Choosing CCTV Systems for Entertainment Venues

If you run an entertainment business, you know the value and importance of providing video security for your venue. CCTV systems are among the most affordable ways to keep an eye on the various possible trouble areas so that you and your security crew can be prepared to step in where needed. If you’re just putting together a CCTV security system for your club or bar, these tips can help you design an effective system and designate security camera placement.

Entrance and Exit Points

The entry into your venue is a vital place for a security camera. If you require ID for entry, choose a camera that can capture a good, high-res image of both the ID and the face of the person presenting it, or make use of a system that photographs the ID while a surveillance camera captures the image of the person entering. This kind of footage can prove essential in defending you if your venue is charged with allowing underage patrons to enter.

Parking Areas

If your club provides parking for customers and staff, point a surveillance camera at the parking lot. Choose either a wide angle camera that can view the entire parking lot, or a PTZ camera that can be programmed to sweep and zoom in based on movement or other triggers. In addition to providing security and peace of mind for your customers, a security camera on the parking lot can provide safety for any staff that leaves after closing, late at night.

Transaction Points

Placing a surveillance camera at transaction points – cash registers or the bar, for example – allows you to keep an eye on any place that money changes hands. You can present it to your employees as a way to ensure their safety and provide evidence if they are accused of mistreating customers. It also allows you to spot abuses by your staff and pinpoint waste and inefficiency in serving customers.

Dance Floor and Customer Areas

Choose a PTZ camera to do programmed sweeps of the dance floor or customer seating area. This is especially important in an entertainment venue where crowds can get rowdy. It allows your security staff to quickly pinpoint brewing hot spots and get there before actual problems break out. Surveillance sweeps of the customer areas are also useful for post mortem analysis after incidents to help you and your staff understand how an incident started and be better prepared for it in the future.

Before making final plans for camera placement, be sure to check the code and laws in your state and city to make sure that you don’t violate any laws. In general, venue owners are prohibited from placing cameras in bathrooms and areas where customers have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Aside from that, though, CCTV systems can be one of the most valuable steps you take to protect your property, your staff and your customers.