3 Reasons CCTV Is Critical For Campus Security

Eyewitness testimony has always played an important role in solving crimes and heavily relied upon by law enforcement and the court system. Law enforcement processes the information in hopes of attaining enough information to find and convict the criminal. In court, juries tend to see eyewitness testimony as a reliable and place a lot of weight on that person’s ability to relay information about the event, as well as the perpetrators. However, just how reliable and accurate is eyewitness testimony? New studies shed light on the psychological factors related to eyewitness testimony and give good reasons why surveillance camera footage is critical.

RESEARCH UNCOVERS WHY MEMORY IS SPOTTY

People tend to think of memory as their own video surveillance camera with a rewind button that allows them to perfectly recall the details of any event. That’s not anywhere close to how memory works, however. Research has actually found that recall is affected by many factors, including stress, fear, and selective attention. Since crimes are highly stress and fear and inducing, it impacts the details witnesses can recall later.

For example, if a weapon is used during a crime event, witnesses are much more likely to be able to describe the weapon in detail than able to describe details of the perpetrator’s face. This is because the mind places more importance on the weapon and the attention is automatically drawn there. This is not very helpful in reconstructing events, or finding and convicting criminals but without access to video surveillance footage, it’s all we might have.

SURVEILLANCE CAMERA FOOTAGE IS CRITICAL

There is no doubt that video surveillance systems play an important role in campus security. Individual recollections are easily influenced by personal beliefs and expectations, cultural influences and stereotyping as well as other psychological processes. Video surveillance systems serve as the backbone of criminal cases and is the one unbiased witness to events.

YOU HAVE TO GET IT RIGHT, THOUGH

In the world of video surveillance systems, choice, application, and placement matters. Camera and surveillance technology is complex and there are many features and options that play an important role in just how effective your system is for you.

One simple example is how your choice in types of cameras and placement impact things the surveillance camera’s image quality, ability to handle low light or darkness and variances in light within a given area. The wrong types of cameras and placement might mean restrictions in the field of view, lighting additions, or inability to use tilt and zoom to capture suspicious activity.

About Security Instrument

Founded in 1960, Security Instrument Corporation, a privately held U.S. Corporation, provides electronic security and life safety detection and associated monitoring and support services.

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DIY Home Security Doesn’t Measure Up. Here’s Why.

In many cases, DIY is a great, affordable option. It is easy to see why it is an attractive consideration even in home security. But do DIY home security systems measure up to consumer expectations? In most cases, the answer is a resounding, no. In home security, the stakes are high and the system’s capability and functionality matter. While many tout the ease of installation in DIY systems, most consumers do not realize these systems lack the very features that make home security alarm systems desirable.

Here are some important ways DYI products do not measure up:

1. Installation is not as Easy as You Think

The installation of DIY systems may seem simple, and that fact alone may be a red flag. High-quality home security systems have many components that need expert placement. A system that is too simple may not provide they type of security coverage necessary to protect your family. A complex system requires expert installation of the components is crucial so that you do not leave gaps in your security. Improper installation can lead to a system failure which can place your family or property at risk.

2. Proper Placement

Setting up a DIY security system might seem like a slam dunk, but underestimating the importance of expert placement is a disservice to your security. Home security systems are highly technical systems that require professional knowledge to gain the most advantage from them. Not only can improper placement make components less effective, it can make the system nearly useless!

3. DYI Systems Cost More Than You Expect

Contrary to popular belief, DIY home systems are not the most economical choice in home security. Most DIY home security systems come with a few components, such as window sensors, with the expectation you WILL need more. Those expensive components add up quickly.

4. Incompatibility Issues

The technologies used to support home security systems are constantly changing and needing product support. With professional systems, these updates are never a problem to the end user, the consumer. With DIY systems, a simple computer system upgrade can make the entire system incompatible. Further, should technology advances make the system outmoded, the manufacturer of the DIY system may no longer provide any updates or support if they ever provided these at all.

5. No Connection to Police

Your home alarm system is your lifeline. At least that is what most people intend and expect. One of the most important components of any home security system is the connection to emergency services such as fire or police, something DIY systems do not offer.

