Tag Archives: security

General Safety Issues

IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY WITH CCTV DVR TECHNOLOGY (GUEST POST)

Two articles regarding security are featured today were written by Mike Hassebrock.

The Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance systems today are no longer standalone devices. CCTV camera systems began making tremendous technological progress in the last decade due to the invention of DVR (Digital Video Recorder) technology.  Once CCTV systems moved off the VHS tape technology platform and started converting video images into a digital format, it opened up a whole new world of opportunities to integrate CCTV cameras with other security and information system technologies.  Originally, CCTV surveillance systems were simply designed as deterrents and delivered low quality, black and white images. Today they are much more than just standalone devices. Using digital technology and the vast improvements in camera lens technology CCTV systems can do many functions to better secure and protect a business, home or even an entire community. 

The versatility of CCTV DVR camera systems allow them to work alongside other technologies: 

  • Integrating it with alarm systems to send a security alarm signal if a person enters a restricted area.
  • Work with access control systems to verify the person that is swiping their card is the actual person requesting access.
  • Ability to link into cash registers to oversee cash register transactions, verify receipts and identify theft. 

These are only a few basic ways that CCTV DVR systems are able to work with other security and information systems. 

At a much more advanced level, CCTV systems can be designed to work on local area networks (LANs) and interface with other databases.  For example, CCTV cameras can capture a license plate number and then convert that number into a digital format so it can be cross-referenced against a national database to see if the vehicle is stolen. 

As video recording and imaging software technologies continue to advance, the CCTV camera system will become a video analytics tool that can anticipate events based on movement and behaviors.  Intelligent video algorithms, such as sophisticated motion detection, can identify unusual walking patterns and alert a guard to watch a particular video screen. Also, object-recognition algorithms can identify someone who might simply be loitering, or even a briefcase or a suspicious object that is left in an unusual or unsuspecting location. 

These video surveillance capabilities will become even more sophisticated as IP Cameras continue to advance.  In the future, IP cameras will be able to process the intelligent video algorithm right inside the camera.  Being an IP camera on the network, this information can be sent to any device or security agency in the world for analysis and decision processing.
When investing in a CCTV surveillance camera system consider the possibilities and numerous benefits of integrating with monitoring devices, alarm systems and access control devices.  This will help identify and interrupt security breaches as they’re occurring or even before they take place. 

Written by Mike Hassebrock from The Security Product Depot 

The Security Product Depot is an established online provider of physical security products. As an innovative supplier of online security solutions, they are committed to offering the broadest array of CCTV camera systems, door hardware, locks, and safes for securing government, school facilities, commercial businesses and residents.

 

General Safety Issues

HOME SECURITY V.S. HOME AUTOMATION (GUEST POST)

There is a school of thought that suggests home security to protect against burglars, fires, and any other unforeseen catastrophe is more attractive to older homeowners. This is because it appeals to their desire to protect their investments in expensive electronics, computers, guns, art, and coins, as well as the house itself. 

This same school of thought says that home automation appeals to a younger, perhaps hipper, crowd because of its focus on cool technology, accessible from smart-phones and designed to control home theater equipment, automatic door and window locks, and interior and exterior lighting. 

Sage wisdom suggests that neither way of thinking about home security and home automation has to be entirely right, or entirely wrong. There isn’t a one-size fits all stance when it comes to these two enhancements.

 While it’s true that the desire to protect your home, belongings, and family against potential disaster does increase with age, this isn’t the only factor that drives the desire to provide a safer home. Increased crime in the area, an overall sense of feeling secure, and a desire for reduced home insurance premiums hits home with all age groups. 

The same holds true for home automation. Gadgets and leading-edge technology may indeed be a younger person’s game, as they say, but not all home automation has to be the “gee whiz” kind that ultimately could take longer to setup and execute than the amount of time it saves. Optimizing central heating and air, remotely turning lights off and on, and even controlling your automatic sprinkler system are all forms of home automation that don’t necessarily appeal to just one age group. 

