What is Live Video Surveillance and How Does It Work?

What is a Live Video Surveillance System?

Live video surveillance (also called remote video monitoring) starts with a series of cameras that are watched over by security professionals. These cameras are monitored at all times, providing 24/7 protection. However, a remote monitoring system includes more than just cameras. 

Many systems also involve other security tools, such as two-way speakers, temperature sensors, and other tools designed to give the live agents all the information they need about the property. However, each system is unique since the security needs of each property and each business are unique.

That said, the power of these systems isn’t just in know what’s happening, but also in reacting in real-time.

As mentioned, live video surveillance systems often also include speakers, lights, and other security tools. If something unexpected or suspicious happens, remote security professionals can initiate a two-way conversation or contact the authorities if needed. When contacting police, they can provide them with full details of the incident.

By doing this, the authorities will have much better information than if they are only told that an alarm has sounded, for example. They’ll be able to go into the situation knowing what to expect.

In fact, one of the truly powerful aspects of live video surveillance is that agents can interact with a scene before a crime even occurs. With some other systems, monitoring is not live. They work by alerting a central station when a trouble condition is detected, such as when a motion detector is set off.

This means that, by the time an agent responds, the crime is already underway. With a live video surveillance system, agents can see situations as they unfold. This means they can act before a crime occurs to prevent it from happening at all.

This is one of the biggest benefits of live remote video monitoring.

The Advantages of Live Remote Video Monitoring

While a proactive response is one of the biggest benefits of live monitored video surveillance, it certainly isn’t the only one. There are several reasons to choose remote video monitoring.

One is that cameras can be used in nearly every area of a property. At a large industrial site or truck yard, for example, there is a lot of space to cover. By strategically locating cameras throughout the property, not only will the entire perimeter be protected, but it’s also possible to secure the complete interior as well.

This makes it possible to prevent trespassing, vandalism, theft, and many other crimes, no matter where they may occur in or around your property.

With other security tools, it is very tough to watch over a large site 24/7. Since live monitored cameras allow agents to do this, it truly sets them apart from other types of security.

Another significant advantage is the data and reporting capabilities of a live video surveillance system. Since cameras are recording the entire property at all times, this footage can be retained and analyzed. All information is logged – from access requests made at your front gate to any suspicious incidents that occur.

All cameras are layered with artificial intelligence (AI), so they not only capture more information, but they record this information as well. The result is a complete picture of what’s going on at your business at any given time.

Artificial intelligence also makes the tools more versatile and powerful. AI can be trained to spot suspicious or unexpected situations (such as movement where there should be no movement or more people in an area than should be allowed) and immediately alert the central staff. This makes recognition of potential criminal activity even faster.

In addition to preventing crime, remote video cameras can also ensure that company protocol as well as safety and security rules are followed. For instance, monitored cameras can make sure staff are wearing the required safety gear on the job. If this rule is not followed, the security team can relay this information to the business owner in real-time.

AI can aid in these areas as well, by spotting staff that are not wearing proper safety equipment, for example.

Agents will even notice and report on “near miss” scenarios, such as a vehicle that nearly collides with a trailer or a person acting in an unsafe manner. These are noted so that the business has the opportunity to address such situations with staff. This prevents damage and injuries from occurring.

By using live video surveillance, your business will become safer, more secure, and more efficient.

Comparing Live Video Monitoring to Other Security Tools

It’s only natural to compare live video monitoring to other security tools, such as security guards. In fact, traditional onsite security guards tend to be one of the more common types of security at large industrial sites and trucking yards.

However, while security guards can certainly notice crimes and suspicious activities, and respond as needed, having enough security guards to monitor every inch of your property 24/7 can be very tough. Not only is doing so a significant logistical challenge, but it can quickly become incredibly costly.

There is also the fact that, at many properties, no matter how many guards you have on site, it’s still very difficult to watch everything at once. Even a large number of guards will likely not be able to see everything that’s happening.

This is especially true in low-light situations, such as at night. It’s very difficult for onsite security guards to see when there isn’t adequate lighting. In many cases, they need to use flashlights, and that tends to give their location to criminals who can then avoid them.

Live monitoring cameras can capture clear footage even in low lighting, making them a powerful tool for stopping crime at properties like truck yards, parking lots, industrial sites, warehouses, construction sites, and much more.

There is also the unfortunate reality that criminals often attempt to use physical threats against security guards in an attempt to overwhelm them. Live remote monitoring systems continue to function properly, no matter the situation on the ground.

Of course, video monitoring has clear advantages over other more passive systems such as alarms or unmonitored cameras. Sounding an alarm can let you know that a crime is in progress, but it doesn’t react to the crime in any other way. Even if the alarm is designed to contact the authorities, it’s still only responding to a situation that has already happened.

It can’t deter crime before it occurs.

This is an issue since criminals cause significant damage during crimes. Even if they aren’t able to steal anything when they’re on the scene, they’ve likely already broken windows, smashed through doors, cut fences, and caused other chaos. This damage is costly and time consuming to repair and, until it’s fixed, it can harm the reputation of your company and potentially even make it more difficult to work.

That’s why stopping crime before it happens is so important.

With unmonitored cameras, footage can be recorded to provide evidence about a crime, but this information only becomes useful after the fact. It doesn’t prevent the crime from happening in the first place, so your property could still sustain damage and your business could still be faced with financial loss.

With live video surveillance, security agents can see suspicious activity as it happens and act to stop a crime before it takes place. By interjecting when a person is seen walking around outside a property, for instance, the live video surveillance agents can deter them from striking.

Criminals know the chances of them being caught are much higher if police are called before any crime is committed and, therefore, they’re more likely to leave the scene at this point than risk an arrest.

Plus, as mentioned, when cameras are monitored live, the security team can give police specific details about the situation. This can help the police prepare and send the right staff to handle the crime. It can also potentially increase the urgency with which they respond.

Police forces tend to place a higher priority on verified calls and having a live agent viewing the situation as it unfolds will often drastically improve police response time.

Trust Remote Video Monitoring

Watching over your property 24/7 gives you incredible peace of mind and protects your business better than many other security tools. With remote video monitoring, you receive 24/7 protection at an affordable cost.

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9 thousand

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1.5 million

Work Safety Enforcements
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$100+ billion

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With years of experience in protecting businesses and keeping sites safe (including truck yards, warehouses, industrial sites, large residential complexes, and more), Birdseye Security Solutions understands how to tailor security solutions to the needs of a specific property.

You don’t need “one size fits all” protection. You need tools that work for your needs and protect your assets. For more information on how live video surveillance can keep your property safe, please contact us today.

Plus, as mentioned, when cameras are monitored, the security team can give police specific details about the situation. This can help the police prepare and send the right staff to handle the crime. It can also potentially increase the urgency with which they respond.

With unmonitored cameras, footage can be recorded to provide evidence about a crime, but this information only becomes useful after the fact. It doesn’t prevent the crime from happening in the first place, so your property could still sustain damage and your business could still be faced with financial loss.

With remote video monitoring, you receive 24/7 protection at an affordable cost. For more information on how live video surveillance can keep your property safe, please contact us today.