Five Places to Put a Security Camera with CCTV Systems

The success of CCTV systems depends, in large part, on proper security camera placement. After all, the surveillance camera and security camera you choose are the eyes of your security system. You want them pointed in the right direction to get the information, images and date you need. These are five of the places for security camera placement suggested by law enforcement and loss prevention specialists.

Front Door

The front door of the building is the most important place to locate a CCTV camera. Position it so that it will capture the faces and up to 3/4ths of the full body of all persons entering the building. The front door camera in a security building will allow you (or your tenants) to view who is at the door without opening it. This is especially valuable if you have children who are home alone after school. They never have to open the door to check who is ringing the doorbell.

Rear or Side Doors

Combine rear and side door cameras with a front door security camera to track all people entering and leaving the building. A CCTV camera record for each entrance and exit can be invaluable in situations where you need to verify who is inside a building and who has left it.

Somewhere Visible

One of the biggest benefits of CCTV systems is their deterrent effect on crime. Most criminals don’t want to perform for the security camera, so put an obvious surveillance camera in a very visible spot – and back it up with a sign warning that the property is under video surveillance.

Near the Driveway/Garage

If your driveway is out of sight of the house, a security camera can serve as a deterrent to thieves and vandals, and let you keep an eye on your wheels. It will also discourage teenage kids from taking the family car for a spin when mom and dad are asleep.

Around the Swimming Pool

Add a layer of protection around your swimming pool by covering it with a surveillance camera. A motion-activated security camera will turn on only if someone enters the pool area. Combine it with a motion-activated alarm to warn you if a child or neighborhood kid has entered the pool enclosure unsupervised. A CCTV camera at the swimming pool is more than a security enhancer. It could, quite literally, save a life.

Choosing the right place for security cameras makes CCTV systems more effective. Before you shop for cameras, figure out the best places for your surveillance. It will help you choose the best cameras for those positions.

Choosing the Right Surveillance Camera for CCTV Systems

CCTV systems work with many different types of surveillance camera types. There are hidden cameras, pin hole cameras, network cameras, analog cameras, digital cameras, PTZ cameras, dome cameras and so many more that just looking at a catalog can make you dizzy. How do you choose among them all to find the best CCTV camera for your needs?

The first step is to actually consider your needs. Each type of CCTV camera is designed to do a specific type of job. A surveillance camera, for example, is designed to capture footage to gather evidence, identify a criminal or capture an event. They tend to have higher resolution and deliver higher quality video, but are more expensive. A security camera, on the other hand, is meant to alert you to what’s happening around you in the now. They’re the right choice if you’re more concerned with being alerted to possible threats (including shoplifting and theft) so that you can intervene in some way. The video quality doesn’t have to be high, but mobility becomes more important.

Other factors you’ll need to consider when choosing cameras for CCTV systems include questions such as these:

Will the Security Camera Be Mounted Outside?

In that case, you’ll want a camera with weatherproof housing to protect it from the elements, and with a cage to protect it from vandals who’ll want to disable it before getting into mischief.

Do You Want to Deter Crime?

You’ll probably want to choose an obvious security camera, one that mounts in plain sight and makes it clear that the premises are under surveillance.

Do You Want to Record Possible Crimes?

If your intent is to catch criminals in the act, you’ll want to choose a surveillance camera that can be hidden. There are dozens of styles of surveillance cameras, ranging from pinhole cameras to nanny cameras and more.

Do You Want to Access Your Camera Feed Remotely?

Network cameras, also known as IP cameras, are set up on a network with a network video recorder and allow you to access the camera’s feed from any device that can connect to the network. They can present security risks from hackers, but the convenience may outweigh the risk.

The security camera you choose will make a big difference in how well various CCTV systems will serve your needs. Take the time to consider exactly what you expect when you install a security system and choose the CCTV camera that will serve your needs the best.