Have you ever wondered how often are security cameras checked? They are everywhere nowadays but does anyone even look at the footage they gather?
Security cameras bring added peace of mind to home and business owners alike. They might not always be necessary, but in the event of something unexpected happening, such as an accident or a break-in, they are an invaluable ally.
However, security cameras are only useful if someone checks the footage at the right time. In this article, we are going to explain just how often the average owner of a security camera check its footage and everything else you need to know about these surveillance devices.
But before we get to it…
Why would you need a security camera?
Despite being effective theft deterrents, the main advantage of a security camera is that it provides its owner with peace of mind. Wherever they are, people can keep an eye on their homes and businesses through the live feed functionality that most modern security cameras have—all it takes is a few taps on the phone.
This functionality can even be extended to monitoring children or pets, letting security cameras act as both theft deterrents and nanny cams. Some advanced cameras even have facial recognition features and can tell you who is knocking at the door.
Other types of cameras, such as Ring cameras, also allow you to speak to the person at the door, making it a great tool if you are constantly having people over.
Are surveillance cameras good theft deterrents?
Think about this: if you were a burglar, would you prefer to steal from a house with a security camera or from one without one?
While the number of burglaries has decreased, and despite the fact that security cameras cannot deter intruders (alarms are a better home security device), surveillance cameras have a strong psychological advantage.
Just the sight of a security camera is enough to make the would-be burglar think twice before committing the act.
What are the essential features of a security camera?
There are countless security camera manufacturers, and not all of them sell excellent products. Before you set out to buy a security camera, it is essential to look for one that has some of the best features currently available.
Just having something that looks like a security camera can be enough to deter would-be thieves. But, ideally, you also need something that records footage with good image quality.
If you want to buy the best of the best, then consider a security camera with the following features:
- Live feed capabilities
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- Built-in floodlight
Are there drawbacks to having security cameras?
The primary disadvantage of having a security camera is the cost of a good surveillance camera system. Cheaper alternatives with wi-fi capabilities can also expose the houseowner to remote hacking attacks. Inexpensive security cameras often have poor network security and can be a liability.
Luckily, purchasing a security camera from a well-known and trustworthy manufacturer can fix the network security problem.
Do security cameras need maintenance?
Besides the occasional dusting and lens cleaning, most security cameras do not need any type of maintenance. However, they do benefit from the occasional check-up, just to make sure that everything is running smoothly.
Some newer models might require the occasional update or backup, while others might need to have their batteries recharged. It will all depend on your specific camera model.
Are security cameras checked often?
While security cameras are a great theft deterrent, the truth is nobody checks the recorded footage unless they absolutely need to. If nothing worthwhile happens, then the surveillance footage can go unchecked forever.
While this applies to most businesses, larger companies might have a dedicated security team. In these cases, chances are there is someone whose entire job consists of monitoring the surveillance cameras, especially if it is a large building.
However, even in those cases, security only pays attention if something happens or if someone is acting suspiciously.
This is also part of the reason why alarms are better at preventing theft than security cameras. While alarms alert the security center immediately once someone breaks in, security cameras are only used after the fact to find evidence about the perpetrator.
Where do security cameras keep their footage?
In the past, surveillance camera footage used to be stored on tapes. These tapes would then be overwritten with new surveillance footage, effectively deleting the old ones.
Nowadays, footage is stored on hard drives or specialized servers. However, in some companies, the old data is also overwritten—but most likely only after a few years have passed.
How long do security cameras record?
Depending on the business’ needs, security camera footage can be kept anywhere from 30 days to 1 year. The standard used to be around 30 days; however, cheaper storage costs as well as more efficient storage algorithms have increased this range considerably.
So, even if the security cameras aren’t checked very often, chances are the recorded footage will last for a long time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the frequency of security camera checks varies depending on the specific needs and policies of the organization or facility using them. Some organizations may conduct daily or weekly checks to ensure that the cameras are functioning properly, while others may only perform checks on an as-needed basis or during scheduled maintenance.
It is important for organizations to establish and follow a regular schedule for checking their security cameras to ensure that they are effective at deterring and detecting criminal activity. Regular checks also allow for any necessary repairs or updates to be made in a timely manner.
Ultimately, the frequency of security camera checks should be determined based on the specific needs and risk level of the organization or facility.
