What are Your Options for Home Security Cameras?

There’s a lot to choose from when it comes to residential security systems and, as a homeowner, it can be overwhelming to work through the different options and combinations of electronic security systems. Here are some insights into modern home security cameras and what they have to offer.

Features of high-quality home security cameras

It’s important to know what features are the most critical in a security camera – this way, you can properly evaluate their role in home security systems. 

• Field of view – This term refers to how wide an angle you can get from the camera before it has to move. Generally, FOV can be between 100 and 180 degrees, which is a significant difference. The greater the FOV, the more coverage the camera offers. This means fewer blind spots for criminals and that you’ll likely have to install fewer cameras too. 

• Image quality – This is the quality of the images that the camera will capture. These days, most home security cameras capture images in high definition (1080p), but it’s still good to read reviews to see how clear and free of interference the images should be and whether or not the camera has digital zoom. 

• Motion detection – This is a great feature that allows the camera to start recording as soon as it is triggered by motion. These cameras can send you a notification when the trigger is activated so that you can check-in. it’s also useful because you don’t end up with hours and hours of recorded footage where nothing is happening. 

• WiFi capability – When a camera is WiFi-enabled it means that criminals cannot physically cut the feed and prevent the camera from recording. It also means that you can view camera footage in real-time on your computer or smartphone.

• Smart capabilities – These features allow your security cameras and electronic security systems to connect with one another as well as connect to other smart systems like Alexa or Google Assistant. It’s a pretty useful feature where you can, for example, set lights to turn on when a video camera is triggered. 

• Face detection – This is an advanced security feature that some homeowners really enjoy. While most video cameras send you a notification when electronic security systems are triggered, others can actually use facial-recognition software to help identify who has triggered the camera. This is useful for identifying false alerts, such as when your kids enter the property after hours or forget to switch off the home security system. 

When it comes to electronic security systems for the home, it’s essential to get to grips with the fundamentals of this technology. This will help you create a custom solution that suits your security needs and budget.

Do Vehicle Security Patrols Prevent Crime?

If you are looking at different physical security services to protect your business or secure community, you might be considering mobile security solutions in the form of mobile patrols by manned vehicles. Here’s some insight from a security specialist into the kind of protection and response these services offer to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.

The goal of vehicular mobile patrols

Usually, this service involves one or a pair of trained security guards patrolling an area at scheduled times in a highly-visible mobile security vehicle. They don’t stay on-site, but rather patrol a number of areas at times specified by the client – for example, patrolling commercial office parks after hours.

The goals of a mobile patrol are:

• High-security visibility – This is a highly effective deterrent for crime in commercial, industrial and residential areas, preventing both opportunistic and more organized criminal activity.

• 24/7 security – Mobile security patrols are available at all hours and are a preferred choice for an after-dark security solution.

• Secure large premises – Having a vehicle extends the range of your trained security guards, allowing them to perform effective mobile patrols over large commercial or residential spaces, including entire neighborhoods.

• Test security systems – Mobile patrols actively test your different levels of security, including checking accessible gates/doors/windows, report on the conditions of the property, suspicious activity and more. These reports should be filled in and submitted on a daily basis, making them useful data for building owners, your security specialist, and security teams. In addition to watching for illegal or criminal activity, your mobile security team should report on maintenance or safety issues such as damage to the property or burned-out lights that criminals can take advantage of.

• Prevent trespassing – Any unauthorized access can be quickly detected and responded to, either by trained security guards or law enforcement.

• Affordable security – Mobile patrols are often more affordable than having a private security guard, allowing businesses and residential areas access to trained, experienced security protection from a security specialist without having to pay for a permanent security guard.

The main drawback of mobile security patrols that your security specialist should inform you about is that they are not effective for catching criminals in the act. The vehicles are highly-visible as a deterrent, so they cannot sneak up on criminals or play a role in trapping criminals. In the event of your mobile security team detecting criminal activity or your security alarm is triggered, your mobile patrol may only respond if they are trained to act under these conditions. In general, they will act to alert law enforcement or relevant emergency services.

Tips on Bomb Threat Response from a Security Expert

A bomb threat in business, university or school is something no one really wants to think about – but managed security services know that it’s essential to have bomb response protocols in place if a threat this serious arises. Here’s some important security advice from an experienced security expert.

