need and answer any questions you may have.
Transit stations receive lots of foot traffic, with people taking advantage of its low cost and convenience. Unfortunately, these public transportation systems are also highly targeted for graffiti, thefts, assaults, and terrorist attacks. In an effort to fight back, an influx of advanced security cameras and high quality equipment have arrived.
Upgrading security camera systems to the latest technology produces better response times, heightened image quality, and, consequently, better suspect identification. With these sophisticated features, rider and driver safety is better preserved, deterring crimes and catching suspects faster.
An upgrade to IP systems from analog systems provides better, high resolution pictures and a way to wirelessly archive footage. Reviewing footage is simplified, allowing easy tagging of potential evidence. Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology is helpful in the sense that separate power cables are unnecessary, consolidating functions and cutting costs.
Security cameras installed closest to the driver booth enable audio function with built-in microphones. With this, direct communication to and from command centers is permitted and more efficient responses to problematic events can be delivered. Vandal proof security cameras help to maintain function if physical tampering occurs.
Wide angle camera lenses help increase the viewing field while decreasing the number of security cameras needed. With wide angle camera lenses and proper placement, blind spots can be minimized. Overall cost of the security camera system will go down because of the reduction in security camera needs.
Infrared/night vision and thermal imaging proves extremely beneficial transit systems, subways especially. These features help to see in darkness and detect warmth. Used in search and rescue efforts, an unconscious person can be found via thermal cameras. In cases of shootings, the heat from a recently fired gun will help locate the weapon, if discarded at the scene.
An excellent monitoring system is vital to the overall security camera system, providing remote viewing of the live feed and giving local authorities to access footage as necessary.
Overall, the security camera systems for public transit stations will help clear any liability issues or potential attacks or abuse. This will help protect both workers and civilians alike, helping to catch suspects faster and possibly prevent crimes before they happen. As our technology continues to improve, crime rates should continue to drop.
To employ your own security camera systems within your home or business, visit SecurityCamExpert.com. Give us a call at 1-888-203-6294 to speak with a representative; we will gladly assist you.
These days, security cameras are very common and proving their benefit to safety and solving crimes. It’s no surprise that pilot programs for wearable security cameras are being conducted within the law enforcement field. Locally, LAPD officers are testing on-body cameras for durability and quality. If all goes well, the best device will be chosen and policies for when and where recordings will be permitted will be in place by the end of the year.
The goal of these cameras is to provide safety for our officers as well as the general public. Footage from these cameras will serve as evidence in criminal cases, pushing officers and suspects to take responsibility for their actions.
Too often, officers are accused of using excessive force or brutality. With the body worn cameras, officers will be more aware of their behavior since both sides of the interaction will be recorded. Footage of the incident could be compared to police reports and testimony, helping to prove who should be held accountable. Any suspicious behavior on the officer’s part, such as missing footage, would be investigated and those involved would be punished accordingly.
While these body worn cameras provide safety from officers, they also protect the officers from the public. During trial runs, officers have reported that informing citizens that they’re being recorded have de-escalated intense situations. The mere presence of these cameras can dictate behavior, let alone knowing your actions are being recorded.
Potential problems and concerns that arise are the determination of when the cameras should be turned on and what they should be recording. To keep the cameras on continuously would be a waste of power and potentially impose on privacy rights. However, remembering to turn the camera on and off can cause a distraction and possibly compromise safety. Aside from that, should officers have access to their footage? Some believe that gaining access to the footage will allow officers to tailor their reports to what is recorded.
A few kinks need to be ironed out, but feedback from pilot programs lead us to believe that widespread use of body worn cameras is on the horizon. Do you believe these cameras will help keep everyone safe? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Pinterest.
Looking for your own spy cameras, hidden cameras or security cameras? Shop our stock online at SecurityCamExpert.com or give us a call at 1-888-203-6294. We will happily help you find what you need.
Purchasing and implementing a security camera system may seem like a time-consuming and costly endeavor, however, there are plenty of examples of why this isn’t so. Recently, a middle school raised its own funds to install their own security system. It took some time to raise funds, but the wait was worth the end result. While there may not be legions on people willing to help fund your quest for a security system, there are affordable options out there.
Before you begin to search for a security camera system, it is wise to evaluate your budget as well as the area you would like to secure. Are you looking for a home security system? Are you securing your business office? Do you only want to monitor indoors, outdoors, or both? For your convenience, SecurityCamExpert.com offers a free quote based on your needs.
