Over the last year, we met with dozens of Chief Security Officers from some of the largest companies in the US. We wanted to hear their opinions about our new iCVR camera, which includes video analytics and a built-in DVR.
They gave us excellent feedback, which we’ve used to make the iCVR better.
Besides the extremely positive responses, however, we heard something that surprised us: Almost all of the CSOs we talked to said that they would love to put up more surveillance cameras, but they were concerned about the liabilities. Could the iCVR reduce the liabilities inherent with video cameras?
What they were referring to is the potential lawsuits that can arise when a camera is installed, if it isn’t monitored. The public can see the camera and imagine that it is being watched. If something should happen, they expect a response.
The problem is that less than five percent (5%) of surveillance cameras are monitored today, because it has been too expensive to have people watching cameras all the time. The general public doesn’t realize this, however.
The CSOs weren’t raising a needless concern. They could each recite the lawsuits that had already proven this is a real problem. They could tell you how big the settlements were for.
Apparently, there are a number of cases where the courts have ruled that when people see cameras, there is “a reasonable expectation of response.”
In other words: Yes, there is an increase in liability for any cameras you have installed that aren’t being monitored.
These CSOs were from the Fortune 500, so they knew the danger of increasing their company’s risks. However, they also knew that adding cameras could make their properties safer for employees and customers. So, they weren’t happy about not putting up cameras. In many cases, they accepted the risk simply because they felt safety and security was just too important.
The minute they saw the iCVR with its built-in video analytics, they saw it as a potential boon for increasing protection without increasing liabilities. They could each think of a dozen locations where they wanted to add cameras if they could solve the liability problem.
This is just one of many examples showing how video analytics are changing the equation for security.
The cost of monitoring, which can now be managed remotely from anywhere in the world, has been reduced by 90% or more with the iCVR. One person can now monitor up to 1,000 cameras, and do a much better job.
So, a person sitting in one office, for example, can monitor the cameras for all of their company’s buildings at the same time. And if they use audio over IP, they can respond immediately to prevent a crime or defuse a situation. Or, they can contract with a number of Remote Guarding companies who are glad to offer this service.
Yes, when you do have monitoring, you do indeed reduce your liabilities for the cameras you have installed, because you can respond. This improves the safety and security for your employees and customers, as well. And yes, the iCVR makes it cost effective to both monitor, and using audio you can respond immediately.
The iCVR was especially designed for Remote Guarding, thanks to feedback we got from the CSOs.
If you want more info on this, check out: www.remoteguarding.org