• Customize plans for your location and risks: Security experts recommend that you develop a customized security plan rather than applying a generic one, as this is unlikely to recognize the specific threats and vulnerabilities that your organization faces. For example, a university will face very different security threats than a marathon or a research laboratory. Developing these protocols should involve security advice and a comprehensive audit by your managed security services partner, including an evaluation of man-made barriers, neighboring entities, current security systems and more.
• Scenario-based training: Once you have developed your protocols with the help of a security expert, it’s important to do regular training based on a variety of scenarios based on their likeliness of occurring. There’s no guarantee that your entire team will be available in the event of a security issue, so training should also consider what should happen if certain staff members are unavailable. Your managed security services partner should play an active role in these scenarios, assisting with training and security advice.
• Keep your team informed: Your team should meet at regular intervals with your managed security services partner to ensure that each person is kept up-to-date on protocols and new threats. They should all know what to do in the event that they receive a suspicious package, how to identify credible threats, and who to contact.
• Keep plans and protocols confidential: Outside of your selected team and the security expert you work with, your security and response protocols should be kept confidential. If these are available publicly or throughout your organization, it can equip a potential aggressor with the information they need to make their threat or attack more effectively.
• Build relationships with useful partners: Good fences make good neighbors and, in the event of an emergency, it’s important to have mutual support in place from neighboring organizations, law enforcement, and emergency response teams. This may mean making neighbors aware of potential threats to your organization (they can act to make you aware of any suspicious activity) or having a plan in place where you can evacuate to a safe location on their property.

If you would like to create a comprehensive strategy for addressing bomb threats and similar security threats to your organization, it’s important to get security advice from an experienced security expert who can deliver customized, industry-leading managed security services. 

5 Ways That Your Business Can Benefit from Security Guard Services

Security consultants provide useful insight into identifying the risks that different businesses and organizations face as well as providing expert security advice and solutions to improve productivity, safety, and workflow in the workplace. Here is some insight into the benefits of security guard services as part of a comprehensive business security solution.

1. Improve customer service – Security guards can take an active role in assisting clients and customers visiting your business, providing professional assistance with directions and other queries. They can also assist disabled visitors, senior citizens and other visitors having difficulty moving through your premises, including moving people to the front of queues and so on.
2. Developing a robust security plan – Security guard services that are professionally trained by your security consultant can take an active role in securing your business and creating a safe and welcoming workplace. They are trained to give you security advice, help you develop and carry out security plans on your premises, including plans to prevent or act in the event of different types of criminal activity and disaster scenarios such as fires, active shooters, robbery, gas leaks, and unauthorized access. Once protocols have been developed, your security guard services can train your staff, give them security advice, inform them about the importance of workplace security and even run emergency preparedness drills.
3. Respond in the event of an emergency – Your security guards are your first line of response in the event of a workplace emergency, whether it is a robbery, fire or even a medical emergency. In addition to contacting and guiding emergency responders and law enforcement, they can provide first aid, and manage the emergency situation so that it doesn’t get worse.
4. Provide access control and surveillance – In addition to screening employees and visitors entering your premises and ensuring compliance with access control systems, security guard services can also actively assist in ensuring that access controlled areas within your premises are kept secure. By becoming familiar with your organization and its security systems, security guards will know what identification and security access is required for different spaces, as well as which employees have the correct level of clearance. This monitoring can be done physically as well as through video surveillance monitoring.
5. Be a visual crime deterrent – Security consultants can demonstrate that uniformed security guards who patrol and actively monitor your business are a very effective deterrent for criminal activity, preventing the majority of opportunistic and planned criminal activity. They can also act undercover and work in plain clothes to assist business owners and law enforcement in capturing criminals.

Finding quality security guard services means partnering with a security consultant who will take the time to understand your organization’s security needs, perform a comprehensive security audit, give you experience-based security advice and deliver highly-trained and effective security guards as part of a layered, customized security solution. 

When Should You Consider Upgrading Your Business Security Systems?

Security systems are an essential component to a well-run commercial building and, as with any system under facilities management, there comes a time when an upgrade is needed. Here are good reasons to call in a security expert to perform a comprehensive security audit and ensure your system is up to the challenges of today.