For those relatively unfamiliar with security camera systems or those looking for a deal, security system packages are a smart choice. These packages can set you back a few hundred or so, depending on the number of cameras and specifications, but they provide the fundamental components to get you started. These systems allow you install a security system and, as funds permit, possibly upgrade or add equipment in the future.
If you have room to spend a bit more, you can build your own system tailored to your needs. The equipment is available individually, but prices can vary depending on resolution, camera type, etc. A basic security camera can start around $40-50 and go up from there depending on camera style and advanced features. Security cameras come in various styles with a wide range of features. Choose from bullet, dome, or box cameras with night vision, high resolution, PTZ abilities and more.
Digital video recorders, or DVRs, are a necessary expense. These can start in the low hundreds and up. It is wise to choose a DVR that comes with a hard drive for convenience and cost. Depending on how many cameras you will be installing, be sure to get a DVR that will support them. For example, 4 channel DVRs can support up to 4 cameras, 8 channel DVRs can support up to 8 cameras, and so on. While a DVR with fewer channels may cost less, if you plan on building your system in the future, you may want to purchase a DVR with more channels.
Proper power supplies and cabling are vital to your system as well. To save space and money, investing in 2 in 1 cables, such as video and power cables, will allow connection consolidation. Placing your security cameras close to a power source can help cut cost a bit as the length of the cables can sometimes add to its price.
For the best deal, choose a complete security camera system package that best meets your needs. If you prefer to choose your equipment and specifications, SecurityCamExpert.com can help you build a cost-effective security system. We will gladly work with your budget and answer any questions you may have. Visit us online or give us a call at 1-888-203-6294 to speak with us directly.
Using night vision security cameras within your security system can greatly benefit your safety. Night vision security cameras utilize infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce infrared light not visible to the naked eye. These IR LEDs illuminate low light or no light environments allowing cameras to capture footage under less than ideal circumstances. These cameras allow you to keep an eye on your property at all hours.
During the day, when ample light is available, the infrared security cameras record in full color. Once evening falls and light sources are diminished, the IR LEDs begin to work and the cameras record in black and white. Switching to black and white recording helps to preserve image quality, providing excellent footage around the clock.
Night vision and infrared LEDs are available with most security cameras styles. Choose the camera style based on where you’ll be placing your security cameras. For indoor settings, dome cameras or small bullet cameras may be best, so that they can blend into the décor. For outdoor settings, you’ll want to be sure that your security cameras are weatherproof and vandal proof, or purchase proper housing to protect your cameras. Long range bullet cameras or PTZ cameras may be a better choice for outdoor locations, depending on the area you would like to monitor. Whether installed indoors or outdoors, night vision is a helpful feature for your security cameras.
Not only are you enabling your security system to work 24/7, you are potentially helping to stop or solve crimes faster. Security cameras act as deterrents, but many may think the cameras don’t work in darkness. With night vision security cameras, you now have footage of an overnight crime that could potentially help identify and catch the criminal.
Rest a little easier at night by adding infrared or night vision security cameras to your overall security system. You can find a great selection at SecurityCamExpert.com. If you would like to speak to someone directly, please call us at 1-888-203-6294. We are more than willing to answer your questions and help you choose the right system and equipment for you.
You can purchase the best security camera on the market and go to all the lengths to get the most advanced technology, but improper placement can interfere with the relevance of your surveillance footage. Security camera placement can make or break your case. At just the right angle, you may be able to identify a person, but even as little as one degree and stealthy maneuvers can keep a person anonymous.
Placing security cameras in high traffic areas is smart, but it is also important to monitor blind spots or areas of low traffic too. Footage of high traffic areas can help to create a timeline for a specific individual if need be. While these high traffic areas can capture many people, areas where foot traffic is slow, or known blind spots, can become hot spots for criminal activity.
It’s common for people to want to place security cameras on ceilings or up high on walls so that a wider area can be monitored. The problem with this placement is that image quality can be compromised when zooming in on a person. This can negatively affect identifying a possible suspect. Also, hats can interfere with getting a clear shot of a person’s face, making is nearly impossible to identify a person.
Better placement for security cameras is at or near eye level. If the cameras catch people’s eyes, they are likely to look straight into the lens, giving a clear shot of their face. This makes it easier to identify possible suspects.
