Jake's Blog Posts
While IP cameras and recorders offer some of the latest and greatest in security technology, IP video has yet to be widely adopted. Why? The two most common reasons I hear from our customers are that it is either too expensive, or that it’s just too hard to use. I will argue that neither is valid today. In contrast, I do see many customers who have completely converted to IP gear - and when visiting with them, I quickly learn that they have done their homework and clearly recognize the advantages of IP video.
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PTZ video security cameras have many benefits that you may not realize. Besides being able to cover large areas, PTZ video surveillance cameras are able to autonomously track, utilize alarm inputs, capable of powerful zoom magnifications, and much more. Read on as Jake clearly outlines the hidden benefits to PTZ CCTV video cameras.
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Mobile video has long been employed by law enforcement to provide an unbiased account of police interactions. When mounted in plain view – whether on the side of a building, in a store front or on the dashboard of a car – video cameras have a tendency to keep all parties on their best behavior.
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Statistics show that 9 of 10 crimes caught on tape go without an arrest. Having been a part of crime investigations, I have unfortunately seen many mistakes made by users of video surveillance that contribute to this poor success rate. I have learned that owning a security system is only half the battle… being prepared to use that system can make the difference between a successful and a failed investigation.
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Over the past 20 years, literally thousands of customers have told us: “I can’t understand how I’ve lived without a video security system for so long.” In addition to catching criminals, a well-designed system offers countless benefits that will protect your assets, result in a safer environment, and help you more effectively manage your business or home.
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The use of infrared with video cameras has been a proven partner for military, law enforcement, aviation and scientific research for several decades. But traditionally, due to higher costs and lack of awareness, IR technology has not been widely used for business and home applications. In recent years, however, I've seen explosive growth in use of infrared products by the general public, driven by more affordable price tags, easy-to-use form factors, and designs that meet the needs of nearly any application. What's more, consumers continue to benefit from the many technology advancements paired with tried and true components to produce superb surveillance.
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Today, covert video surveillance systems are available that are specifically designed for urban field surveillance. These systems allow law enforcement professionals to get “eyes-on” without raising red flags and provides an easy way to surveil important leads without having to sideline other active investigations. Covert video systems are available in a variety of undetectable disguises and offer a wide range of advanced features – up to and including real-time wireless world-wide monitoring.
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The great outdoors are havens for more than just folks wanting a break from the grind. With minimal risk of detection, criminal acts are common on both private and public lands. Out of sight and out of mind, criminals will illegally dump trash, dispose of dangerous chemicals, vandalize property, poach, manufacture drugs, cultivate illegal crops, commit acts of violence, and more. Fortunately, affordable video surveillance technology is giving law enforcement better means and methods to give criminals cause for concern. These off-the-shelf tools are easy to deploy, remain concealed even just feet away from suspects, can alert law enforcement when activity occurs and can remain in operation for days, weeks or longer.
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When thermal imagers arrived on scene they were quickly welcomed but only a handful of agencies could overcome the large dose of sticker shock. Most agencies were fast to recognize the benefits but couldn’t afford the price tag and haven’t revisited the whole idea getting thermal imagers in their arsenal. If you or your agency falls into the latter group…read on, I’ll bring you up to speed with advancements that make thermal useful for nearly every function in law enforcement and debunk a few myths along the way.
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When I was a kid Mom and Dad both were always saying “Don’t sit so close to the TV, you’ll go blind!” Well, I mostly listened to them and thankfully I’m not blind. Back in the day when televisions were all CRTs (Cathode Ray Tube) there were certainly cause for concern about being too close. CRTs emitted a dose a radiation and when you stared at them for a while they didn’t do your eyes any favors either. Fortunately, CRTs are on their last leg and the superior LCDs have pretty much taken over. So unless you’re going for the retro look, CRTs are out and LCDs are now the way to go even for the needs of security.
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Day/night cameras offer the unique advantages of both color and B&W cameras. D/N cameras work just like color cameras during the day and switch to a black and white mode at night, using a removable IR cut filter. As daylight fades, D/N cameras sense the lower light levels and mechanically remove the IR cut filter, instantly switching to a more sensitive B&W mode.
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Like it or not, your losses from employee
theft are likely to be almost double that from
shoplifters. Some employees and customers will still
be determined to steal. These individuals will look for and often find
ways around your security system.
So to deal effectively with these individuals,
consider adding one or two covert cameras to your
system.
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This year you'll lose 5% of your revenue to
employee theft and
shoplifting according to the recent
National Retail Security Survey.
So if you have $500,000 in
annual sales, that's a $25,000 loss.
But you can avoid losing a big
portion of it by equipping your
store with a state-of-the-art video
security system.
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Recently, I was asked, "Can DVRs get any better?" Absolutely, and they have! The latest advancements in H.264 compression technology now deliver the best of both worlds - high quality video and a superb compression ratio. In fact, H.264 compression technology works so well, that many big companies are quickly implementing H.264 technology, including Apple, Intel, Blu-ray, Sony and even Satellite providers such as Direct TV and Dish Network.
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A good video security system should deter criminals, protect you when you're home, alert you to events, and provide rock solid evidence should something happen. All the while, your system should be easy to install, easy to use and definitely earn you some bragging rights of being able to say, "they picked the wrong place to mess with."
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Like me, you probably made the easy prediction that an economic recession would result in a rise in crime. So it comes as no surprise that this prediction is unfortunately ringing true. Law enforcement agencies from parts of the country hardest hit by the recession are already reporting increased levels of theft.
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"Digital" has quickly become the latest buzz word when it comes to audio and video recording. Over the past year, I have had much discussion around digital technology with our law enforcement customers, who are looking to upgrade their interview room systems. Unfortunately, early digital recorders - and even most of today’s brand name recorders - are simply not designed to meet the unique needs of interview rooms. In fact, many early adopters have abandoned their digital upgrades, and are once again dealing with the mile-high stack of VCR tapes.
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For years, when I used the term "PTZ" outside of industry circles, I got a reply of "A PT what?" Due to a hefty price tag, monstrous size and complicated use, PTZ cameras have traditionally been one of the least known types of security cameras to the general public. Today, however, PTZs are fast becoming a popular camera of choice for any application. PTZ cameras can be found at nearly every store front, parking garage, or large business area - and are increasingly used by homeowners to protect their property. As video security becomes more prevalent, many end users are finding out just how PTZ's have long added additional dimensions of security.
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Like so many others in law enforcement, I learned early-on that only the dumb criminals get caught… and statistics prove this out. According to Department of Justice’s 2004 Clearance data, less than 19% of theft ever results in an arrest. Many business owners have responded by taking necessary action to turn the odds in their favor. In fact, according to a recent National Retail Federation (NRF) survey, over 87% of retail establishments are currently employing surveillance equipment.
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Choosing the right Video Security DVR for your application needs can be difficult, given the growing number of CCTV DVR products and vendors available these days. As with all purchases, I highly recommend that you carefully select a video surveillance vendor with knowledgeable, experienced sales reps, with a wide selection of products, and who offers a dedicated technical support team to assist you with both set-up and to troubleshoot if something should go wrong. But optimizing your Video Security DVR should not stop there…
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Covert In fact, at the recent 2008 ISC West show in April, I presented this very topic to a standing room only crowd of over 200 people… and had people lined up at our booth to discuss their covert video applications with me for the next 3 days. Bottom line, I truly believe that many people are coming to the realization that covert video is a strategy that they need to better understand, and use to deliver the most effective security solutions. I hope that this blog sheds some light on the topic.
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