Modern security risks

The security risks that businesses faced 10 or 15 years ago are very different from the ones they face now, and older security systems simply weren’t designed to manage these risks. Security, whether it’s for homes or commercial organizations, is all about staying one step ahead of the criminals, so it’s important to upgrade to modern technology when possible. In fact, an outdated security system won’t just be less effective in the event of a breach, it also increases your risk of facing a breach by making your building a target.

Improved control and efficiency

A large part of facilities management is about efficiency – ensuring that a building’s systems are cost-effective and energy effective as well as running smoothly. Your security system is one part of your building, but modern technology has allowed facility managers to take greater control over security while delivering better results for tenants. Security audits show that older security systems are more likely to be overcome by criminals, whether it’s an access control system that is vulnerable to duplicated cards or hacking, security surveillance cameras that are low-quality or have blind spots, or building security systems that don’t have additional layers of security to cover vulnerable spots like server rooms, stock rooms or private areas.

With the help of a security expert, many elements of modern security systems can be integrated into a single building automation system that can easily be run from a central point. Access control, video surveillance and more can be monitored and controlled remotely through smart devices, allowing you to control locking mechanisms, monitor security and respond in the event of a breach or emergency from any point in the building.

Cost-efficiency benefits

Cost is one of the primary concerns raised when issues like security system upgrades are brought to the table, but the reality is that a state-of-the-art security system will bring long-term cost savings. It creates a safer work environment, attracting tenants and staff, it deters crime which costs companies severely each year, it improves productivity and, importantly, it usually results in significant cost savings in terms of building insurance and premiums. A professional security expert will perform a full security audit of your system to ensure that any old tech that is still usable is integrated into new systems, so it doesn’t necessarily mean a full overhaul of your existing system.

The key to ensuring you get the most benefit from a security systems upgrade is to ensure that you work with a reputable security expert who not only knows what the security industry has to offer and how to perform an extensive security audit but also understands your building an organization’s specific requirements. 

Why Hire a Security Consultant to Audit Your Co-Working Space?

Co-working spaces are a vibrant business market, providing flexible working space to remote workers in diverse industries where they can access the benefits of trendy and highly-functional office space at a fraction of the cost. However, this constant flow of different, unconnected people through space does open these offices up to certain security risks. A security consultant will be able to perform a comprehensive security audit and suggest appropriate electronic security systems that secure your space and clients without disrupting the environment.

Understand security threats in a free-movement office environment

Co-working spaces are unlike traditional offices in many ways, making a security audit essential. People working in the space are not necessarily working together and are likely strangers to one another, so identifying unauthorized access is challenging. People also change frequently – some work at the space on a permanent basis, others work flexibly on random days or use the space simply for client meetings, so not everyone in the space can easily be accounted for at a certain time or identified in connection with a particular client. In addition to office tech, many clients will bring their own pieces of tech, creating a risk of physical or data theft. Adequate security will also have to be provided during all hours your business is open (as many are open until late at night or even on a 24-hour basis), including secure parking.

Creating a balance between fun and security in a co-working space through a security consultant

Co-working spaces are in a competitive market and many of these businesses are born out of a desire to create high-end, creative and dynamic offices that are attractive, fun and quirky in addition to having the tech and infrastructure all office workers need. In order to attract clients, co-working spaces compete to offer the most flexibility and fun, from non-traditional office décor to entertainment spaces, coffee shops, and nap nooks – and the last thing you want is electronic security systems that lock up your space tighter than a military facility. It will be off-putting to your market, disrupt the atmosphere of your space and cost a lot to run – which is where a security consultant becomes valuable.

For a business like this with unique security risks and specific business goals, it’s essential to perform a full security audit to identify vulnerabilities and develop a tailored solution that not only protects your business but enhances it. This may include integrated electronic security systems like monitored alarm systems for exits and entrances, mobile access control or smart card access control systems, video surveillance, security guards and lighting for parking locations, lockable storage for clients as well as secure storage for any equipment whenever it is not in use.

With a proactive approach to security, co-working spaces are able to prevent security and safety issues and support your business in providing a safe, enjoyable and secure space to work. If you think you could benefit from a security audit, speak to a professional security consultant who can recommend high-quality, appropriate electronic security systems. 

