SECURITY CAMERAS: COLOR VS. BLACK AND WHITE

When is the right time for color security cameras vs. black and white? Even though a high-quality black and white security camera system is the best option for a wide variety of businesses, there are some business scenarios in which security cameras with color video may be more appropriate. Take these very real examples.  

LARGE SCALE ENTERPRISE

If you operate a large scale enterprise, then you may wish to implement color cameras into your security regimen. Perhaps you don’t need color in every zone; employee-only areas like warehouses and work rooms may easily be viewed in black and white (after all, you know what your employees look like). But what about the waiting room, the retail floor, or the outdoor yard? Because those places are open to the public, it may make sense to install one or more color security cameras in those zones of your large-scale enterprise.

SHARED FOOTPRINTS

This is a consideration for businesses that operate out of shared footprint spaces: a shopping mall, strip mall or even a common office building. When someone suspicious is roaming about the building or one of the businesses have already reported a crime, having a color video feed may be helpful for all the “neighbors” to compare what their cameras caught.

If the video is in color, it can be easier and faster to identify suspects who were seen throughout the building.  

HOSPITALITY

Unfortunately, there has been an uptick in crimes in hotels and resorts in the recent past. Cameras may not stop these tragedies from occurring, but they can certainly be instrumental to law enforcement after the fact – and when the security video is in color, that can make investigators’ jobs even easier. If a perpetrator is wearing red, blue, green, orange gray or brown, knowing that could somehow help law enforcement connect the dots.

Color vs. black and white security cameras: Which one is right for you? Before purchasing or upgrading a video surveillance system, take some time to consider whether your application could benefit from color cameras as part of the package.

ABOUT SECURITY INSTRUMENT

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

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WILL A FAKE SECURITY CAMERA WORK?

Can you prevent a burglary from happening at your business by hanging a fake camera that’s designed to look like a professionally installed one? In many cases, the unfortunate answer is no. If you are considering mounting a fake camera outside or inside your business, here are some important things to remember.  

SOME CRIMINALS ARE SMART

That fake security camera over the front door or in the corner of the main room may look like the real thing, but many of today’s criminals are smart enough to know the difference.

There are entire websites devoted to showing people how to get away with various property crimes,  including how to spot fake security cameras. Rather than betting on the intelligence and resourcefulness of the criminals in your area, having a monitored security camera that works is a much better choice. The only match for a smart thief is a smart business owner who knows how to protect his or her property.

SEE WHO WAS THERE

Sure, someone may be deterred from breaking into your business while you’re away if they see your fake security camera mounted nearby. But can your phony camera capture what they look like while they’re standing there? (That’s a no.)

Can your fake camera be activated by the presence of the intruder’s motion, alert you via text message, provide you a live video feed you view from your phone, or send you a recorded clip of the trespasser so you can be aware of what happened? (That’s a big no.) So even though the fake security camera may look like too big a risk to some would-be burglars, it still can’t notify you of their presence or show you what they look like – and that’s a risk you don’t want to take as a responsible business owner.

REAL CAMERAS EQUAL REAL RESULTS

To keep trespassers from becoming burglars of your business (or worse, violent criminals), the best measure of defense is a monitored security system that includes cameras and smartphone integration. Real cameras equal real results, while fake cameras equal a risk most business owners aren’t prepared to take. To learn about more ways a monitored security camera can protect your business, contact Security Instrument today.

ABOUT SECURITY INSTRUMENT

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

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3 Fire Prevention Tips For Your Business

Fire safety is important to any type of business. Preventing fire in the workplace can prevent injury as well as costly damages to your business and property.There are precautionary steps that can be taken to minimize the chances of a fire in your workplace, such as installing a fire alarm. Continue reading to learn more about workplace fire prevention tips.

Avoid Clutter

A clean workplace is a safe workplace. If your business has hazards such as a frayed wire or a spark, clutter and debris can act as kindling that can cause a small fire to quickly spread to a large, detrimental fire. Removing excess paper by emptying recycling bins and trash regularly can reduce such risks.

