Monitored Video in Commercial Security

 

As we move into a new decade, the landscape of commercial security and its video surveillance capabilities is changing. As a result, service providers and integrators must move to meet these changes. This opportunity to expand and adapt monitored video capabilities to counter modern threats and vulnerabilities has put monitored video on an evolutionary fast track and driven development of proactive monitoring technologies.

 

Proactive vs. Traditional Video Monitoring

Traditional monitoring and proactive monitoring serve distinct industry and client needs, with each having its own benefits. Both make use of on-site cameras to observe areas of importance – recording security events such as theft and trespassing. Traditional monitoring systems use a DVR or NVR to store video data on-site. With the data being readily accessible, actions triggering an alarm can be reviewed by personnel to verify the security event was not a false alarm and then take further action if needed. Yet this method only serves to confirm an event has taken place and does nothing to prevent it.

Many large commercial properties have a significant area they must cover to prevent property crime. Traditional video surveillance may not be a hardened enough solution in these cases. A proactive monitoring solution can be integrated with traditional surveillance in these commercial settings as a cost-effective method to protect the property and assets on-site.

Proactive monitoring can prevent crime around the perimeter before the crime takes place. Using continuously advancing AI and video analytics alongside a human operator, these systems can detect, verify, warn, intervene, and respond to security events as they occur. Cameras monitor the site for any unusual activity while algorithms interpret the data and alert the human monitors at the monitoring center in the event of a security issue. These human intervention specialists can then take actions such as giving a live audio warning to the intruder – which generally will scare off all but the boldest of criminals. In this way, these systems function to prevent crimes before they occur, and allow the monitoring specialist to give real-time support to authorities should the warning not work, with police intervention becoming necessary.

This service reduces the need for human guards to be present and enhances the capabilities of existing guards to better monitor and respond to threats. The software can recognize the difference between a person moving through a site and someone loitering. It can differentiate between a human, vehicle, or animal. This functionality greatly reduces false alarms compared to a conventional surveillance and alarm system.

 

 Virtual Gate Guard

Instead of employing full-time guards year-round, proactive monitoring using virtual guard stations at gates can greatly reduce the cost of security while yielding similar results. With virtual gate guard systems, intelligent video monitoring is coupled with several gated entry points into a property. This technology is considerably more affordable over time than using a live guard company and is similarly effective.

 

Market Applications

Traditional video monitoring has long been established in the commercial market-space. However, there are many instances where proactive solutions make for a better and more economical security measure. A central application of proactive video monitoring solutions is asset protection, and industries such as car lots and large residential complexes present significant opportunity to benefit. Asset protection applies to other markets as well. This technology is useful in protecting public parks and other open spaces, helping to deter and prevent vandalism and loitering.

 

At Security Technology of South Texas, we design monitored video systems from the ground up to fit your needs or integrate intelligent monitoring into your existing system of cameras. Contact us today to get a quote on a video analytics system for your property.

 

Please contact us through email at admin@gostst.com on our website or via phone at 210-446-4863, 24/7 to schedule a consultation.

Commercial Security Implementation

          

 

              In the commercial building segment there exists a universal challenge; how can we manage security without too aggressively eating into tenant privacy and quality of life. Safeguarding a complex requires a multi-tiered approach beginning with a well-trained staff and includes security integrators, CCTV/IP Video, access control, and lighting and landscaping choices to enhance the effectiveness of these systems.

             A security breach can do serious damage to the reputation of a facility. And so, more of the modern commercial building market employs networked technology to manage access to their facilities using access control, monitor alarms, and video access management. Regardless of size, these systems can provide greatly enhanced security at a fraction of the cost of using on-site uniformed guards.

             The key to balancing building security while still maintaining a welcoming and unobtrusive environment for tenants, staff and visitors comes down to the professionalism of the integrator and the role that any on-site guards take. Presenting guards from a customer service-oriented perspective rather than a police force greatly increases resident ease.

             In build-outs that do include a human security presence, security professionals should strive to maintain a concierge-level of customer service to tenants and visitors. This is  true of expensive down-town high rises and exclusive gated communities alike. Training for these professionals can include:

  • Specialized training modules in First Aid/CPR/AED and ADA Compliance
  • Fire/Life Safety training
  • Emergency and active shooter preparedness training
  • Lobby ambassadors specially trained in concierge-level customer service
  • Law enforcement liaison services

 (securitytoday.com)

 

              Controlling access during off-hours may involve security presence posted at access points around the property both to greet residents and act as a visible deterrent and barrier for people who do not belong on the property. Training in key control, reporting of suspicious activity, routine property tours are all important aspects of basic actions you can take to enhance effectiveness of your security presence.

             Making sure that your monitored video is recording all public areas is critical. These areas may include the reception desk, any parking lots, and public areas such as pools and lobbies. It is important that video be monitored by a professional monitoring company. In our case, we use Acadian Monitoring.

             Because commercial buildings are held to a high standard, they must ensure that their security methods and staff training for all heavily trafficked areas be fully comprehensive for both contract security and building staff. A building with a relatively open environment can certainly be more welcoming to tenants and guests, but of course carries its own set of risks. Seemingly hospitable doors open policies can lead to people under the influence entering the building, theft, and disruption from disorderly outsiders. Because tenants expect a high level of safety, come compromises to openness must be made.

             Making use of a private security integrator will help your building manager to design a fitting security solution backed by well-trained and experienced professionals. When it comes to securing a commercial building, one should think twice about going for a DYI approach.

Security Technology of South Texas is happy to offer custom access control and surveillance solutions to the commercial building market, and is partnered with Acadian Monitoring to bring you the best in monitored video solutions

 

Please contact us through email at admin@gostst.com on our website or via phone at 210-446-4863 24/7 to schedule a consultation.

Source: https://securitytoday.com/