In this day and age, you can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your business or event. You want to be sure that you’re properly equipped to handle any threat that might come your way.
Some people opt for video surveillance to monitor an area and make sure nothing goes wrong. Other people find that real-live security officers better suit their needs. How do you decide which option is right for you? Check out this comprehensive comparison to help you choose.
Deterring Threats
Security Officers
When people see security officers standing by, they are less likely to commit a crime. If you want your security to be highly visible, security officers are a great option. They are impossible to miss and create a feeling of safety.
Video Surveillance
Sometimes, people will notice security cameras and decide that they’ll get caught if they try to commit a crime. Usually, though, cameras are much less effective for this purpose. They are much less noticeable than security officers are and less likely to deter someone from committing a crime.
Covering Ground
Security Officers
Security officers can patrol a property and be vigilant. However, one person can only patrol so much ground. Even if you have multiple security officers, it can be difficult for them to fully cover your whole property.
Video Surveillance
Depending on your budget, it’s possible to get cameras to cover ever inch of your property. The combination of each camera’s range of motion and proper camera placement can give you a complete view of your property. If you’re looking to monitor the most ground, video surveillance is the way to go.
Reaction to Crimes
Security Officers
When a security officer sees something, he can react immediately. Security officers are comprehensively trained to remain vigilant and react quickly and appropriately to the situation at hand. They are able to react to a situation without any lag time.
Video Surveillance
If you have someone monitoring your video surveillance at all times (the best case scenario), it’s possible to see a crime as it’s happening, but you still won’t be able to respond right away. Your monitor will have to call for assistance, which loses precious time in which the perpetrator could escape or cause more damage.
Cost
Security Officers
Because you have to pay security officers a salary or hourly wage, they are an ongoing cost you can’t get rid of. You’ll have to decide whether the benefits that they provide outweigh the cost of keeping them around.
Video Surveillance
Purchasing all of the equipment necessary for video surveillance will be a significantly higher start up cost than hiring security officers. However, once the equipment is installed, the cost will be much lower. It’s important to consider, though, if you plan on hiring someone to monitor the equipment, which will be an additional cost.
Assessing a Threat
Security Officers
Security officers have the advantage of interacting with people. Not only can they follow and watch people when necessary, but they can talk to them. If they are trying to assess a threat, sometimes having a conversation with the person can be instrumental. This ability is also important in deescalating situations before real threats arise.
Video Surveillance
If you have cameras monitoring your property, you can watch everything. You can keep an eye on any potential threat and monitor closely. However, watching is not necessarily as effective as interacting with people.
After Hours
Security Officers
Often, people send security officers home when their businesses close, rendering them ineffective after hours. In other cases, you might keep a security guard there to survey the property. However, it is not possible for them to cover as much ground as surveillance cameras.
Video Surveillance
After the officers go home, video surveillance can continue to monitor the property. They can cover all of the areas that officers can’t and ensure that the property is being watched at all times. Video surveillance is a great way to keep an eye on your property after hours.
Evidence
Security Officers
In events where the police need to be called, a security officer’s testimony isn’t always reliable. He might have experienced an adrenaline rush during the situation that makes him unable to remember events properly. There is a good chance he would not be able to take in all of the information. While attending to a situation, it is possible that he missed something else.
Video Surveillance
Video evidence is the most reliable form to present to police. It will have captured the entire situation in an unbiased manner. Using video evidence, police can watch the entire situation unfold for themselves and respond appropriately. Often it will help in identifying suspects as well
Comparison
Overall, there are benefits to both sorts of security options. However, if you want the most reliable security possible, a combination of security officers and video surveillance will yield the best results. Use video surveillance to monitor the property, especially after hours, and be your eyes where your officers can’t. Use your security officers as your first line of defense against any crimes or theft that could occur.
United Security Incorporated | Video Surveillance Systems
Whether you're looking to install a surveillance system, hire security officers, or just talk about what options best fit your needs, we're here to help!
When it comes to the security of your building, it's best not to leave it up to chance. Be sure that you have made every effort possible to keep your property, employees, and visitors well protected. If you have any concerns, you should consider having your security measures evaluated by a reputable company.
