Minimizing False Alarms with Video Verification

False alarms aren’t just a nuisance; they can become very costly, both for police departments and security companies. In fact, the state of Delaware general assembly passed a bill 16 years ago to enforce penalties on security companies that send false alarms to police. Fortunately, technology has advanced significantly since then; today, we have a false alarm-fighting tool called video verification.

How Video Verification Helps Reduce False Alarms

Door and window sensors power the majority of alarm systems – and yet, relying on these alone can cause a business to run the risk of sending a false alarm to the monitoring center. This can lead to fines for the business and wasted law enforcement resources. While call verification is valuable service, some clients authorize people who are not located at the business site to verify the alarm. These people may not always be able to verify whether the alarm was legitimate.

For those reasons, we recommend that businesses consider taking advantage of video surveillance with video verification, a service which is designed to cast a set of digital eyes on the premises and allow the company to verify whether what was captured was suspicious or not before police are called. It can greatly reduce the risk of false alarms at your Delaware business, sparing you from lost revenue in city fines.

How Video Verification Works

Video verification replaces the system’s traditional alarm function with intelligent alerts that include 1) a signal from intrusion detection devices, and 2) live video and/or recently recorded clips. The alerts are then sent to:

· The monitoring center, first to determine the cause of the intrusion signal

· An authorized user at the business to confirm or deny the intrusion with the monitoring center

If verification of suspicious activity has been achieved, the police will be notified so they can dispatch someone to your site. The goal is not only to minimize false alarms; more pointedly, it’s designed to minimize false dispatches, which are a harmful drain on local police departments. When these are minimized, police departments can do their jobs more effectively for the communities they serve. For more information on minimizing false alarms at your Delaware business with video verification, contact Security Instrument for a free security analysis.

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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How Does IP Video Surveillance Work?

The widespread adoption of IP video surveillance has allowed organizations to abandon traditional cabling networks in favor of using their existing data network infrastructure, which is a far more streamlined approach to surveillance. In fact, larger enterprises are taking this one step further by upgrading to high performance wireless networks so they can provide IP video surveillance to their expansive campuses, linking the dozens or even hundreds of cameras via a single network. But these are just a couple of ways IP video surveillance can work at your Delaware Valley enterprise; depending on the specificities of your application, there are other potential benefits to consider.

IP Video Surveillance Mesh Deployment

Enterprises that take advantage of IP video surveillance may be able to deploy their wireless networks as a “mesh,” which means they contain multiple nodes (also known as links) of access. This is a practical procedure because if one node fails, then the network is able to find the next best path of data transmission in the network. The goal? Keeping recorded video in the system so that no event goes unseen and no breach of security goes unproven. And isn’t that the reason organizations invest in video surveillance in the first place?

Streamlining Costs with IP Video Surveillance 

IP video surveillance can be a great solution for organizations looking to restructure their security technology in a more budget-efficient way, because it eliminates the costly requirements of cabling.

Cabling is an expense that can add up quickly, whether it’s Ethernet or the even more expensive fiber optic cabling option (which may require monthly, quarterly or annual leasing from a third-party provider.) If cost is a concern (and isn’t it always?), then IP video may be a valid consideration.

Faster Installation with IP Video Surveillance 

If some type of fixed infrastructure is required in order to support video surveillance, it can be costly to create, retrofit or upgrade – but equally important is the amount of time it takes to complete the installation. Rather than waiting for an expensive infrastructure project to be ready for launch, an IP video surveillance solution is virtually plug and play. This can make it a better option for many types of enterprises, but it can also make it an ideal solution for a temporary deployment – say, a public event. To that end, municipalities are turning to IP video surveillance in droves.

This barely scratches the surface of how IP video surveillance works and what it has to offer. To learn more, contact Security Instrument with your questions; we will be glad to provide more information.

About Security Instrument

In addition to being a trusted provider of IP video surveillance in the Delaware Valley, 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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Using IP Video Surveillance to Defeat Intruders

Delaware is no stranger to smash and grab burglaries. Two years have not passed since two Philadelphia, PA men were sentenced to 20 years in prison for committing a string of them, including one crime that involved stealing a $2 million ruby sculpture from a Wilmington jeweler. Furthermore, smash and grab burglaries don’t only happen to high-end businesses; they happen to retail establishments of all kinds. With that in mind, what can you do to reduce the risk of a smash and grab burglary happening at your business? We recommend tapping into the power of IP video surveillance.

What IP Video Surveillance Is

Internet Protocol (IP) video surveillance is powered by the web, which enables the video to be accessed from virtually anywhere with a wifi connection. IP video is no longer the “next big thing” in video surveillance; it is now the normal thing, and eventually, it will be the only thing. An IP video surveillance system goes beyond the last generation of video storage (DVR) in terms of economic feasibility, image quality, and security system integration. Much like your smartphone streamlined your communication and time management, an IP camera system can streamline your business security protocols.

What IP Video Surveillance Does 

IP technology makes it easier for businesses to copy, share and transmit video, which is great for businesses with multiple locations – or, businesses where the ownership is offsite much of the time.

If a burglary occurs, a business owner can view the video from anywhere – and if criminals are “smart,” they may see the advanced camera systems in full view and may be deterred from acting in the first place. To that end, IP video is a powerful tool for businesses that are serious about loss prevention.

IP Video Surveillance is Flexible

IP camera systems offer greater flexibility than the legacy systems in many established businesses. For example, a business on a tight budget may opt to replace only the most obsolete equipment with IP cameras, and only at key zones throughout the property. Incorporating IP video surveillance into your building’s security agenda, even incrementally as budget allows, can be a good way to minimize the risk of smash and grab burglary. For more information, contact Security Instrument.

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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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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