Safeguarding the Public Through Security Cameras

In an era marked by ever-evolving security challenges and the presence of multiple kinds of threats to public safety, the deployment of security cameras in public places has emerged as an important tool for communities, governments and organisations seeking to safeguard their communities. In recent years, the number of different technologies available to help protect public spaces, like security cameras, electronic monitoring or gunshot detection, has been rapidly growing in European cities. The expansion of security camera utilisation can be attributed to a number of reasons, including heightened safety concerns from the public, technological advancements for more affordable and effective cameras, and increased urban planning and infrastructure developments.

The benefits of security cameras

The installation and implementation of video security systems have many benefits. Real-time monitoring has typically been seen as a main benefit as these systems commonly can assist in the deterrence and prevention of crime and help provide a sense of increased safety for patrons.

However, commercial security cameras have many other benefits which may be seen as by-products of real-time monitoring. Security cameras can help monitor occupancy levels of public spaces of various sizes, which can be leveraged from a safety and security perspective during high-traffic public events like festivals and concerts, but they also can be used to improve efficiencies for site staff who can remotely monitor areas and determine if an action is needed, for example trash clean up. This helps address instances where there may be labour shortages and employees can’t be onsite 24/7 due to budgetary constraints. Utilising cameras to remotely monitor these assets can free up resources, creating increased efficiency with limited staff.

As governments and community organisations realise the multitude of benefits of security cameras and look to implement and introduce these systems in public settings, they should consider some best practices to be successful. By embracing these technologies responsibly and considering factors such as compliance, placement, cybersecurity and budgeting, organisations can create safer, more secure environments, fostering trust and confidence in their commitment to protect and serve their communities.

Understand compliance requirements

Understanding compliance requirements set by the government and policymakers, like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that protect citizens’ personal data, should be considered before implementing camera systems in public settings.ii Before implementing new video systems or adding to existing systems, government bodies and organisations should have a privacy impact assessment to clarify the permissible storage period and how the video footage will be used. Clear operating procedures, data use policies and transparent communication about the measures in place will help meet these requirements.

Determine the optimal camera placement

Once a privacy impact assessment has been completed, the location where the security cameras will be installed should be one of the first factors to consider. Different areas, climates and communities require different camera features, so understanding the desired operational requirement of the camera is the first step. Typically, camera selection involves understanding the detection needs and the size of the area which the camera will survey. Since a camera is often the catalyst that drives security systems, it’s important to understand its location and use.

Prioritise cybersecurity needs

Cybersecurity and encryption are also growing trends when it comes to selecting video security cameras, especially for government and other critical infrastructure buildings given the sensitive data they may capture. When cybersecurity measures are properly taken into account and deployed, organisations can have increased peace of mind that their video data is secure and protected from backend threats.

Review the budget holistically

Budget is another factor to consider with security camera installation. Budget tends to be one of the primary concerns as organisations are given a strict allocation with many moving parts. When looking at budget and pricing, governments or community organisations should consider the total cost of ownership, including cybersecurity protection to create an intelligent, secure system.

Security cameras in public places can offer a wide range of benefits for communities, governments and organisations devoted to safeguarding their communities. From crime deterrence and prevention to occupancy detection and efficiency assistance, these video systems can play a key role in enhancing public safety. Implementing best practices in camera deployment, with a focus on cybersecurity and compliance, helps organisations make sure that their benefits are realised while respecting the rights and expectations of citizens. To select the optimal solution, it’s important to consider all of these factors to best address each communities’ unique use case.

Learn more about how Honeywell Security systems safeguard the public at https://www.adiglobal.ie/Catalog/shop-brands/honeywell-commercial-security