A cluttered workspace can also create a fire hazard by blocking hallways or exits. Businesses should keep all walkways free of clutter, and all exits should remain unblocked. In the event of a fire, having a clear evacuation plan is critical to the safety of employees.

Keep Smokers Away

While the days of smoking in offices are mostly long gone, it should be reiterated to not allow smoking in the workplace. Designate an outdoor smoking area that is a safe and far away from building entrances. Smoking areas should have designated receptacles for cigarette butts that safely dispose of any potential fire threat.

Have a Fire Alarm System

Just as an office would invest in a security alarm system, businesses can protect themselves from fires with a fire alarm system. If a fire were to happen outside of business hours, an alarm system would alert the authorities of a fire.

Additionally, many systems come with fire suppression features such as sprinklers. A fire alarm system should be checked regularly to ensure proper function.

About Security Instrument

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

 

 

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7 Great Reasons to Upgrade to an IP Video Surveillance System

Video surveillance  is everywhere today, from small residential installations to massive enterprise applications. It has been in use for decades and, over time the technology has changed and advanced significantly. Today, many people are at the point of evaluating their needs and deciding whether to upgrade to an IP video surveillance system. If you are on the fence whether digital video surveillance is the right application for your business, here is a list that may help you decide.

Pro Tip: Digital video solutions offer a wide range of options that can reduce costs, consolidate and expand functions so that you need fewer components.

Analog End of Life

Technology has a lifespan, and eventually becomes obsolete. The widespread use, competitive cost, and increased features and applications offered by IP video camera systems is pushing the analog camera systems to the back as it is used less and less.

Digital Solutions are Cost Effective

Many people are surprised to learn that digital video surveillance solutions are not only competitively priced, they are overall much more cost effective. Digital solutions offer a wide range of options that can reduce costs, consolidate and expand functions so that you need fewer components. The cost of cabling and other essential components is also reduced.

IP Surveillance Systems Meet Retention Requirements

Many institutions must meet regulatory compliance for video retention. This is costly and unreliable with analog technology, whereas it is quite simple with digital technology.

Much Improved Performance

With all of the advances in camera and video technology, IP camera systems offer features such as advanced signal processing, optical zoom lenses, wide dynamic range, image stabilizers and on-board analytics.

Unlimited Scalability

One of the most beneficial advantages of IP video surveillance systems is that they are infinitely scalable.  The system can be configured and reconfigured as your needs change.

Advanced Analytic Programs

Advanced analytics are featured both at the server and integrated on IP surveillance edge devices (devices on the outer edge of the network). Analytic intelligence can be used to monitor, record, interpret, archive, and retrieve data, among many other applications.

System Integration

Another huge advantage is the ability to tie your IP camera system to other related applications such as access control systems, alarm/intrusion, and visitor management.

Video Surveillance technology is rapidly advancing and offers so many more capabilities than in the past. Whether you are the owner of a small business or the Security Director of a Fortune 500 company, Security Instrument can help customize the right system for you.

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3 Ways To Make Schools Safer With Integrated Security

Schools today face a wider range of security concerns than ever before. From petty acts of graffiti or vandalism to the ever-present risk of mass shootings, administrators in Delaware and beyond are constantly on the lookout for new and better ways to enhance school security while maintaining quality learning spaces for their students. Ultimately, the goal of any integrated security structure within a school should be to manage the area more effectively, keep students safe from harm, and allow everyone to feel secure while they learn and teach.

Security technology and basic building management now go hand in hand. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, in the 2011-2012 school year 88% of schools locked entrances and monitored entrances to the building. Another 44% used locked and monitored gates to secure access to the grounds. Sixty-four percent relied upon security cameras to watch what was happening throughout the building. These changes allow administration and security staff to more efficiently monitor what happens during the day and come up with appropriate policies for their schools.

The right mix of security systems and freedom of movement can make a tremendous difference in the quality of education children receive while they are in school. These three areas are key to that success.

