Yes – CCTV cameras are effective as long as they are installed properly.  All CCTV cameras should have an operational requirement, and if they meet the requirement, they should be effective.  Cameras should be checked to ensure they work at night.

Yes – installing CCTV cameras is worth it when used correctly and proportionately.  CCTV systems are very good at detecting incidents and deterring crime.  Used in conjunction with physical security systems, a CCTV system can significantly improve the security of an area.   

No – if the CCTV system is setup properly, all appropriate steps are taken and guidelines are followed.  Some people consider all forms of CCTV as an invasion of privacy but it is generally accepted by the majority of people that they are acceptable in most situations.

CCTV cameras of certain types are interchangeable.  Cameras fall into two broad categories analogue and digital (IP).  Analogue cameras are probably the most simple cameras to swap out with another analogue camera.  IP cameras are slightly more complex but the ONVIF standard makes most modern IP cameras compatible with each other. 

Yes – most CCTV systems are able to record sound.  Signage must be displayed to inform anyone that might be recorded.  System owners should be mindful that sound can travel long distances and while the person may not be seen on the camera their audio might be captured.   

Yes – CCTV can be hacked.  Any networked device has the potential to be hacked.  Proper installation and countermeasures will make your data as secure as it can be – interestingly older analogue CCTV is far less likely to be ‘hacked’ – please speak to us! 

CCTV can be used to spy on staff but ordinarily is not a right, or legal, and therefore should be avoided.  CCTV only be used to monitor staff for their own safety.  For example, it benefits an interview room because there is the possibility for confrontation or allegations, which CCTV can be used to provide a deterrent and record of events. 

Yes – CCTV footage can be used in a disciplinary process if it has been lawfully obtained.  The law is clear on the steps required to ensure proper use of CCTV and what constitutes a lawful deployment.  If the CCTV evidence has not been collected properly then it cannot be used.

Yes – CCTV can work without the internet.  In fact, a true CCTV should not be connected to the internet.  The first c in CCTV stands for closed and it could be argued that if the camera is connected to the internet it is not closed.

CCTV cameras capture moving images that are recorded locally onto a re-writeable storage media.  There are usually a number of cameras connected to the same recording device.  The recordings are kept for usually 30 days and are able to reviewed via a computer and are able to be downloaded. 

CCTV systems can prevent crime as they are a deterrent to would-be criminals as video images increase the risk of being identified and prosecuted.  The latest CCTV cameras have smart features such as white light and auto person tracking – which both increase the deterrent factor of a camera.     

There are many factors that determine what is the best CCTV camera for your requirements.  Static, PTZ, IP, analogue, indoor, outdoor, and size are some of the important features to consider and of course, price is always crucial a crucial factor.

CCTV cameras should be positioned so that they can ‘see’ the area you wish to cover.  A camera’s position should be dictated to by the operational requirements of that camera and not what can be covered from where the camera has been installed.  

Thermal imaging cameras are extremely good in very dark settings.  The image is not like a standard CCTV camera – it shows heat signatures.  This can be extremely good for covering wide areas of unlit space.  Modern optical cameras can work in near 0 lux conditions but will usually require some form of a light source.    

The world’s largest manufacture of CCTV is Hikvision and they produce more cameras per year than any other single manufacturer. 

Shop CCTV should be as Hi-resolution as possible.  It is also extremely important to position the cameras in the correct position and also considering any future changes to the layout – do you put up a Christmas tree in November or planning on new display cabinets?

CCTV will work without the internet.  True CCTV systems do not connect to another network – this is why they are called a closed circuit.  Connecting a CCTV system to the internet does allow for remote access to live and recorded images but increases the risk of unauthorised access.