6. A DYI System is not the Same as Professional Systems

While a DIY security system can provide some of the same features of a professional system, it is important to realize that it is not a comparable substitute. DIY systems meet a few needs specific to the widest number of people possible. A professional system is designed to meet the very specific needs of your family and the home structure. The technologies used are often different and the capabilities of the systems vary dramatically.

About Security Instrument

Headquartered in Wilmington, DE, Security Instrument is proud to offer quality home security options and a dynamic pricing model, so you can customize your security investment to fit your budget. We are here to answer your questions with unparalleled 24/7 customer support. Call us today for a more secure tomorrow.

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Campus Security: 8 Tips For Updating Lock Down Procedures

In light of the steady increase in school and workplace violence, it has become necessary for every school campus to consider implementing lockdown protocols to be used in the event of an emergency. While no one plan will fit every institution and no plan is perfect, there are some tips and procedures that every protocol should include.

Here are some important considerations in creating effective lockdown procedures.

Talk to Law Enforcement Agencies

Creating lockdown procedures is a huge responsibility, which is one reason why many institutions put off doing it. As big as the task, it is important to remember that it does have not need to be done alone or from scratch. One of the best places to start is with local law enforcement agencies. There may be local law enforcement protocols that can or must be included and they will have valuable input on what you can do to help them help you in a time of crisis.

Glean Information from Other Institutions

It is very likely that there are already plans in place at other local institutions that may work in yours. Ask bigger businesses for their input about your biggest areas of concern and find out what worked for them. Having a critical eye on your plan can help you spot areas of trouble or help you play to your facility strengths.

Talk to Security System Professionals

One of the most important things you can do is talk to a security system professional specifically about system features and technologies that can aid in the event of a serious incident, such as video surveillance and access control systems. Advanced access control systems can create serious boundaries between you and an active shooter or other threat.

Have Plans for all Types of Lockdowns

There are many different situations that might require using lockdown procedures such as active shooter, hostage situation, riots, external criminal activity, or natural disaster. These situations require different types of lockdown procedures.

  • Shelter in Place- Used when a hazard is external and evacuation is not recommended.
  • Reverse Evacuations- Used to get people outside a facility in and undercover.
  • Internal Threat-Used to keep people safe when the threat is inside a facility.
  • External Threat-Used to keep a threat outside the facility.
  • Full Lockdown– Used in response to an active serious threat requiring immediate action.

Base Lockdown Decision on the Nature of the Threat

Basing the lockdown protocol on the location of the treat rather than the type of threat has proven to be far less effective. Base the lockdown protocol on the type of threat.

Make Sure Codes are Clear and Distinct

Great lockdown procedures can actually increase potential harm if the codes are not clear. Make sure the words used to name the different types of lockdowns are distinctly different from one another.

Use Every Staff Member as an Element in Security

Train and equip every member of the staff to be an added layer or element in your security plan.

Have Regular Practice Drills

If the lockdown procedures become well-practiced, individuals are less likely to freeze or react in fear.

Although there are many other considerations, these are the most common areas that need improvement, and also the most beneficial in implementing. We highly recommend becoming very familiar with all aspects of crisis situations so that you are prepared should the unthinkable happen.

About Security Instrument

Does your campus need a security review? Since 1960, the professionals at Security Instrument Corp. have been securing campuses across Delaware, PA, NJ and MD. Contact us today for an on site evaluation.

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Workplace Surveillance Provides Much More than Safety

Some of the advantages in the use of security cameras in the workplace are obvious. Security camera systems can reduce crime, increase customer and employee safety, and document disputed events. Alone, those advantages are very significant to any business owner.

 But research shows that there is an additional advantage of video surveillance systems in the area of business discipline.

A recent study called, “Cleaning House: The Impact of Information Technology Monitoring on Employee Theft and Productivity”, by Lamar Pierce, associate professor at the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis; Daniel Snow, associate professor at the Marriott School at Brigham Young University; and Andrew McAfee, research scientist at the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, research showed that the use of CCTV in the workplace is even more valuable than originally perceived.

Research and Findings In Restaurant Safety

In it, they installed CCTV in 392 restaurants in 39 states and software that measured employee-level theft prior to and after installation of the surveillance system. The restaurant industry was chosen for the study for many reasons, including the expectation of a high amount of employee theft. Managers of the restaurants received electronic alerts in instances which were clearly employee misconduct or theft throughout the study.

