Last week, one of our specifier partners released an article and video explaining the importance of having cameras at entrances and exits of buildings. Ironically, we had an end user partner experience an after-hours breaking and entering event just three days later. And most are aware of the tragic death of the UnitedHealthcare CEO and the resulting manhunt using close-up security camera images of the alleged assailant that also occurred last week.
These three related happenings caused us to reflect on who could benefit from a review of their ingress and egress video coverage.
Specifier partner article link
The first organization we checked in with used their Bosch VideoView+ cloud connection to their retail establishment to take a quick look on Sunday evening while they were closed and found they had a very obvious field of view obstruction at their front entrance. Seems Monday morning will involve relocating a large display.
So, let's think about a few additional considerations:
First, take a few minutes to review cameras located at ingress and egress points to verify clear field of view. Move any objects blocking a clear view. This is particularly important in retail where advertising banners and other displays tend to work their way into the scene. Holidays also bring hanging displays and should be evaluated before and after installation.
Next, consider the resolution of the camera(s) and the recording of the stream(s). Take a few moments to review recorded video and determine if you can clearly see the identity of the person at the entrance on the recording. Live view and recorded view streams may be set to different resolutions. A camera at an entrance should be solely focused on capturing identities while another camera(s) may be assigned the task of general surveillance with a wider field of view of the lobby or foyer area.
Additionally, is the camera angle optimal? Is there too much of a down angle leading to a better view of the top of the person's head than their face? Should the camera be lowered from the ceiling by using a drop down pendant pipe? Is the side angle of the camera appropriate? If not, should the camera be relocated to a more direct view?
Yet another consideration is verifying the high dynamic range capability of your entrance camera(s). This capability allows you to clearly see the face of someone entering while simultaneously seeing the surroundings outside where it's usually much brighter.
Demonstration examples:
Close-range Lobby: FLEXIDOME micro 3100i
Corner camera: FLEXIDOME corner 7100i IR
Panoramic camera: FLEXIDOME panoramic 5100i IR
Contact our team for camera demonstrations, system design, and parts lists >>