How to Set Up Video Surveillance at Minimal Cost?
One of the biggest expenses when installing video surveillance is the cost of cameras. It’s crucial to choose cameras that fit your specific needs. The more features a camera has, the more expensive it is, but not all features are necessary. For example, an infrared (IR) camera in a well-lit 24/7 store may be redundant. Key areas for camera placement include entrances, exits, cash registers, counters, stairwells, etc.
For designing a surveillance system, there are many solutions, but one of the most popular is the camera placement tool. It offers the largest camera database, extensive features for 3D camera placement planning, visibility and identification zone mapping, and network infrastructure planning. Numerous free CCTV courses are available online, with comprehensive ones on YouTube and the software publisher’s website. Using this tool helps optimize camera placement, reducing the number of cameras needed.
Why Is This Important?
According to a police guide by the University of Arizona, surveillance cameras have a strong psychological effect on criminals, altering their risk assessment and deterring crime. Criminals avoid monitored areas or try to stay off camera.
In practice, surveillance cameras help solve crimes and catch offenders, even if they flee the scene, by providing footage to law enforcement. People feel safer knowing security investments are in place, trusting that cameras will record incidents and deter criminals.
Economic Impact in Major Cities
A study by the Urban Institute confirms the benefits of surveillance and highlights its economic and social advantages.
For example:
Chicago saved $12 million annually by preventing crimes, with an initial installation cost of just $8 million.
Baltimore saw a noticeable drop in crime after installing just 50 cameras in strategic locations, improving public safety and trust in law enforcement.
These examples demonstrate that surveillance systems are not only effective in crime prevention but also economically sustainable, with low maintenance costs after initial setup.
How Does It Affect Businesses Economically?
Both the Urban Institute and the University of Arizona studies examine the economic effects of surveillance. Let’s explore its impact on small, medium, and large businesses.
Small Businesses
In the U.S., most companies are small businesses (under 100 employees and annual revenue below $47 million, depending on industry). Think of a hot dog stand, a small diner, or a thriving boutique hotel; all deal with many people, increasing the risk of minor incidents (e.g., theft, disputes).
A basic surveillance system helps monitor employees, prevent security issues, and resolve conflicts. For small businesses, cameras are a necessary security and control tool.
Cost: Small businesses don’t need many cameras or specialized equipment. A simple camera or DVR costs $50 – $400 per unit. On average, 5 – 6 police calls occur per 700 hours of footage.
Medium-Sized Businesses
Medium businesses (100 – 1,000 employees, revenue $10M – $1B) often include restaurant chains, auto repair networks, or hotel chains. They need large, reliable surveillance systems for remote monitoring by security teams and management. This ensures compliance, operational oversight, and managerial accountability across locations.
Large Corporations
Large businesses (above medium-sized) are major corporations where brand reputation is critical. They invest heavily in surveillance for security, safety compliance, workflow optimization, and managerial oversight. These companies install numerous high-end cameras without cutting corners.
Conclusion
Video surveillance is not just a trend; it’s a vital tool for security, process control, and business efficiency. Whether it’s a small café, a chain of auto shops, or a massive corporation, every organization faces risks like theft, misconduct, or operational inefficiencies.
- For small businesses, surveillance prevents losses.
- For medium businesses, it’s a management and monitoring tool.
- For large corporations, it’s part of security and reputation management.
Modern technology offers solutions for any budget, from a single memory-card camera to AI-powered analytics integrated with IT systems. Installing surveillance is an investment that pays off financially and operationally.