If you’re able to utilize multiple cameras, it’s wise to carefully place the cameras so that they leave no blind spots and footage can be pieced together fairly seamlessly. Placing a camera on a ceiling or up high to oversee an entire room could work within a multiple camera security system, where cameras can be placed at various angles and levels.
One camera could hang above and be able to survey the entire area, while other cameras should be placed closer to eye level for better facial identification. The camera overseeing it all will not be able to zoom in on a person with great clarity, but once identified, surveillance footage from cameras at eye level can be used to identify the individual.
Because people can use hats, umbrellas, or other random objects to block themselves from view of security cameras, it’s important to consider all angles. If you’re able to use multiple cameras, consider the different security camera placements that can catch different, beneficial angles. Catching a criminal off guard can be what gets that person caught and brought to justice.
While there are many things to consider for security cameras and surveillance systems, there are also plenty of resources to help you. Contact SecurityCamExpert.com at 1-888-203-6294 for any questions or concerns you may have. You can also visit us online to browse our products or request a live chat while you shop.
Home alarm systems can give you peace of mind while you’re away, but they can sometimes cost an arm and a leg. With proper research and strategic planning, you can either find a home alarm system within your budget, or utilize certain techniques to protect your home. The consensus seems to be that home alarm systems are worth the investment.
You have two options when it comes to home alarm systems – wired or wireless. Wired systems are secured through intricate cabling that should be deliberately hidden or run within walls to prevent tampering. While wired systems tend to cost less, they do require cabling work, and if cables are found, they are vulnerable to system disablement.
Wireless systems eliminate the needs for wiring, and allow the system to span larger areas. They are also more convenient for renters as they can be uninstalled and reinstalled fairly easily. Their power comes from batteries so it’s important to be sure that equipment is adequately charged and working properly. While wireless systems often provide more convenience, they tend to be priced a little higher as well.
Whichever fits within your budget and needs should be invested in. But if neither fit within your budget, there are simple tactics to employ to dissuade potential burglars from targeting your home.
Be aware of what can be seen from outside your home. If your flat screen television or laptops can be seen from outside, you may want to reconsider placement or utilize curtains or blinds. You may also want to make it appear as if people are home, even if no one is. Leave a light on or leave a car in the driveway so your house does not seem completely vulnerable. If possible, have a friend or neighbor periodically check on your home and pick up your mail. An accumulation of mail or newspapers is a dead giveaway for an unattended home. Lastly, reinforcing locks on doors and windows or large fences around your perimeter can help add an extra layer of protection.
At SecurityCamExpert.com, we offer wireless home alarm units. Our home alarm bundles range from $94.99-$169.99, providing you with the basics. You can add additional products to your system or build your own system with items starting as low as $24.
Browse our stock online or give us a call at 1-888-203-6294. Our staff is always happy to help you with your security system needs.
The standard yellow school bus just got updated – Dallas County recently unveiled a heightened security school bus. While it looks the same superficially, features such as security cameras, thumbprint scanners and GPS trackers have been added. These measures are an attempt to keep children safe on the way to and from school.
The stop sign that extends when kids are loading and unloading is now equipped with a license plate camera to catch those not obeying the sign. Ignoring the stop sign puts children in potential danger of getting hit by a car. To prevent other accidents, security cameras are also placed low on the front and back of the buses. This will minimize blind spots and help drivers catch small children that may be out of naked eye’s view.
For added security, a thumb scanner greets the students upon entering. Students authorized to ride the bus will be in the system already. The scanner will alert the driver if the student’s thumbprint does not match any in the system. Once inside, more cameras cover the span of the bus. A code of conduct is dispersed to students so that they know what kind of behavior is expected and what will not be tolerated. The driver makes sure that students are buckled safely before departing.
The bus also has a communication system set up so that, in case of emergencies, the bus can contact headquarters and vice versa. The GPS tracker is also a helpful bonus so that headquarters can keep track of where the students are located. When situations are dire, this system may help to provide speedier response time and better care since they have access to surveillance feeds and can see what is happening in real time.
In regards to funding, as these additions seem costly, the county is footing the bill. They assure everyone that the school district need not supply additional funds. This helps the district focus their funds and efforts elsewhere, such as bettering the quality of education.
Concerns may arise on how successful these security tactics will be. How necessary is the thumbprint scanner? Will the stop sign cameras really deter drivers from running them? Could the county funds be put to better use? Only time will tell.