Visibility and Monitoring

Not surprisingly, if 90% of a building can be in direct line of sight to a teacher or other authority figure, the rule-breaking will almost always happen in the other 10%. Using cameras to monitor behavior between classrooms helps reduce bullying, fighting, and vandalism by putting eyes in those areas, cutting down on incidents and bringing culprits to justice. Videotape recorders are still common but vary significantly in quality. Fortunately, digital recording technology has come a long way and is quickly becoming the standard for school security.

Metal Detectors

In 2003-4, only two percent of public schools had students pass through metal detectors daily. That number has doubled by the 2011-12 school year, and the number of random metal detector sweeps have increased as well. Given the proliferation of gun violence across the country, this is hardly surprising. They are most commonly found in urban school settings and at the secondary level and play a key role in preventing random school shootings.

Access Control Technologies

Many schools now favor electronic access control over the entrances and exits. While card swipes, fingerprints, or code boxes may cost more in the short run, they are more secure than regular keyed entries. They also offer flexibility for other staff members, who may need to come and go from front or side doors during the day. This allows even main doors to remain locked and makes it harder for intruders to enter the school.

About Security Instrument

The ultimate goal of all these security systems is to make the school feel as secure as possible for the students inside while having the smallest effect on how “jail-like” the building becomes. It is an important balance of safety and freedom for students, teachers and administrators alike. Contact Security Instrument today – we’ve been integrating campus security solutions throughout Delaware and beyond since 1960.

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Consumer Grade Camera Systems are Not Meant For Commercial Security Camera Applications. Here’s Why.

When it comes to consumer grade security camera systems, there are many options on the market. They seem to be increasingly complex, and often with an incredibly inviting price point (as in, how in the world can they do that?) which makes some business owners wonder if they could be used in a commercial application successfully and affordably. The answer quite simply, is no. Consumer grade cameras are for consumer purposes, and are not designed for commercial applications.

Built with Different Purposes in Mind

Commercial grade security camera systems and those made for the consumer market and often found in big box stores are built with two different purposes in mind, and because of this use two different grade materials.

Comes First– Price or Design?

One of the things that drives the differences between the two types of systems is what comes first, price or design. Designers build commercial security camera system using electronics chosen for the very best performance for the intended usage and then the price is set according to the cost of the components. In commercial grade systems, the price point is first set and then back into the design using components that will keep the system within that price point.

Why Businesses Should Always Choose Commercial Security Camera Systems

While some camera systems made for the consumer market look as if they could work, especially for a smaller business, there are some important reasons why this is not true.

  1. Since consumer camera systems are made with the price in mind first, the types of materials must be kept down, which causes them to cut costs wherever possible. Products must cost, and weigh the least amount possible to keep the cost of shipping down to a minimum. This impacts the quality of materials and components.
  2. Consumer grade products and components are made to power consumer grade products. For example, 60 feet of commercial cable is constructed using 3 times the amount of copper than the standard cable made for the consumer market. This means that there is no opportunity to add basic things such as commercial grade night vision cameras to a consumer system as the thinner cables are not able to power them adequately.
  3. Consumer grade products, of necessity, have been striped down and will not have the functionality of a commercial grade commercial security camera system and are inadequate to serve in the commercial CCTV and surveillance capacity.
  4. Commercial grade security camera systems has more flexible and upgradable firmware.
  5. The materials with which commercial grade security cameras and equipment are much more durable than consumer and made to withstand long-term and continuous usage.

Security Instrument is a full service electronic security company specializing in video surveillance systems with remote viewing and management capabilities.

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CCTV & Public Safety: What the Las Vegas Shooting Teaches Us

The Las Vegas active shooting incident at Mandalay Bay is now the deadliest in US history, and again has left a nation raw and wondering what can be done. Now, after the vigils and after the heart-wrenching funerals, our hearts here are still with the people of Las Vegas after the horrific concert shooting. Such pain should never have to be known. Such acts should never happen.

