Why Video Verification is Better than Plain Old Surveillance

Security systems for schools, retail environments, residences, warehouses and many other settings are evolving, with modern technology leading to higher apprehension rates, fewer false alarms, and more comprehensive protection. Two of the key advances in security technology have been audio and video verification, which allow operators to instantly listen to or view the area in which an alarm has been tripped. There are many ways in which video verification makes security more efficient and effective.

Old security systems without verification technology simply do not cover as much space as modern systems. Old systems only cover some points of entry, and activate only after a break-in, when the intruder has already entered your building.

Verified video offers comprehensive coverage of all entry points through the use of high-tech sensor technology. With modern sensors, the security system can detect trouble before an intruder has completed their break-in.

With a false alarm rate of up to 98 percent, traditional security systems just are not very effective. False alarms are inconvenient, and in the long run cause longer response times from law enforcement due to "boy who cried wolf” syndrome.

Video verification allows operators to confirm when a break-in is in progress, which minimizes false alarms and increases the urgency of law enforcement, who respond much more quickly to crimes in progress than traditional, unverified alarms. In fact, the typical response from law enforcement to a verified crime in progress is about seven minutes, compared to about 45 minutes for an unverified alarm.

With the general use of loud alarms that alert intruders to trouble, old systems do not often lead to apprehension. When the alarm goes off, the intruder knows that it is time to run away. Loud alarms also allow potential intruders to test a system, and either find an way to break in that is not monitored or know exactly how long they have to break in and escape.

With faster response times from law enforcement for verified crimes, apprehension rates naturally go up. Verification systems also capture video before, during and after a break-in, providing valuable evidence and up-to-the-minute information for law enforcement. Operators can monitor video silently and alert law enforcement without ever tipping the intruder off to the fact that they are in trouble.

When the alarm on an old security system is tripped, an operator typically calls your facility or residence to confirm that a crime is in progress, then asks whether the authorities need to be notified. This is another reason for low apprehension rates and high false alarm rates.

Video verification systems are monitored by highly skilled operators, who determine whether a break-in has occurred, confirm the location of the break-in, notify the relevant authorities, and relay useful information to law enforcement as the situation unfolds. With well-trained operators monitoring your system, you do not have to worry about the headache of false alarms, and can be confident in knowing that anyone who breaks in to your facility will likely be apprehended.

When it comes to peace of mind, efficiency and effectiveness, there is really no comparison between video verification systems and old, non-monitored systems. With verification technology and operators always standing by, you can be confident that your home or business is well-protected at all times. In addition to the benefits that a verification-enabled system provides to the consumer, it is also helpful for law enforcement, allowing them to devote their energy to real crimes in progress instead of endless false alarms.