Why Remote Monitoring is Quickly Replacing CCTV alarm monitoring
CCTV cameras were as cutting edge as security could get back when they were first commercially introduced in 1960. Since then, technology has advanced significantly, with new inventions introduced, including smart cameras, the internet, and innovative security solutions.
While CCTV cameras have been integral in reinforcing security solutions, they simply don’t offer a complete security solution. Today, there are better solutions to security.
Let’s take a closer look at why CCTV alarm monitoring, where computers send alarm alerts from CCTV feeds, doesn’t prove entirely effective as a security solution. Newer and more innovative services like continuous video monitoring are leading the way in the security industry.
Pros of CCTV Alarm Monitoring
There are pros to CCTV Alarm monitoring, so let’s take a closer look.
CCTV cameras work as a deterrent to crime to a certain extent. Anonymity is an important factor that criminals will always attempt to protect when committing a crime. Criminals are less likely to risk their anonymity if they are under the impression that there is a chance of being recorded and caught.
In that case, a crime is less likely to be committed. Premises that advertise that there are security cameras are proven to experience a lower crime rate compared to those who choose not to use signposting for their security solutions.
However, this is not a foolproof method of ensuring security. It can lead to criminals finding solutions to not being identified.
Cons of CCTV Alarm Monitoring
There are great benefits to CCTV alarm monitoring. However, several factors mean it is not a comprehensive solution but a part of a comprehensive solution. Let’s take a closer look at why it will not offer customers the full package security service they are looking for.
1. The system only works when armed.
A CCTV alarmed monitoring system only offers protection and security when it is armed. The alarm will only be activated when the customer is not on the property. For example, the alarm is deactivated during working hours and when at home. There is no alarm when there are people on the property to protect.
2. Lack of Awareness
Clients are often unaware of whether the system is operational or not. There is no feedback, and it rarely provides the awareness clients need to prevent actual crime.
A CCTV alarm system is excellent for alerting you when a delivery man is bringing your online shopping order to the door. However, the system don’t be effective when an actual crime happens on the premises.
3. False Alarms
Alarm monitoring systems use smart technology and artificial intelligence to detect potential crimes. Without a continuous monitoring guard who can constantly watch the surveillance footage, the alarm system will act on false alarms regularly.
This is a problem for several reasons. False alarms prove to be expensive and weaken the response time and effectiveness of the local authority’s response. False alarms are often ignored because there are so many of them. This means that when there is a real problem, there is no real-time response to an issue.
4. Non-preventative
CCTV alarm systems are excellent for recording crimes that take place. Local authorities can use the footage as a forensic tool in the prosecution case. However, this is all after the crime has taken place.
Once a crime has occurred, it is difficult for a business to recover from the damages. CCTV surveillance is not an effective means of preventing crime. Businesses that invest in a security system need peace of mind that crime prevention will be an element of their investment.
Continuous Monitoring in Comparison to CCTV Alarm Monitoring
Continuous monitoring leverages the established benefits of a CCTV alarm monitoring system, smart technology, and an in-person security guard. The service is provided by security companies, where a series of smart cameras are connected via the internet to a remote monitoring center.
Virtual security guards can monitor the premises remotely to ensure maximum and effective security solutions are offered to clients. So what are the pros of continuous monitoring?
1. Round-the-clock surveillance
Continuous monitoring agents provide round-the-clock surveillance of the premises with state-of-the-art technology, internet connection, and extensive training. There is no “off-time” when it comes to continuous monitoring.
Virtual guards are consistently rotated and given regular shift breaks to ensure that a person monitors the premises 24/7. There is no time when the property is not surveyed, ensuring a comprehensive security solution.
2. Cutting Edge Efficiency
False alarms are a regular problem with any run-of-the-mill CCTV alarm monitoring system. Continuous monitoring agents are specially selected, highly trained, and efficiently managed with innovative technology.
These interventions significantly reduce false alarms but are also efficiently managed when they occur. The artificial intelligence cameras in these systems are equipped with advanced detection features.
False alarms are filtered professionally by watch officers who can make the correct and efficient decision on whether an activity is suspicious or not and decide when local law enforcement should be contacted. The authorities will address the issue immediately through the correct channels.
3. Preventative Measure
Continuous monitoring agents are incredibly effective at preventing crime. Not only are false alarms significantly reduced, but the response is much quicker and more efficient in an actual crime.
Continuous monitoring agents, in partnership with advanced surveillance technologies, can make accurate assessments of crimes before they happen.
Any premises that are regularly on the receiving end of a crime are going to need some preventative measures. However, clients may think that the best way to prevent crime is to have security guards and cameras. But with a continuous monitoring agent, it is possible to preempt a crime from happening in the first place.
4. Efficient response time
Virtual security companies take the time to foster productive relationships with local law enforcement. Although the service may be remote, continuous monitoring agents use close relationships with the local authorities to ensure a fast and efficient response time to crime.
Swissguard offers a cutting-edge service to clients with a remote security service that increases the effectiveness of security cameras. Virtual security services like Swissguard offer more effective and efficient service at a fraction of the cost of other security options.
