CCTV in private security

The important role of the CCTV system in Private Security

At present it is difficult to conceive of a private security service without considering a complement between the human factor and technology. In particular, image detection systems or Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems have become a special tool to strengthen surveillance services as they provide us with the following capabilities:

• Deterrence: It is one of the most important characteristics since it is proven that in the areas covered by CCTV security cameras the crime rate is much lower than in other unprotected ones.
• Control: CCTV systems allow monitoring that certain processes are carried out in the appropriate way, increasing the efficiency of the procedures and detecting anomalies.
• Economy: A CCTV system can reduce the need for the presence of security personnel and provides the possibility of covering larger areas from a point that allows few monitors to cover more land and perform better surveillance work.

How is a CCTV system formed?

Basically a CCTV systemhas three components:

• Camera: which records the image.
• Signal carrier: for example, a cable.
• Monitor: where the image is represented. From there, a system can be completed by adding the necessary accessories according to the client's requirements and the safety criteria used, for example:
  • Sequencers: to show the successive images of different cameras.
  • Quad -lexers: to display four images at the same time on the monitor.
  • Multiplexers: to represent more than four screens on the monitor.
  • Lenses: to adapt the camera to a specific function such as identification, etc.
  • Drivers: to handle saved images.
  • VCRs: to store images, for example, a hard disk.
  • Video transmission system: when you want to see the images from another place (cable, wireless, telephone, internet, etc.)

In turn, the system cameras must be selected according to different criteria:

• Sensitivity: refers to the actual amount of visible or infrared light needed to produce a quality image.
• Resolution: defines the image quality from a detail or perspective of reproduction.
• Focal length: you can choose a camera that records a cone or a larger image angle or a smaller one. In general, the greater the angle obtained, the less detail the image will be, but in many situations the mere determination of a presence in the image will be sufficient to trigger an alarm.
• Color or black and white: color cameras allow a better definition of objects and facilitate the analysis and identification process.