It is inconceivable to think of today’s businesses thriving without resorting to some sort of surveillance technique. Business is simply an industry that’s vulnerable to crimes such as theft and pilferage, encouraging the need for effective and reliable business security techniques. Today, business security is a million-dollar industry, thanks to its popularity for residential, commercial and even personal use. Business techniques have been refined and polished over the years but it did have a not-so-stellar past. Here’s how the modernization of surveillance techniques for business security occurred:
Cameras were first recommended for use in surveillance as far back as 1965, to watch over citizens in public areas. It was in 1969 when the U.S. began installing police cameras in the Municipal Building in New York City. Other cities followed suit. It was also during this time when the CCTV (closed circuit television) system was used by the police.
The advent of the video cassette recorder technology further improved and modernized surveillance techniques, although initially it wasn’t used for business security yet. The use of video surveillance also spread to the UK in the mid-70s, where it was used to monitor train stations.
At around this time, commercial establishments such as retail outlets, banks, gas stations and shops began using video surveillance as a surveillance technique to improve business security. Because of these establishments’ vulnerability to crime, particularly pilferage and theft, the practice became commonplace.
During that time, surveillance for businesses was largely limited to the use of the VCR. Although it helped prevent crime and apprehend criminals, it had its own set of limitations. The tape, for example, produced grainy black and white images that oftentimes made facial recognition difficult. Users also often failed to use fresh tapes, opting to re-use older ones and simply overwrite older footages. Footages captured in dim or low lighting were also less than ideal. Technology during this time was still in its infancy.
It wasn’t until the late 80s and early 90s when surveillance techniques have considerably improved. After the advent of the CCD or charged coupled device, surveillance cameras and other gadgets improved greatly, improving the quality of images and making it possible to capture footages even in low light or total darkness.
Even more useful is the evolution of features and functions, not just for cameras but also for recorders as well. The use of digital equipment also helped boost surveillance techniques, thanks to the availability of functions such as zoom lenses, faster frame speed mode, night vision, motion detection and motion-only recording. Computers and the Internet has also paved the way for multiple viewing options (including remote viewing), faster playback and image handling.
Thanks to the modernization of surveillance processes, businesses can even customize their security and safety settings, ensuring the safety not just of their establishments but also of their customers.
