Tips for Buying Video Surveillance Gear

• NCJ Number: 218963
• Journal: Law and Order: The Magazine for Police Management Volume: 55 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2007 Pages: 58-60,63,65
• Author(s): Jake Lahmann
• Date Published: May 2007
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Best Practice/State-of-the-Art Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article offers tips for police agencies considering the purchase of video surveillance equipment.

Abstract

Before making a video surveillance equipment purchase, police agencies should analyze their responses to 10 key questions: (1) what is the nature of your surveillance; (2) are you trying to thwart perpetrators or catch them; (3) do you have the necessary technical expertise to choose the right system; (4) how do you choose the right video-security vendor; (5) how many cameras do you need; (6) what are the correct specs for your system; (7) how will you power your surveillance system; (8) how will the audio and video be transmitted; (9) have you considered the recording issues; and (10) is your system future-proofed? The author goes through each question to offer advice on how to determine the best video surveillance system for a police agency. For example, agencies are urged to consider the type of surveillance necessary, such as covert or overt surveillance or perhaps in-car video surveillance systems. Agencies should consider the objective of their surveillance program, such as to prevent crime in the first place or catch criminals following the commission of a crime. Thwarting criminals requires large, obvious cameras whereas catching criminals tends to be best accomplished by employing hidden cameras with high resolution. Advice is also offered on how to choose the right video-security vendor depending on the needs of the agency and on the type of specifications required for the surveillance capacity needed. “Future-proofing” surveillance equipment is also important so that the equipment can handle updates. The author advises agencies to steer clear of proprietary technology and connections because they require the same manufacturer for the life of the system and thus disallow maximum flexibility for future adaptations. Exhibits