Privacy may also be an issue with the heavy use of security cameras inside and outside of the bus. If the interior security cameras will prevent misbehavior or bullying, they are worth a shot. However, the outdoor cameras, depending on what is caught on camera can potentially be troublesome.
We would love you hear your take on this new security-rich school bus. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Pinterest. And for your security needs, visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com or give us a call at 1-888-203-6294.
In the news recently is Baltimore County’s $3.7 million security system project for elementary schools. After an unfortunate on-campus shooting incident in 2012, plans of heightening security have been in the works and are finally being implemented. As we have previously discussed, security cameras on school campuses proves to be a troublesome topic. While most are in favor of this new security system, there are still others who believe it is an invasion of privacy and a waste of funds.
This project would install at least 3 security cameras at 107 elementary schools along with door locks and card readers. From the security cameras, police would have remote access to a live feed and floor plans. Supporters of the plan believe it will promote safety and help authorities respond in a timely and appropriate manner.
With students aware of being monitored at school, this may change their behavior and could potentially correct misbehavior or decrease bullying on campuses as well. However, this may cause concern to those wary of the security cameras use. The cameras can instill an inappropriate fear, and, in a sense, be “bullying” students to act a certain way. While it may get the job done, how ethical is the method?
Also, will having our children under constant surveillance be too imposing? Some believe it is the direction our society is moving toward so, in a way, we are simply preparing our children for the future. On the other hand, what happened to rights and privacy? How are parents’ concerns being addressed?
Opposition also stems from the cost of the project. Supporters believe the money is being put to good use, while others believe the money can go towards bettering the education system. In this case, the debate becomes safety versus education, which would be a no brainer for most. Essentially, these two go hand in hand; safe environments promote education as better education leads to a smarter, safer future. Parents need to feel comfortable sending their children to a safe school to get a proper education.
As technology advances, security cameras have the potential to become more commonplace nearly everywhere. Those against Big Brother-like surveillance may still fight against it, but it seems we are headed towards a high security, high surveillance existence. We would love to hear your comments on the topic – share them with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or Pinterest.
For your security cameras and security systems needs, visit SecurityCamExpert.com or give us a ring at 1-888-203-6494. We’re happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Keeping your property or business safe is a priority and security systems can help, but only if they are properly functioning. Routine maintenance becomes vital to maximize your security system’s potential. Keep the following tips in mind when utilizing a security system.
While you can schedule your provider to come out to do a maintenance check on your system, it may cost money and scheduling an appointment can be troublesome. Conduct these simple checks regularly and eliminate the need to call your provider. System checks should be done every few months, but it may yield better results if done more frequently.
If your surveillance system is a few years old, you may need to make sure it’s working at all. Take a look at your connections – is everything plugged in? Do any wires or cable connections look loose, old, or worn out? If so, it may be time to do some replacing or upgrading.
Power is an important factor for your system. Your system can be in tip-top shape, but without a reliable power supply, your system simply won’t work. Power outages and unexpected power surges can impede performance as well. Be sure you are properly connected to your power supply. If your power supply is old, or connections don’t appear as secure, a new power supply may be necessary.
Examine your security cameras. They may have moved slightly which can throw off your view. Reposition your cameras as needed and check your resolution and frames per second (FPS) to ensure a clear, relevant picture. Also, be mindful of dust – keep your cameras clean so that dust or other particles don’t interfere with the camera lens, compromising proper footage. If you have outdoor cameras encased in housing, be sure to keep the lens clear. If possible, open up the housing and check for any build up or possible wear and tear. Serious problems can result in the need for replacement.
When it comes to your DVR, be sure that you are recording what you want or need to record. Too often people fail realize that they aren’t actually recording. Another problem could be that the footage was recorded over. Be sure you have sufficient space to keep your recordings to avoid losing possible evidence. Optimizing your system will result is the best picture using a minimal amount of space. This will help you get more out of your recording time. You may need to reboot occasionally if you have a digital based DVR – this will allow a rest period and a chance to update if available.
If you encounter any larger problems, it would be wise to contact your provider to alleviate the situation. Otherwise, these tips should help keep your system performing at its best and avoid preventable replacement expenses.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us online at SecurityCamExpert.com or via phone at 1-888-203-6294. We’re always willing to help you find the best security camera or security system for you, and provide you with appropriate assistance.