Sep-22-2009 09:04 AM
A business isn't open long before it has to start addressing security concerns. Often, this is as a result of theft or a data breach, costing the company time, money and resources. One of the first weapons in office security, and one of the most beneficial, is the camera surveillance system. It is easy to see value in such a system, but the question often arises during purchase - where do I put the cameras for maximum benefit?
Here we will outline a few areas common to most business which could benefit from camera surveillance. It might be that the funds are not there to cover all of these areas initially, but they should be included in a broader comprehensive surveillance plan.
Outdoor Surveillance
Often the first area one will want to cover with video surveillance will be outside the building. This will comprise your external protection from intruders or vandals.
Parking Lots
The parking lots are a great target for your security cameras, as they will capture movement toward and heading away from the building, as well as give you imagery of the vehicles involved. This may lead to faster recovery of stolen items, particularly if a face could be identified or a license plate was visible during the theft.
Gates
Focusing cameras on the gates may also be advisable, as it is necessary to traverse the gates if using a vehicle for any illicit activity. Also, since the gates are locked at times when the business is closed, it would require the subject to linger for the time it would take to overcome the locking mechanism or ram the gate. This may prove invaluable if positive identification could be made of the assailant from that footage.
Entrances: Doors and Windows
Another outdoor surveillance target would be the doors and windows leading into the building. It is likely that an intruder will attempt to access the building from the most vulnerable location. Windows and doors are much easier to penetrate than the roof or the external walls of the building. These are also the areas most likely to be used as exits, which may give valuable insight into what was stolen.
Indoor Surveillance
Much attention is often given to external surveillance, but the interior of the building is as important as the outdoor areas when mapping a comprehensive surveillance strategy.
Sensitive Equipment
The first location to target with security cameras are areas with sensitive equipment. This could be proprietary equipment, equipment with a high monetary value, or equipment with sensitive or vital company data. The server rooms or any location with a high concentration of technology should be monitored.
Financial Centers
The financial centers should be next on the list of inner office surveillance. This would be your accounting department, or any location with cash boxes, blank checks, or bank account numbers. If a thief is not after equipment, they will likely be after money.
Conference Areas
The last location you might want to consider for surveillance cameras are the conference areas. This may seem an odd addition to the list, but it is often a necessary one, as many companies find out after some incident. Having the ability to record conference sessions where employees are reprimanded, hired, fired, or debriefed can be important in proving proper handling if an issue ever arises. This may not prevent theft, but it may prevent hours of litigation.
Michael offers tips, information, and advice on Home and Office Surveillance at his website: Surveillance Systems Site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bunch
http://EzineArticles.com/?Office-Surveillance---Where-to-Put-the-Cameras&id=1998285
