CCTV: Proper Placement and Setup

Video surveillance cameras are there 24/7 to protect your employees, customers and incredibly valuable business assets from threats. The last thing you want is to be the victim of external (or even internal) theft and other misdeeds.

A common solution is the surveillance camera system. But, buyer be wary. This is a good solution to reduce crime, but only when the cameras are strategically placed and installed correctly.

Below our editorial team at the UGSS Blog have some quick thoughts for you. Consider these tips for proper positioning and setup.

What Exactly Are Your Needs?

You know the area and specific concerns better than anyone. Before engaging in a security firm and looking at solutions, you should identify potential security threats and vulnerable areas that pose the biggest risk to you and your company. A few examples:

Lack of 24/7 surveillance
Blind spots on the property
Low visibility at point of sale (POS) locations or other areas containing money or your customers’ credit card information.
Neighborhood crime rates.
Areas that are poorly lit
Entry or exit points that are unsecured

Your facility and business are completely unique. It is so important to identify unique areas of vulnerability from the beginning so you can solve them once and for all. Once you carefully look at the risks, you and your security team can design a customized surveillance system, a solution that is capable of deterring intruders and (in some cases) keeping tabs on employees.

The Optimal Camera Placement

Surveillance cameras can provide visual insight on what is really going on in your business. They can also discourage stealing and notify intruders that their actions will be monitored. Best of all this can be ever-present in all areas of your business such as:

High Value Items in your Business
- electronics
- expensive equipment
- sensitive documents
- your safe
Entry and egress points
Point of Sale
Walkways

If your business plans to implement security cameras, you must be aware of all privacy laws in your state to ensure only authorized areas are monitored. To be sure, avoid placing cameras in the following areas:

Dressing rooms
Exam rooms
Hotel rooms
Locker rooms
Men and Women’s Restrooms

You must avoid any areas where there is an expectation of privacy.

Your System Must Be Set up Correctly

You do not want to do this yourself. You’ll not save important money in the process and you will regret installation mistakes for a long time. Hire a good company with appropriate references to do the job.

Without professional installation, you run the risk of the following setbacks:

Poor or useless camera placement. Position cameras in areas with strong Wi-Fi connection and a clear view of the monitored area, avoiding obstructions and bright lights.
Lack of remote access capabilities. Business owners should have the ability to monitor and control their surveillance system from anywhere, at any time.
Lack of visual coverage. Businesses should know how many cameras are required for full coverage of high-risk areas.
Weak or no password protection. Password-protect surveillance system access to prevent cyber attackers from disabling cameras.