THE NUMBER OF INCIDENTS IS RISING

Unfortunately, violence perpetrated by active shooters is not only a part of our society, it is on the rise and has increased significantly over the last ten years. According to a study by the Department of Homeland Security, between 2000-2013, 160 active shooter incidents occurred, resulting in 1,043 casualties.

PUBLIC SPACES ARE NOT SACRED

The days of thinking you are relatively safe in public spaces are gone. About 70% of active shooting incidents occurred within businesses, malls, and schools, while 83% of all incidents occurred indoors. There is no such thing as low-risk public spaces.

BUSINESS OWNERS NEED TO BE PROACTIVE

It takes law enforcement an average 14 minutes to respond to an active shooter. Most active shooting incidents are over within 7 minutes. The best and safest way to handle an active shooting incident is by preventing it from happening in the first place. Security measures are often classified along the five steps of the security continuum: Deter, Detect, Delay, Respond, and Recover. CCTV can play an important role, especially in the first few critical steps before harm occurs. In an active shooter situation, if we wait until the response step (typically when law enforcement responds to a 911 call), there will likely already be a loss of life. This makes detecting and deterring an active shooter a high priority.

CCTV AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE

Video Surveillance and CCTV can play an important role in the event of an active shooter for every small, medium and large business. A comprehensive surveillance system can provide an early view of suspicious activity which in turn can provide enough time to alert authorities. Video footage can also provide valuable information about the whereabouts of potentially dangerous individuals allowing law enforcement to act quickly and precisely, focusing efforts in the most advantageous way. Surveillance video can also play a role in the rescue, showing what areas are clear of the threat so emergency personnel can enter.

At Security Instrument, we understand that electronic security is about much more than loss prevention. We realize the responsibility commercial facilities and public businesses face, and we are here to help you meet those challenges.

About Security Instrument

Established in 1960 and headquartered in Wilmington, DE, we have served thousands of locations across the tri-state area with best in class equipment installations and ongoing service, maintenance, and support. Security Instrument is committed to your business’ security and we have solutions for small businesses to large enterprises. Contact us today to find out how we can help you secure your business today.

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Why Access Control Systems Are A Must For Business

Security has been a growing concern for businesses in different industries, from mom-and-pop shops to large corporations. Making sure that people, equipment, and information remain safe is a priority. High-quality security access systems can help you to keep outside intruders from gaining access to rooms and buildings with valuable office devices and confidential information.

EASIER ACCESS

In the past, many businesses used lock-and-key access systems. While this type of system can work for a business with only a handful of employees, it usually isn’t effective for companies with larger workforces. Employee keys can get misplaced or fall into the wrong hands, and companies have to spend money either replacing the keys or all of their locks. Another potential problem with this type of system is that within most companies, only people in positions of power receive keys.

Another potential problem with this type of system is that within most companies, only people in positions of power receive keys.

If they do not come into work one day, lower-level employees may not have access to buildings. Access control systems automate the whole process. With these types of systems, employees use badges with embedded wireless technologies or punch-in codes to gain access to the building or certain spaces. These systems allow businesses to control who can access buildings or rooms at all times or on certain days and times. They are also more user-friendly for employees at all levels, who may need to have access in and out of buildings after their supervisors leave for the day.

AUDIT TRAIL

With access control systems, companies can keep track of who is entering and leaving buildings. This information can be valuable to business owners or managers if a potential issue, such as stolen office supplies or data breach, occurs on a specific day or time. Using the security systems, they can find out who was inside buildings or rooms when the issues arose. These systems can also help managers if they have potential disputes with employees over their weekly hours. The devices allow them to know the exact time of day employees entered and left the building.

EMERGENCY LOCKDOWN

Emergency situations can happen at work, and sometimes, companies need to have emergency lockdowns. Access control systems can make emergency situations much easier to handle. Using the devices, those in charge can restrict who enters and leaves a building. They also can use the systems to account for all of their employees during emergency situations.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is committed to your business’ security and we have solutions for small businesses to large enterprises. Contact us today to find out how we can help you secure your business with an access control system.

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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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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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