4 Reasons Why Your Organisation Needs a Security Expert

Security is one area that has become a significant part of other organisational roles, from facilities managers and loss prevention managers to internal security risk management teams – so, would consulting with a security expert really help? Couldn’t you just do the security audit and upgrades yourself? Here’s some insight into why an outsider’s input is essential in this role.

1.  Access to specialised skills: Many security-related roles have many aspects to them – security risk management is just one facet. But hiring a security expert means hiring someone whose entire professional skillset is focused on this one, specific area. They have the time, experience and focus to advance their knowledge into security disciplines, technology and strategy that most organisations lack in-house. A security expert fills in any skill gaps that you may have in-house, especially when dealing with specialised or unique projects.
   
2. They’re independent: At the end of the day, each vendor is going to sell you on their product as the best possible solution to vulnerabilities exposed in your security audit. This makes it close to impossible to get a truly objective perspective – until you hire a security expert. They care about one thing – your organisation’s security risk management – and have no allegiances to anything except finding the best solution. 
3. Cost-efficiency: Hiring a security expert is one of the most cost-efficient ways of upgrading your business security systems. Often, security projects that are put out for bid without a security expert on board lack proper project specification and qualification criteria, leading to expensive shortfalls when new components are required to make the system properly address your security risk management needs. A security expert can perform a security audit that ensures a comprehensive brief, evaluate proposals and components with an unbiased eye, and manage your project and upgrades to ensure a professional, quality result. 
4. Effective use of resources: In-house facilities and security managers have a lot on their plates on a daily basis, and likely don’t have the time to manage a comprehensive security project. Hiring a security expert is an effective use of organisational resources, allowing in-house professionals to manage their tasks without the additional load of managing security risk analysis and security audits, security design, product selection, system implementation and training – all of which can take hundreds of hours. 

 Finding the right security expert to handle your organisation’s project is about connecting with a security risk management specialist who has the skills, experience and dedication to see a job through from start to finish.  

Security Expert Shares Tips for Female Business Travellers

Women traveling for business is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the travel industry – but research by the Global Business Travel Association showed that just 18% of corporate travel and business security policies address safety and security concerns specific to women. As a security expert and a leader in the business security industry, it’s vital to raise awareness of this industry and empower women with the knowledge to increase their safety while traveling for work.

Know the risks and be a hard target

As a female business traveler, the unfortunate reality is that you are at much higher risk than male counterparts – especially when traveling alone. Dangers include sexual harassment and sexual assault, kidnapping, destination-specific gender norms, muggings, and even gender-specific health risks. Security experts know that it’s important to be aware of these risks and actively take all the steps you can to manage risk effectively, including addressing concerns with their company, getting advice from a business security specialist, or taking steps to enhance personal safety.

Choosing a hotel room

One of the main concerns for female business travelers is the security of their hotel room. Business security experts recommend that you specify a room on the third floor or higher to prevent access from the outside, and to ensure that there are double locks on the internal doors. The hotel should also have 24-hour onsite security. Read up on the hotel options on online review boards to ensure you are aware of the location and security of the hotel, whether it’s foreign or domestic.

Research your destination

If you are unfamiliar with your destination, take some time to read up about it online, specifically focusing on safety and security in the area.  Security industry research advises that you get to know the local culture as it relates to women, hotspots for protest action and opportunistic crimes like muggings, no-go zones for tourists and safe modes of transportation.

Ensure your business provides registered, chauffeured ground transportation

Getting to and from business meetings and hotels is a challenge even in the best circumstances, but it carries additional risks for female business travelers, according to the security industry. Driving alone, late at night, through unfamiliar streets or to unfamiliar addresses is high-risk for personal security and should be avoided. Uber and other ride-sharing tech are incredibly useful and widespread throughout the world but still comes with security risks. If you do use these services, try to avoid traveling alone whenever possible and make sure that your driver and the car is the correct one according to the app.

Of course, as security experts know, there is only so much that female business travelers can do on their own to reduce these personal security risks – it is essential that companies and business security partners come together to develop effective policies to safeguard employees traveling for work purposes. There’s a lot more the security industry and private organizations can do. 

Video Security Systems for Safe, Smart Cities

Smart cities are the future of urban living in this advanced digital age. Using the Internet of Things and high-tech sensors and data analysis, cities are moving towards a time where detailed data can be collected and put to work enhancing the efficiency of the entire environment. So, how can advanced video security systems play a role in this new era of corporate security and home security? 

