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.
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.
A story ran recently about wide-area surveillance and how it was quietly used in Compton, CA, to help solve crimes. This type of surveillance was provided by Persistent Surveillance Systems, a security company started by retired Air Force veteran Ross McNutt. Security cameras attached to the belly of a small aircraft essentially watch a given city or area in real time. While there are pros to this type of surveillance, there are many concerns.
This wide area surveillance system acts as a cost-effective eye in the sky. If a crime occurs, authorities can review the footage in a specific area to follow the suspect’s moves and eventually catch them. The problem then becomes the fact that everyone in the given area is being monitored, both suspects and civilians.
While they may not be watching everyone’s every move, they definitely have the resources to do so. How can residents be sure that the footage isn’t being abused? When does this surveillance go too far? As in the case of the Compton, CA story, residents were unaware they were being monitored. Would it have been more accepted if residents were informed? No one likes to be left in the dark, especially when it comes to being watched and recorded. Residents and authorities should be able to discuss concerns and vote on implementation. If this wide-area surveillance system drops crime rates, and consequently makes the neighborhood safer, residents may be more welcoming to the surveillance system.
It has proved successful in the past, effectively locating bombing suspects in Afghanistan. Aside from that, its cost pales in comparison to its ability to monitor large scale areas. While it can’t zoom in and won’t produce clear, high quality pictures of faces, it can track movement and lend itself to proving that someone is innocent or guilty.
If this type of surveillance was being employed in your neighborhood or city, how would you feel or react? Would knowing about it beforehand change the way you felt about it? Do you agree or disagree with the direction our security measures are headed? We would love to hear your responses and feedback. Find us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest.
For traditional security cameras, CCTV system packages, home alarm units and more, visit SecurityCamExpert.com. To speak with us directly, please call 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.
Smart homes or home automation is being more commonly used as the ability to control various aspects remotely proves convenient for most. This enables us to manage home alarms, lighting and such from our smart devices through the internet. This convenience can come at a cost – with access being provided through the internet, home automation systems become vulnerable to hackers.
Home automation can prove to be very beneficial, allowing you to monitor your home while you’re away and even let people into your home without having to disperse copies of keys. You can control your energy consumption to cut costs on bills, or you can make it appear as if someone is home while you’re on vacation. These provide easier means to protect you from physical threats, but utilizing the internet for controls opens your system up to potential security breaches. One wrong move and strangers can gain access to your home security.
However, there are ways to carefully and wisely implement a home automation system. A complex encryption and strong passwords can decrease your system’s weaknesses. Work with your vendor to find out specific details about their encryption and security measures to protect your systems.
If you’re controlling different aspects of home automation, it might be wise to use different user ids and passwords so that if one control is compromised, the rest of your system remains intact. The complexity and strength of your passwords will help a great deal as well.
One last caution is downloading apps on your smart devices. These may require access to networks or make you susceptible to malicious content. Always review the permissions the app requires and be wary of those that need access to your network.
Overall, smart use of home automation can provide endless benefits. When dealing with sensitive information relating to security and safety, always proceed with caution. Know the risks and how you can protect yourself before diving in. As our technology continues to advance, so, too, does the knowledge of hackers.
If you have any questions regarding home security system or surveillance camera needs, please feel free to call us at 1-800-203-6294. You can also visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com – we carry wireless home alarm units, security cameras, CCTV camera packages and more.
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.
Technologies involving scanning an eye, face or a thumbprint have been portrayed in movies for years. These techniques are becoming commonplace as time goes by. Smart phones now enable fingerprints as security codes, and even Facebook uses a type of facial recognition – facial features are tracked to produce “tag suggestions”. As we advance and develop new, seemingly more convenient and secure ways of functioning, we begin to question whether this type of technology is too intrusive and what possible threats may arise. Namely facial recognition finds proponents for the technology, but not without opposition from others.
Some retail stores are already implementing facial recognition technology to pinpoint known shoplifters. Their image is put into a database and alerts are sent when they enter the store. Supporters explain that this is less intrusive than security cameras in the sense that facial recognition targets known threats versus cameras, which monitor everyone. This can also be more efficient in tracking people in high traffic areas.
To the same affect, this technology is also used to identify the store’s “big spenders”. This allows the store to know when a special customer is in their presence so that better, special treatment will be delivered. While this may help a store’s revenue, how ethical is it? Could this simply be a newer form of discrimination?
It’s obvious that disadvantages of facial recognition technology still exist. While some find security cameras menacing, tracking individuals with biometric data can be just as invasive. Our biometric data is unique to us, and, in the wrong hands, can potentially put an individual’s identity at risk.
Also, facial recognition is tailored to flagged people, or those known to pose a threat. However, only targeting known threats can let others slip under the radar. All too often surprise attacks are planned and implemented. Evaluation of security camera footage usually produces evidence of suspicious behaviors prior to the incident.
The use of facial recognition technology in different areas can potentially spread and become useful, but the kinks need to be ironed out before that. In the meantime, visit SecurityCamExpert.com for your security and surveillance needs. Feel free to give us a call at 1-888-203-6294 with any questions.