Video Surveillance, Why It’s Important

Video surveillance in the workplace protects both the company and its employees. In 2010, on average, 10 cameras were installed in a commercial setting, and the average total cost for a video surveillance installation was $13,280, according to the Security Sales and Integration website. The importance of video camera surveillance in the workplace often justifies the cost.

Protect the Company

Install surveillance systems inside and outside the workplace to record criminals who vandalize or steal company property. The video images will help the police in the ensuing investigation. Video surveillance cameras also record acts of employee theft. The cameras can act as a crime deterrent. When criminals see a surveillance camera, or employees know surveillance is in place, it discourages criminal activity.

Protect the Employees With Video Surveillance

Video systems protect employees both directly and indirectly. Set up video cameras in company parking lots and outside the building to record criminal activity and allow company security officers to insure that employees reach their vehicles safely. The video system can record instances of employee abuse or harassment towards other employees, which can be used as evidence against the antagonist. Video surveillance protects employees indirectly by monitoring each visitor who comes into the building and keeps a video record of suspicious activity.

Productivity

Managers and supervisors can use surveillance to monitor employee productivity, determine job performance areas where the employee needs improvement and insure that employees follow company safety rules. Maintenance employees can use video cameras to detect equipment that needs repair and equipment that is operating in an unsafe manner. Because employees, managers and supervisors cannot be everywhere at once, a video surveillance system monitors productivity without hiring additional personnel.

Customer Records

Retail establishments use video surveillance to monitor what customers do. For example, if a client claims to have purchased an expensive item but does not have the receipt, surveillance records are used to determine whether she was in the store on the day in question, and if she did purchase the item. Video will clarify an exchange between a client and a store employee. If the customer is looking for financial compensation because she claims an employee was rude to her, and the video evidence says otherwise, the store can present its evidence to support the employee’s case.