Commercial properties, such as offices, retail establishments, and warehouses, are valuable assets containing equipment, cash, and data. As a business owner, protecting those assets should be one of your highest priorities. Contemporary commercial security systems often rely on the combination of technology and human supervision. The two most effective components of a commercial security system are the CCTV surveillance system and professional security staff. Together, they form an effective and reliable security system that reduces risk and maintains a safe working environment for employees, customers, and business operations.
The Role of CCTV in Modern Security
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) has also become a mainstay in modern security systems. These systems utilise video cameras to monitor and record activities in and around a commercial space. CCTV systems provide continuous monitoring even in the absence of staff. The omnipresence of surveillance cameras deters theft, vandalism, and/or unauthorised access, as they provide visually obvious reminders that the area is under observation; this is particularly effective in residential or private spaces. In addition, in the case of an incident, filmed evidence can provide clarity to an ongoing investigation. CCTV is equipped with technology that allows for off-site monitoring, enabling your security team to observe multiple businesses from one location.
The Responsibility of Security Guards in Commercial Protection
CCTV cameras can witness what is happening, but security guards can add the human element that technology cannot replicate. Security guards are responsible for making decisions and taking actions in response to the observed suspicious behaviour or triggering alerts. When on duty, a security guard will actively patrol the premises, monitoring and controlling access points, while also keeping a watchful eye on employees and visitors following the established protocols for safety and security. Security guards are also trained to respond to emergencies with demonstrated efficacy of use; from medical issues to orderly evacuations initiated by fire alarms that may be indicated, security will respond with quick and calm actions. The mere presence of security guards may serve as the best deterrent possible against potential criminals that might otherwise seek to take advantage of areas without any form of establishment security present.
The Relationship Between CCTV, Guards, and Communication
Typically, CCTV cameras complement security guards. Cameras will provide the ability to monitor wide areas for continuous recording, but they cannot make interventions or decisions. Guards are the best people to respond to any alert set off by the surveillance system. For example, if an alert is triggered by CCTV indicating suspicious movement at an entrance, security may dispatch a guard to observe from a safe distance or engage the suspected suspect when they enter the property. The communication between the surveillance system and security guards allows for a faster and more productive response to any action that may not be in line with common property behaviour to reduce the risk of theft or property damage. The relationship among the three tends to make commercial security more proactive rather than reactive to incidents through established monitoring systems.
Real-Time Monitoring and Fast Response
The main benefit of using CCTV together with security guards is real-time monitoring. In a lot of business environments, guards are stationed in a control room watching live camera footage. The guards are then able to communicate with on-site guards to respond to situations that may arise on camera – nipping a small issue in the bud before it turns into a bigger issue. Reducing the response time is also essential in emergency situations when every moment matters. Having the ability to collaborate in real time and in the moment allows security incidents to be managed with unprecedented efficiency and safety.
Reducing Human Error with Technology
A security guard’s experience and quick thinking are one of the crucial aspects of our security system. However, it is difficult for even the most seasoned guard working in a large commercial environment to catch every little thing, not to mention the fact that a guard cannot be in every corner all the time. CCTV systems can reduce human error or missed details by monitoring general areas that are not immediately visible to a guard. It is likely that the CCTV will be constantly recording video footage 24/7, which is an excellent feature to have a backup for what security staff saw and/or monitored on and in their assignment area. CCTV systems promote a more informed, and therefore, more effective security officer. For example, if an alarm is activated in a warehouse facility, security personnel will often first review the footage from the CCTV feed before they approach the alarm to assess the situation.
Fostering a Secure Space for Employees and Customers
A safe workplace fosters trust with employees and customers. Employees will feel more comfortable and more confident when they know there are CCTV systems in place and that security guards are patrolling the store or shopping centre/sports complex. When CCTV systems can be seen in business places such as shopping malls or large corporate offices, it is very clear that the business is making a serious effort towards safety. This not only deters theft or vandalism in the retail business, but it also portrays the business as a responsible and professional operation. A secure workplace enhances productivity and customer satisfaction.
Assisting Investigations and Providing Reports
CCTV footage is very important in an after-incident review. When something happens in the workplace, such as theft or vandalism, the video footage can assist investigators in determining what occurred and even the people that were involved. Security guards can add their observations on top of video footage of the incident, and together they can assist in building an accurate sequence of events about the incident. The combination of human and video footage enhances any report completed and gets investigators to the resolution quicker. Often, the investigations will point out security deficiencies that can be corrected in the future.
Affordable Security Solutions
It is common for many business owners to see hiring guards and installing a CCTV system on a large scale as an expensive endeavour. Two solutions that, when combined, can achieve a strong and affordable solution. CCTV can eliminate the number of guards needed to monitor large areas, whilst guards can provide the human element that a camera alone cannot provide. By combining these two ideas, it is possible to provide complete surveillance of your business whilst still being cost-effective. Long-term, preventing theft, property loss or data loss will save businesses much more money than the initial cost of implementing an integrated security system.
Build an Integrated Security Plan.
In order to obtain the best possible security, businesses should focus on building an integrated security plan to ensure CCTV and security guards are working as one. Communication is important when using both security measures because guards and the surveillance video display need to communicate to provide the fastest response time to the incident requiring intervention, all while maintaining constant coverage of your business. Additionally, businesses should regularly be scheduling training and system checks to ensure that both the guards and technology are kept current and upgraded. This type of teamwork establishes an excellent line of defence to meet changing risk and protects it for 24 hours a day.
Partner with Red Star Security for Complete Protection
Red Star Security provides reliable and professional security solutions for commercial settings across Vancouver. Their team combines skilled security guards with advanced CCTV monitoring systems to deliver complete protection. With years of experience and a focus on customer safety, Red Star Security ensures that every property is guarded efficiently, day and night. Whether you need security for offices, warehouses, or retail spaces, Red Star Security offers trusted, customised services to meet your business needs.
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