The results were very interesting. The average savings from the alerts were modest, around $108 per week per restaurant. However, after installing surveillance and monitoring software the average weekly revenue increased by 7% or $2,982 a week.

What was most compelling was that the result of the increased profit was not because of a decrease of theft but was mostly due to changed employee behaviors. Employees not only changed unethical behaviors, they also applied new positive energy to into their jobs.

About Security Instrument

Ultimately, cloud-based video surveillance systems is a far more than an important workplace safety feature. It is a tool that can help set employees—and your business, up for success. If you have any questions about How Security Instrument can meet your business security needs or the incredible features cloud-based video surveillance offers, give us a call.

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3 Simple Tactics To Avoid Home Burglary

It’s not fair to blame the victim of any crime – but if you become the victim of a crime like a burglary, it’s tempting to be hard on yourself. It’s not uncommon for victims of a burglary to ask themselves, “Is there anything I could have done?” To save yourself from the unnecessary heartache of being burglarized and the guilt that sometimes follows, make sure you always, always, always:

Lock all the doors in the home.

It would be great if we lived in an era when “you could leave your front door open,” but those days have long since passed. It just isn’t safe to leave doors unlocked anymore, no matter how safe you perceive your neighborhood to be. Lock your front door, back door and even the door that leads to the garage. Any entry point to the home is a potential access point for an intruder. With smart locks, you can even do this from your mobile device, from anywhere.

Use common sense.

That means don’t leave a key under the door mat; it’s just too big of a risk, because burglars expect people to do it now. It also means don’t give your alarm code to a service person or a neighbor. There are temporary codes you can give those people when necessary; ask us how to program your system with temporary sub-user codes if you are interested in doing this.

Arm your security system.

There are three reasons you have an alarm system: 1.) So that you can be alerted to the presence of an intruder, 2.) So that you can scare that intruder off with an audible alarm, and 3.) So that the authorities will be contacted automatically if the alarm is activated. Unfortunately, none of those things will happen if your system isn’t armed. Arm your security system before leaving the house, and place it in night mode before going to bed.

These are some of the best ways to prevent burglary and the unfortunate guilt that follows. Rest assured that you did your part in preventing a home burglary by following these steps.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is Delaware’s largest full-service independently-owned security and fire company, serving thousands of customers throughout Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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7 Ways Security and Automation Systems Benefit Hotels

The security of guests, staff, and anyone that comes to the hotel is vital to the hotel industry, making security systems a valuable tool. Security systems can do so much more than provide an added measure of safety, however. Security and automation systems such as intrusion alarms, video surveillance systems, access control, and business automation systems can also protect hotel assets and profitability.

Here are some important ways security and business automation systems benefit the hotel industry:

Intrusion Alarms

Intrusion alarms safeguard your guests by protecting vulnerable points of entry.

Automation Helps Manage Energy Consumption

Every space in a hotel needs to be ready for occupation at a moment’s notice, yet hotel operators need to carefully monitor the hotel’s energy consumption. Business automation can help create the perfect climate while reducing energy consumption.

Improved Security

Video surveillance is a physical crime deterrent and can help thwart crimes to which hotels are most vulnerable, such as lone attacks on a guest, or theft.

Access Control Protects Assets

Theft of merchandise is a common problem for many hotel establishments. Access control systems protect those assets.

Enhanced Customer Service

Video surveillance and CCTV systems can also help hotel managers ensure that customers receive the best service possible by allowing them to monitor service practices, guest wait times, traffic flow and much more.

Improved Productivity

Research shows that business that utilizes surveillance systems see improved productivity. The systems can serve as verification of the location of technical or service personnel, how long tasks take to complete, and as a tool to improve efficiency.

Mitigate Risk Damage

Security cameras can help mitigate damages in the event of an accident, as well as prevent attempted fraud.

About Security Instrument

Founded in 1960, Security Instrument Corporation, a privately held U.S. Corporation, provides electronic security and life safety detection and associated monitoring and support services. Protecting guests, and profitability is paramount in the hospitality industry. If you have questions about how to improve your hotel security, feel free to give us a call today.

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