American lives and society are under attack – all too often we learn about yet another news story regarding an “active shooter” event or attack on another person in broad daylight and public view. Statistically, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Bureau of Justice Statistics has published data that supports an increasingly and alarming trend in public places and places of employment where violence and assaults are more frequent than at any time in US history. For example, in 2012, about 23 percent of work-related murders where the female was a victim were committed by robbers; 29 percent by other assailants; 21 percent by relatives or domestic partners; 12 percent by students, patients, or customers/clients; 8 percent by coworkers or work associates; and 6 percent by inmates, detainees, or suspects not yet apprehended. According to statistics from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 17 percent of all workplace fatalities in 2011 were the result of workplace violence. When you’re ready to take the first step to peace of mind and safety, call on the source where security professionals go at safetycafe.com. For small businesses, an investment in a security system is something that pays for itself in very short order and continues to pay dividends for years to come. There are five very important and excellent reasons why a small business should invest in video surveillance:
Safety – this includes safety for employees and for customers or clients too. Multiple video cameras placed in strategic locations can cover or provide some overlapping coverage of entrance and exits, high traffic areas, and those areas which may seem to be out of general view. The cameras are a force multiplier for security and police forces too. When employees and the public see obvious signs of surveillance, the will tend to modify their behaviors and motivations.
Harassment protection – this may include both physical or bullying within the work place as well as sexual harassment, of which the recorded video could be admissible in court. The burden of proof can be lessened by video recordings.
Theft/fraud prevention – usually, an employee will be caught at some time if they are suspected of embezzling or stealing products on the job site. This can also include the shoplifting suspects especially during holidays due to the location and angle of the camera placement.
Productivity improvement – when employees are made aware that they are being video recorded, their behavior will usually change and productivity will improve. This means that theft, fraud, shoplifting, false insurance claims against falls and such, and general activity within a business will greatly become improved and nefarious activity curtailed.
Evidence – in the course of doing business, recorded video is usually used as evidence in court and, if placed correctly and effectively, can help to apprehend suspects during the course of a crime. Video can help to also corroborate the location of suspects during incidences and to verify alibis as well.