How Often Businesses Should Be Reviewing Their Security Camera Footage

Summary: Security camera footage should be reviewed regularly if a business wants to maintain its security at a strong level. Prevention of crime, spotting threats, assisting investigations, and guarding against claims are among the main advantages of applying consistent review. In addition to security, it is possible to spot through video reviews operational inefficiencies and possible insider threats.

The landscape of business security is ever-changing at a very fast rate because threats might arise from many directions. That is why it is essential to have a strong security position. Commercial security camera systems can strengthen your fortifications by providing a record of events and acting as a deterrent to potential criminals. Nevertheless, a very important point that is not taken into consideration by businesses is the rate at which they are supposed to review the footage of their security cameras. This is just a case of installing security cameras on your doorstep without introducing a review process in it, like having a new lock on the front door, but you never turn the latch. Businesses should not rely on security cameras as a frequent measure.

The Deterrent Effect Of Surveillance

A key reason to review security camera footage as frequently as possible is that this measure plays a crucial role in the deterrent factor. The availability of surveillance cameras in your living premises can be an effective deterrent to crime, provided the would-be offenders are aware of the fact that their activities are being tracked and taped. It is a good deterrent because it sends the message that your premises are always being scrutinized and discourages any ill motive. And such a preventative measure could possibly save your business the high costs and the risk of security breaches, malicious vandalism, or theft.

Real-Time Threat Identification

Real-time threat identification is essential in a world where incidents can unfold within seconds. A business can determine what threats are happening to them by seeing security camera footage regularly, so that they can focus on the potential threats as soon as they start to occur. Such a proactive strategy may allow quick response systems- such as notifying authorities, collecting the license plate data, or describing an offender. Security guards on the field will also be able to respond quickly to any arising cases, and this will eventually reduce the amount of damage that could be caused to your business.

Investigating Incidents & Criminal Activities

In case of any incidents that may be criminal activities or even internal matters, security footage will be a very valuable source of investigation. As an example, in the case of a security breach, a security audit can assist in re-creating a security log, where the attacker was permitted to circumvent your security measures. Facial recognition system or license plate recognition technology can also be used to identify the culprits using this review. Businesses can also provide the footage to the police, which will aid in investigations and other insurance claims. The frequency of business security footage review significantly enhances the chance of eliminating incidents quickly and arresting the culprits.

Identifying Operational Inefficiencies

Routine footage review can also reveal inefficiencies in daily operations. With a discussion of the activity flow of a normal working day, the owners and managers of the business enterprise can identify bottlenecks, streamline, and find out whether there are employees who are adversely affecting efficiency. A two-fold purpose of security camera systems is not only to ensure that the premises are secured, but also to add to streamlined operations to benefit your bottom line on two levels.

Compliance And Liability Protection

The businesses are also required to ensure that compliance and protection of liability are always a priority in an age of heightened regulation and legal scrutiny. Considering the footage of your security cameras in a routine check will make sure that your company is up to par with industry specifications and legal regulations, according to your industry. Also, audiovisual coverage may be a great protective barrier against any allegations or lawsuits, as it gives the objective version of the events and the measures that have been put in place.

Preventing Insider Threats

Insider threats can be serious and are often overlooked until losses occur. They are, however, usually overlooked until it is too late and stocks or trade secrets are stolen. Conducting frequent inspections of the footage of security cameras is necessary to track the actions of employees and their conduct. This measure of prevention will not only streamline operations, but it will also assist you in noticing indications of a potential insider threat, including unauthorized access or suspicious activity. Preventative steps may then be undertaken by businesses, including administering disciplinary action or installing more security measures like access control, before any serious damage is done.

Tailor Review Frequency To Your Business Needs

At this point, the best security camera footage review rate will differ according to the type of business you have, the size of the business, and the extent of security risks that the business is exposed to. An example is that a high-risk environment, e.g., a financial institution or vital infrastructure, might require more frequent, day-to-day revision- or even potentially real-time video surveillance. On the one hand, less risky settings such as restaurants or local retail stores might be content with conducting periodic reviews. Adjusting the frequency to fit your specific circumstances ensures a balanced and effective security approach.

Training And Education For Team Members

It is also important to determine who is performing your video security monitoring, be it on-site security guards or supervisors, and to also train and educate regularly. It does not have to regard the frequency of reviews but rather the quality of reviewing that is being carried out. The training programs are to be implemented and discuss the newest security threats in your industry and region, best monitoring methods, and how to use the innovations of your security systems. Thoroughly trained personnel are in a better position to recognize a possible threat and govern it accordingly. This will maximize the efficiency of the security infrastructure that your business has implemented.

Regular Footage Review Leads To Maximized Security

Reviewing security footage is not just a tick-box activity of companies but a strategic necessity. It is not limited to compliance but stretches to the area of proactive threat mitigation, incident detection, and optimization of operations. The optimal ratio in the review frequency, combined with an investment in training and education, can make the security camera systems more proactive and start providing security in your business instead of being passive onlookers. 

Resolute Partners provides commercial surveillance systems, cannabis video surveillance, warehouse surveillance, IoT integration services, Live Video Monitoring Services, and video security solutions to commercial and government businesses. Contact Us to learn more.

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Michael Blanco

Michael S. Blanco is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Resolute Partners, LLC, where he leads strategic initiatives across various divisions. After owning family entertainment centers in New England, he co-founded Resolute Partners in 1996, launching the first Internet cafés for the U.S. Navy and partnering with AT&T for global deployment. A pioneer in wireless communications, Michael has expanded the company’s focus to include Energy Management/IoT, Cybersecurity, and Managed Video Security. He holds a degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology.