CCTV is a
monitoring system that allows a business to record footage based on
the system's programming.
A closed circuit television, or CCTV, describes a system that captures and records video on a closed, connected system. This differs from broadcast television in that a CCTV system involves a direct cable or wireless connection between a camera, receiver and recording device, as opposed to a wireless signal publicly broadcast to multiple, properly attuned receivers. CCTV systems are used for surveillance purposes, to increase levels of safety and security.
Systems
are often implemented because they:
• Deter theft
• Reduce vandalism
• Monitor high risk or secure areas
• Ensure quality control
• Decrease liabilities (ex. fraudulent injury claims)
• Increase safety for staff in facilities and parking areas
• Provide evidence by recording from the earliest stages of break-in attempts
• Confirm remote processes are running properly
• Deter theft
• Reduce vandalism
• Monitor high risk or secure areas
• Ensure quality control
• Decrease liabilities (ex. fraudulent injury claims)
• Increase safety for staff in facilities and parking areas
• Provide evidence by recording from the earliest stages of break-in attempts
• Confirm remote processes are running properly
A
CCTV system's most basic purpose is to provide monitoring and
surveillance of an area. This surveillance helps to deter illegal
activity by offering the threat of prosecution, and documents the
activity of those individuals not swayed by the presence of the CCTV
system. It also helps to monitor situations, ranging from large
gatherings to more personal uses such as elderly patients with health
conditions. Constant monitoring allows for immediate alert and
response in cases of emergency, or evidence in legal cases.
A
basic CCTV system consists of three components: a camera, monitor and
recording or storage device. These pieces of equipment connect with
coaxial cables or wireless signals, which carry the image data the
camera captures for viewing and recording. Different styles and
varieties of cameras are available depending upon your specific
surveillance needs, including outdoor models, zoom cameras and dome
types.
3
Types of CCTV Systems
- Analog - A traditional set-up where the cameras are connected via coaxial cable to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or monitor.
- IP - A mainstream, higher quality camera set-up that connects to a networked server, allowing footage to be recorded and viewed anywhere via the internet.
- Hybrid - For businesses with analog cameras looking to add to existing units, a hybrid system allows both analog and the higher quality IP cameras to run off the same DVR.
CCTV
is often maintained and funded by a partnership consisting of local
authorities and businesses. In this way, it is a tangible
demonstration of the police, local authority and businesses working
together to make communities safer.
As
well as assisting with detection, CCTV can also act as a deterrent. A
building or an area with CCTV installed becomes a less attractive
target if an offender is aware that his or her actions may be
observed and recorded. Public support for CCTV is strong. People
appreciate the importance of CCTV in the prevention and detection of
crime and may lobby for its installation in areas where anti-social
behavior is an issue.
CCTV
also contributes greatly to the fight against terrorism. Its value as
a surveillance tool is immeasurable. Being able to monitor suspicious
behavior gives the police and the security services a greater ability
to stop terrorist activity in its tracks and protect the public from
harm.