Harris Security Consultant-Blog (CCTV Security System Consulting)

I like talking Loss Prevention because it is good for the people that run stores, like the guy on the corner to the big chain store. Shoplifting can ruin a store of business because the loss is so high. When I was working in the field as a security officer I arrested some people for shoplifting. He or she said it is a cat and mouse game, if he or she wins, the shoplifter made money from the items he or she removed from the store and the store is out of the money. So to stop the shoplifter you add security equipment to the store like security cameras and security tabs to items to stop the shoplifter. Yes it works for some time because the people that run the store place security equipment in places that fail to protect the store. If the store owner hired a security consultant, he or she can help to design a system that can help to protect store. I say this because the people that run the store fail to go for security training in Loss Prevention and how to protect the store. One more t

One of the most basic specifications of CCTV systems is the format of the camera and lenses. 1/4" and 1/3" cameras are by far the most popular for security work – and they should do the job for you, too. Make sure the lenses you get match the format of the camera. Another important spec is resolution. Ask for measurements of horizontal TV lines, or TVL. 300 is low-end, 400 is good for security work, 500 is very high quality. If you're going to want to see detail, upgrading to a higher resolution is a good choice. Do make sure that all of your equipment can handle the resolution your cameras put out, though: it's no good having a 500 TVL camera if your monitor only displays 400.

Most video surveillance cameras are installed in one location permanently. For this case, fixed-focus lenses are the most cost-effective. If you want to be able to move your camera, variable focus lenses are adjustable, letting you change your field of view when you reposition the camera. If you want to be able to move the camera remotely, you'll need a pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) camera. They can cost 10 times as much as a standard fixed camera, though, so make sure you really need one before spending the money.

Digital video recorders (DVRs) have replaced VCRs as the workhorses of the video surveillance industry. While they are still somewhat more expensive than VCRs, their advantages are immense. One of the most significant is their ability to adjust to what they see: if they're recording a static image, such as the inside of a warehouse at night, they may only record 1 frame every 5 or 10 seconds. But when they detect movement, they can instantly switch to full video to capture any suspicious activity. Because they record to hard drives, you can instantly watch any specific time – no lengthy fast-forwarding and searching for the right moment. They also let you jump to 'events' – situations where the picture changed. And don't overlook the fact that they don't have tapes: you won't have to worry about storage or tapes deteriorating.

You should also monitor security outside your house. If you are living in an independent house, this becomes more important. Many neighborhoods even in a metropolis like New York and Los Angeles face violence problem. Hence, you should be monitoring at least few feet on all the sides of your house. Security cameras are usually susceptible to rain, snow, high winds. But with the right installation and little maintenance, you can install a highly effective camera system around the house. Many weatherproof cameras are now available in market. Infrared cameras with audio capability provide a sound protection cover. Most cameras these days can be remote controlled.

Security cameras are based on the simple fundamental of monitoring the possible locations of danger and optionally, recording it. The video cameras shoot everything like any normal camera and same can be seen real time. Either you can employ someone to watch the recordings or yourself watch it later to detect any suspicious activity around or inside your home. You can also record audio in the covered area. www.harrissecurityconsultantinc.com

I am posted on how i feel on my company blog, on campus security because at one time I worked for a college as a security officer for some time and saw how security failed for the college. Outdated systems and no security officers walking around checking the buildings of the campus or asking for IDs. I think if the school upgraded their systems and trained the security officers the campus would become more safe. By adding new surveillance systems, more on-site training and more hands-on by supervisors can help the college. The college places security at the bottom of the food chain. If the college placed the security department at the top of the food chain it can work well at keeping the college safe. www.harrissecurityconsultantinc.com