For businesses like restaurants, convenience stores, and other retailers, smart security technologies are important for effective risk management strategies, like managing emergencies and reducing false alarms. These advanced systems do more than just keep watch; they offer real-time monitoring and quick responses. Let’s break down what Security Monitoring and Video Alarm Verification are, and how they differ.
According to a study by Arizona State University, “In the US, false alarms account for between 94–98% of alarm calls and 10–25% of all police calls.”
What is Security Monitoring?
1. General Monitoring
Security monitoring typically refers to a service where a company continuously monitors a property’s security system. This includes various detectors like door and window sensors, motion detectors, glass break sensors, and fire alarms. The goal is to make sure all these components work correctly and to respond quickly if any alarms go off.
2. Response Protocols
When an alarm goes off, the monitoring company is instantly alerted. The monitoring company then follows a set procedure, which might involve contacting the business owner, sending security personnel, or dispatching law enforcement.
3. Professional Support
Security monitoring is managed by trained professionals who are experts in handling alarms and emergencies. Their experience ensures that any issues are dealt with effectively.
4. 24/7 Coverage with Security Monitoring
Typically, security monitoring services operate around the clock. This means your property is protected at all times, day and night.
5. Scope
Security monitoring can cover a wide range of safety and security issues, from unauthorized entry to environmental hazards like fires, gas leaks, or flooding.
What is Video Alarm Verification?
1. Video Focus
Video alarm verification is a more specific service where cameras are used to verify the cause of an alarm. When an alarm is triggered, a monitoring center can access live or recorded video footage to determine if the alarm is false or a real threat.
2. Immediate Verification
The main benefit of video verification is its ability to quickly verify the nature of the alarm. By reviewing video footage, video alarm verification services can significantly reduce the number of false alarms and ensure a faster response from law enforcement when a real incident occurs.
3. Visual Confirmation with Video Alarm Verification
Video alarm verification provides clear video evidence of what set off the alarm due to the ability to review the recorded video. This helps business owners and law enforcement understand the situation and make better decisions moving forward.
4. Priority Response
Law enforcement may give priority to visually verified alarms, as they have a higher likelihood of being legitimate incidents. This can lead to reduced response time in critical situations.
5. Integration with Other Systems
Video alarm verification systems are often linked with other security system components, boosting overall effectiveness by using video to confirm alarm events.
Key Differences Between Security Monitoring and Video Alarm Verification
- Scope of Service: Security monitoring covers a broad range of incidents, while video alarm verification specifically focuses on using video to confirm alarms
- Response Protocol: Security monitoring follows general procedures, which might involve multiple steps, while video alarm verification provides immediate visual confirmation for quicker, more targeted responses
- Evidence Provided: Security monitoring relies on alarm signals and protocols, whereas video alarm verification offers visual proof of what triggered the alarm
While both security monitoring and video alarm verification are crucial for safeguarding businesses, they serve distinct roles. By understanding the differences, businesses can better evaluate their security needs and choose the solution that best fits their unique situations. Integrating one or both approaches can offer a robust security framework, combining the reliability of constant monitoring with the accuracy of visual verification.
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