Defining CCTVs Role in IP Surveillance Methods
Everywhere you look CCTV is part of our society today. The FBI, Federal Bureau of Investigation national crime statistics every year reports that crime is going up, and violent crimes are becoming a norm for our society. It’s not the way it used to be where you could leave your doors unlocked and your neighbor wouldn’t bother you. If you’ve been thinking about installing a security system in your home or business, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Read on to learn about the different ways that IP and CCTV is used, and be prepared for the unexpected to happen.
Network computers for security today use IP protocols because it is versatile and easy to use. You can buy mobile phones and have the send you video or text messages that something’s not right at your home or business too. Wireless capabilities have made a universe a smaller one, and a much safer one. It’s a long way from the mid 1970s when IP protocol was developed so computers at remote locations could talk to one another. Analog was one of the first types of data transfer, but it’s a primitive way to capture any type of data, much less video. You might be surprised to find out that that in the early 1990s, it was a scientific wonder to see black and white analog capable cameras. In most electronic and computer stores, black and white cameras are rarely sold. It limitations are just to glaring.
New computer technology and electronic gear protect so many places that we visit on a regular basis, that sometimes you might not even realize you’re being watched and recorded by video. Educational systems in the primary and secondary levels are using it to monitor dorm hallways, areas outside dorms and recreational rooms, particularly on college campuses. In the high schools it’s very important to have monitors with cameras that can record every move. Out of the way areas are a favorite place for illegal drugs, and violence. Since the Columbine shootings, schools take very seriously the control of their hallways and classrooms.
Banking institutions are known for security, but it’s getting very high tech in a bank. Remote locations with motion sensor detection cameras can direct panels to fly up if a robber brandishes a gun, or threatens to harm customers or employees. Industry is using CCTV to catch employees that steal from a company, and it’s now being used for safety. Tight controls on workplace safety by the federal government require businesses to turn to a CCTV and cameras to stop machinery if it gets faulty, so employees won’t get hurt, and federal guidelines on environmental issues are met too. By using CCTV it also cuts down on injury lawsuits by employees, and workman’s compensation claims.
Of course, retail establishments use CCTV to stop shoplifting and robberies, but it’s gotten highly technical in its applications. From the ceiling you’re watched with cameras that don’t allow you to be able to see what directions it’s pointed, just in case you get the urge to steal. Outside of dressing rooms cameras watch you coming and going, and display cases have tiny computer microchips that aren’t seen at jewelry counters, and in home accessories such as pictures frames. Cameras are stationed at cash registers that are able to pan, tilt, and zoom in close, just in case an employee gets sticky fingers for the cash in the till.
Airports are another place that’s highly secured since the 911 tragedy. CCTV watches suspicious activity inside and outside the airport doors. CCTV is located in remote locations where any type of activity that just doesn’t seem right is immediately looked into. Don’t think you can leave the check area for your bags, and not be watched after that because even the restaurants in airports are monitored on a continual basis. You will find out about a package you’ve left accidentally by a table and chair from other guards in the airport.
Security and CCTV go hand in hand, and its applications for the different areas of your life are growing at a rapid pace. From sitting in a car and running a stop light to cameras in daycares to catch abusive parents or daycare workers, it’s more and more a high sci-fi world with big brother watching. The point is that you’ll need to be prepared and know what to expect in this changing world. Get friendly with technology because it is here to stay, and it’ll impact your life with security for yourself and others that you love.
