CCTV vs Security Guards: What is a Perfect Solution for You?

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We are living in an age where crime is rampant. Every day, criminals appear to be becoming more daring. Businesses have been a prime target for terrorists. Shoplifting is a major cause of loss in the retail industry. Breaking into homes and flats is a possibility. You can never be too safe or have too much security, no matter where you are. If you are a building manager or a business owner, you will need to consider whether to use a security guard or surveillance system or both. Just in case you have to choose between the two, let’s start by comparing a security guard vs a camera.

Until recently hiring a security guard was the best way to secure your business, property or loved ones. But with the emergence of CCTV and other surveillance systems, the dynamics have changed. CCTV is slowly becoming the choice for the millennia due to cost-effectiveness, advances in detection technology and improved response times. Live video monitoring, also known as proactive video monitoring or PVM for short, is required for a CCTV system to be entirely effective in crime prevention.

In this article, we’d share a comparison between CCTV and security guards to the most frequent security and liability concerns that businesses face today. Understanding how these two systems compare, as well as how CCTV has progressed in recent years, will help you in making the best selection for your business.

Advantages of a CCTV

CCTV surveillance systems are convenient technological options for security. The most basic type of CCTV system can give video logs of daily business activities. The mere sight of a surveillance camera is enough to deter criminals.

Remote monitoring, audio alerts, and motion detection are all features of the most advanced CCTV systems. As a result, the number of false alarms is reduced. It can also reduce the amount of time needed for people to stay in front of the monitor.

The first CCTV surveillance systems were bulky and constrained by the video technology available at the time. Most video surveillance systems are now less obtrusive and apparent, and deliver high-definition pictures, thanks to digital video technology.

Video surveillance can be a very useful tool for capturing illegal activities and possibly identifying criminals.

Closed-circuit surveillance benefits include:

Surveillance on chokepoints around the business
Integrated audio for recording and warning off potential intruders
Lower levels of required maintenance, higher uptime
24-7 coverage
Lower long-term costs
Zero doubt about hired security guards’ credentials

A security camera system is a modest part of a security team’s payroll when compared to a security guard. The cost of installation can be high at first, but it decreases after the first year.

Know Your CCTV Options!

Before we get into the drawbacks of CCTV systems, it’s crucial to understand that there are various types of CCTVs. Before you invest money, be sure you buy the appropriate one!

The most prevalent ones capture low-resolution black-and-white videos. They also use motion detection, which means they won’t start filming until anything moves in front of their sensor. These features work together to ensure that you don’t spend valuable memory card space on video footage that isn’t being used.

Night vision, full HD video quality, and real-time cloud saves are among the more advanced systems. These are more expensive, but they may suffice for certain security requirements.

Disadvantages of Traditional CCTV Cameras

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) has significant drawbacks, despite its many advantages. These constraints might make or break the technology’s worth for your commercial enterprise.

Having to deal with these problems is a pain. This is owing to the fact that you will have to spend more money. There are ways to resolve it. For example, while it can act as a deterrent in most situations, a determined or disguised intruder may simply disregard the passive video surveillance.

Among the other disadvantages:

Surveillance cameras cannot take any actions to stop or deter threats.
The visibility and range of the cameras can be limited.
Cameras can be vandalized or disabled.
Video surveillance can record an incident but not prevent it.
Limited range coverage

Advantages of a Security Guard Service

Having a human security presence on-site has definite advantages. Security staff, for example, can physically intervene in instances when there is a risk of physical harm or crime. In many cases, simply being present might act as a deterrent.

Hired security guards, contrary to popular belief, must undergo training and be competent. Security officers are frequently drawn from the ranks of law enforcement. Security organisations require an entry-level security officer to complete training. This is to assist with competency. Some private security organisations require their employees to obtain a security and safety degree.

A security guard service offers these advantages:

The ability to patrol all areas of a facility.
Quick response for intervention or reporting to authorities.
Security checking for personnel and belongings.
On-site response to utility issues and weather damage.

Disadvantages of a Security Guards

However, a security guard service has its limitations. The most evident is the requirement to hire or outsource security staff, as well as the associated costs. And the costs of maintaining a security presence 24 hours a day, seven days a week are significantly higher.

There are other downsides to on-site security services |

Poor training can lead to deficient performance and create possible liability issues.
Obtaining a security guard service requires the need for additional insurance coverage.
Issues from lacklustre hiring practices, high turnover, and the threat of bodily harm.
Management for security patrolling can be a high-stress function and expensive.
False sense of security to people within the vicinity.

Combining Video Surveillance and Security Guard Services

Combining on-site guard services with a network of video surveillance cameras can provide full protection for organisations and enterprises with the capacity to do so.

This strategy can combine the greatest features of both approaches while avoiding the drawbacks of each. Surveillance cameras can substantially improve the coverage provided by on-foot or mobile patrols while lowering the potential of threats to on-site security guards. Intruders will be deterred by the presence of cameras, and any aggressive actions that may occur will be mitigated.

However, this is a costly endeavour, and many, if not all, firms would struggle to finance such a comprehensive security and monitoring system.

Summing-up

Both security guarding and CCTV cameras have their unique set of advantages and disadvantages. It entirely depends on your requirements, the kind of safety you’d opt for in order to keep your property and people secured.

Identify which option offers the most cost-effective solution, and then be confident in your security system selection. The best security option is a blended solution, which divides work between on-site and off-site security staff. Guards can feel safe leaving the on-site control room to deal with situations around the property if they know there is a backup at the room monitoring centre.

Security firms can achieve their safety objectives by combining the two arrangements. To make this easier, hire security providers that are high-quality, trustworthy, and respected to handle all areas of security. This will ensure peace of mind regarding the quality of the services and systems involved in securing your business or site. Some businesses prefer to combine proactive video monitoring with on-site security guards. The two working together offer a powerful security solution.

Shergroup can provide you with a solution that provides just that. And at a surprisingly affordable price. Contact us today to know how we can help you with your security concerns.