Are you a small business owner who has been resisting the idea of installing a security camera in your place of work? CCTV systems
are becoming ubiquitous, and there are some very good reasons for that.
If you own a small business that engages with the public in any way,
there are far more benefits than disadvantages to installing a CCTV
camera system.
Security
The biggest reason to install a CCTV camera
on your premises is increased security, especially if you choose a
surveillance camera setup with real-time monitoring. Of course, few
small business owners can afford a full-time security employee to
provide real-time monitoring, but there are ways to get around that
limitation. The most common way is to place the monitor in the line of
sight of a cashier, service desk employee or hostess. By installing a
CCTV system with this configuration, your place of business can keep an
eye on the parking lot while customers enjoy their meals or monitor
areas around the building that aren’t in plain sight from the street,
adding a measure of safety to your customers’ experience.
Theft Prevention
In
retail stores, CCTV systems serve the purpose of preventing and
detecting theft, both by customers/the public and by employees. Stores
that install a security camera to cover areas that aren’t easily seen
from employee stations see a major reduction in shrinkage due to
shoplifting and employee theft. This isn’t restricted to retail
establishments, though. In cafes, bars and restaurants, a surveillance
camera can keep an eye on employee interactions to ensure that they
aren’t comping friends to meals or pouring the liquor too freely and
wasting your money.
Access Control
The newest CCTV systems
can work in conjunction with a security/access control system. If you
own a small apartment building, for example, a security camera at the
front door can allow residents to see visitors before they answer the
door and possibly let in a burglar or other dangerous person. By tying
your smartphone or tablet into a feed from your security camera, you can
set up a system to send an alert to your phone if someone arrives at
your home, and choose whether to remotely unlock the door for them. Even
if you don’t have a remote access system, an alert from your security
system can prompt you to view the feed from your security camera and
decide whether the incident merits a call to the police.
CCTV
systems are becoming more and more of a convenience and a necessity in
today’s business world. Don’t fall behind the times. Protect your
business with the latest affordable technology.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Monday, November 4, 2013
Should You Use CCTV Systems For Surveillance in the Workplace?
It’s one of the hottest premises on the TV reality show circuit.
Business owners whose businesses are floundering contact a celebrity
expert for help. The experts come into the business and install CCTV systems
to observe the “typical” working day. It’s been used in beauty salons,
restaurants, hotels and bars and the ratings prove that it’s a popular
format. One of the experts, Bar Rescue’s Jon Taffer, is a great believer
in CCTV camera
use to keep employees on their toes and honest. But is it a good idea
to set up CCTV systems to spy on your employees? There are two sides to
the coin. These are the pros and cons you should consider when deciding
whether to install a surveilance camera system in your place of
business.
Legal Ramifications
Before you dig in and set up a surveilance camera system in your business, research the laws in your state about the installation of surveillance systems. Some states practically give you carte blanche because it is your property, while others have strict rules about where you can and can’t install a security camera. In general, most states don’t allow you to install a surveilance camera in areas where employees have a “reasonable expectation of privacy,” such as restrooms or locker rooms. Contact an experienced employment lawyer before investing in setting up a surveillance system.
The Benefits of CCTV Systems in the Workplace
If you’re considering installing a CCTV system in your business, chances are that you suspect a problem. There are a number of common problems that the presence of a surveillance system can address.
Theft and Shrinkage: No one wants to think that employees may be stealing from them, but the U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that U.S. businesses lose between $20 billion and $40 billion annually to employee theft. The ways that employees can steal from a business vary widely, and depend largely on the type of business. In many cases, employees may not even think of what they’re doing as “stealing.” A security camera can both deter employee theft and catch employees in the act, but they’re only one part of a solution to prevent employee shrinkage.
Harassment: As a business owner, you can, and usually will be, held responsible for allowing inappropriate employee behavior. It is your job to provide a safe working environment for your employees, and that includes doing all you can to prevent harassment, bullying and other inappropriate behaviors. The presence of a security camera can help reinforce the company’s determination to prevent those behaviors, as well as provide evidence if there is a charge of harassment made.
Adherence to Policies: Finally, CCTV systems are a great way to keep an eye on employees when you’re not around so that you can see how well they conform to the standards you’ve set for them.
Keep in mind that many employees are uncomfortable with the idea of CCTV systems monitoring their work. Think carefully about how to explain your decision to staff, but in the end, do what you think is best for your business.
Legal Ramifications
Before you dig in and set up a surveilance camera system in your business, research the laws in your state about the installation of surveillance systems. Some states practically give you carte blanche because it is your property, while others have strict rules about where you can and can’t install a security camera. In general, most states don’t allow you to install a surveilance camera in areas where employees have a “reasonable expectation of privacy,” such as restrooms or locker rooms. Contact an experienced employment lawyer before investing in setting up a surveillance system.
The Benefits of CCTV Systems in the Workplace
If you’re considering installing a CCTV system in your business, chances are that you suspect a problem. There are a number of common problems that the presence of a surveillance system can address.
Theft and Shrinkage: No one wants to think that employees may be stealing from them, but the U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that U.S. businesses lose between $20 billion and $40 billion annually to employee theft. The ways that employees can steal from a business vary widely, and depend largely on the type of business. In many cases, employees may not even think of what they’re doing as “stealing.” A security camera can both deter employee theft and catch employees in the act, but they’re only one part of a solution to prevent employee shrinkage.
Harassment: As a business owner, you can, and usually will be, held responsible for allowing inappropriate employee behavior. It is your job to provide a safe working environment for your employees, and that includes doing all you can to prevent harassment, bullying and other inappropriate behaviors. The presence of a security camera can help reinforce the company’s determination to prevent those behaviors, as well as provide evidence if there is a charge of harassment made.
Adherence to Policies: Finally, CCTV systems are a great way to keep an eye on employees when you’re not around so that you can see how well they conform to the standards you’ve set for them.
Keep in mind that many employees are uncomfortable with the idea of CCTV systems monitoring their work. Think carefully about how to explain your decision to staff, but in the end, do what you think is best for your business.
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