Reduction of crime and improved public safety 

Every city has areas where crime is a problem, whether it’s hijackings, drug dealing, robberies of homes and local businesses, muggings, prostitution or other violent crimes. High-quality video security systems have proven themselves incredibly effective in reducing crime as well as successfully prosecuting criminals when they’re applied as part of corporate security or home security system – and the same benefits can be applied in the case of smart cities. Much of this technology already exists and can be linked to solar powered systems to ensure that surveillance can occur without increasing pressure on the grid as well as in the event of a blackout. 

Support limited police manpower 

Whether a large city or small, there are frequently occasions where there just aren’t enough personnel to put into the field to properly police an urban area. Video security systems can help mitigate this challenge in a smart city environment in addition to supporting home security and corporate security. Strategically positioned video cameras can record data from multiple locations that are streamed directly to a single member of the police (or a team), resulting in police being able to do more work more efficiently. Another example is using video surveillance that includes additional tech to send automatic, real-time alerts to police, one example of which is gunshot detection. Drones may play a role here too, as police can send them to confirm a situation and record critical information or even tail a suspect while officers are on their way. 

Improved town planning and infrastructure 

Video security systems can also deliver huge volumes of data that are not security-related but that can help improve the lives of people within a smart city. By better understanding traffic flow, pedestrian flow and how people move around the city, better transportation strategies can be developed. Traffic bottlenecks and problems can be quickly detected, and the information passed on to people so that they can make use of alternative routes. Alerts can be sent out when a large event is occurring in the city such as a marathon, concert or cycling race so that citizens are aware of route closures and potential traffic. 

While video security systems offer a lot of benefits, it’s always important to consider the risks as well, especially those relating to privacy and the potential misuse of this technology. In implementing these solutions, an ethical and trustworthy specialist in corporate security and home security is essential. 

Security Systems – Keeping Employees Safe on the Job

When most people think of business security systems, they think of preventing theft, burglary, or arson – but the reality is that these systems are also in place to keep employees safe in the workplace. Here are some insights into this important aspect of business security, as a leading security specialist. 

Physical threats employees can face in the workplace

It’s important that employees feel safe and secure while at work in order to be able to focus on the job at hand. Unfortunately, physical threats can and do occur, including: 

• Actions by disgruntled employees, former employees or customers 
• Vandalism 
• Theft 
• Active shooters 
• Dangerous events such as fire, the release of toxic chemicals, physical hazards, etc. 

As a business owner, your priority is to keep your people safe and prevent any threats where possible – and that means evaluating your business for vulnerabilities and putting in place expert, rapid-response security systems.

From policy to business security systems – The steps you can take to a safe workplace

• Step One: Follow national and state regulations for safety and security in the workplace. These will include policies on providing safety training, maintenance for your premises and equipment, regulations for work sites, the development of emergency response plans and ensuring that adequate first aid kits and training are available.

• Step Two: Develop emergency procedures and train your staff. This involves the development of emergency procedures unique to your premises, your industry and the potential threat. Employees should then be trained on how to respond in the event of this threat occurring and leaders should be appointed to organize and coordinate staff. This is not a one-size-fits-all plan – the response plan for a fire is going to be very different from the response plan to a shooter, for example.

• Step Three: Get your staff involved. This is not about a corporate policy that is implemented without the input or involvement of all your staff – its success depends on each person getting involved and taking on a responsible role. This means holding safety meetings with your staff and security specialist, getting feedback from employees and allowing employees to report concerns, even anonymously.

• Step Four: Install custom business security systems. Each business and industry have their own unique security concerns, and it’s, therefore, critical to have a solution that’s based on a comprehensive audit by a security specialist. This will ensure that all vulnerabilities are identified and effectively managed, from permitter security and access points to video surveillance, motion sensors, panic buttons, fire detection, and emergency response systems. Security systems in an organization should work together seamlessly, from the security guards and patrols to the CCTV systems and controlled entry systems.

Businesses and their employees rely on having a safe and secure work environment. Ensure that your staff is properly protected at work so that they can focus on their productivity by having a comprehensive consultation with a proven business security specialist.