So, what exactly is http://www.yourlocalsecurity.com/security-tips/? In short, it’s a means of checks and balances, assisted by modern technology, to protect your  home, possessions, and family against things like:

  •          Home invasion
  •          Theft and burglary
  •          Fire, flood, and burst pipes
  •          Carbon monoxide poisoning 

With the assistance of monitored home security equipment, homeowners can protect against these things though the use of:

  •          Door and window sensors
  •          Motion detectors
  •          Medical pendants (panic buttons)
  •          Wireless remotes controls to arm and disarm security systems
  •          Fire and smoke detectors
  •          Carbon monoxide sensors
  •          Wireless cameras
  •          Flood detectors
  •          Control Panels with two-way hands-free communication
  •          Interior and exterior lighting 

In short, protecting your with these methods, are all in the realm of home security. 

So, how does home automation differ? In a nutshell, home automation is just as it suggests. Electronic control systems help homeowners automate certain tasks, and give them to power to control these things in ways that make sense to them, such as:·         Computer-based applications

  •          Third-party website access
  •          Laptop computers
  •          Smartphones, PDAs, and iPads 

Need to turn on some exterior lighting because you’ll be returning home after dark? You can do this with home automation. Through any number of home automation solutions, such functionality is readily available on most of the portable devices people carry today, and is as simple as launching any other interactive app on your smartphone or desktop computer. 

Home automation can also provide homeowners with such solutions as:

  •          Remote control of video surveillance equipment
  •          Remote control of automatic door and window locks
  •          Turning appliances on and off
  •          Optimization of central heating and air equipment
  •          Control over interior and exterior lights
  •          Remote management of Digital Video Recorders and other electronics 

For homeowners looking to have a little more control over certain electronic and electrical systems in their homes, then look no further than the wide range of home automation solutions provided by an ever-evolving industry. 

By Ryan Avila, 

General Safety Issues

PREVENTING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE (Guest Post)

 Over the last decade there were more than 7,000 homicides nationwide that occurred in the work place, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most of these homicides involved robberies by an unknown assailant, while 1,000 involved work colleagues. 

CCTV Cameras has become an effective means in the prevention of crime as well as supporting local authorities in identifying assailants. CCTV camera video is often used in the courtroom to assist in the determination that a crime was committed and by whom. 

Traditional robbery, which usually targets convenience stores, banks, etc., has caused an increase in security.  Too, the recession has driven potential thieves to even more desperate measures by targeting business offices. Offices can provide easy access to expensive items like laptops, cell phones and unattended cash. An employee’s sense of safety and security along with a company’s reputation can be destroyed from violence perpetrated by thieves, disgruntled former employees, angry customers and even bitter spouses. To prevent these occurrences, employers are installing CCTV Cameras to deter crime.  CCTV cameras include Bullet Cameras, Dome Cameras, Full Size Cameras and PTZ cameras, which are available with multiple features and are adaptable to any location, both inside and outside the property, in daylight or darkness.  In the event a crime occurs, CCTV cameras can capture the crime and suspects and replay it instantly. 

 Employers and employees working together should develop unified policies and procedures to help make their places of business safer. With everyone being involved and knowing there is a plan in place can in itself be a deterrent to workplace violence.  To start developing a plan of action here are few tips and suggestions to get started: 

  • Create policies and procedures for properly handling an incident and ensure your employees are well trained. If policies exist, review them periodically to ensure they are up to date.
  • Consider hiring a security agency to survey the workplace and identify vulnerabilities.
  • When hiring employees or contractors, complete a full national background check.
  • Install CCTV cameras to monitor and record both inside and outside of the building. It is a valuable tool for helping to identify perpetrators and aid law enforcement agencies before, during, and after a crime has been committed.
  • Implement an access control system and/or a visitor management system. 

Safety tips for employees: 

  • Stay aware of your surroundings.  Take note of unfamiliar people that may be acting suspicious or are without the proper identification, such as a badge or an I.D. card.  Immediately report them to your company’s security department.  Never approach anyone you think may pose a threat.
  • If you feel uncomfortable walking to and from your car, ask for an escort from the building security or a trusted co-worker.
  • Never leave your purse or other valuables in an unlocked drawer in your desk.  A majority of robbery related incidents in the workplace are related to personal theft.
  • Make a request to add CCTV security cameras in common areas that may be off the main path or in isolated areas.
  • Learn what your company’s policies are in the event of an evacuation or lockdown.  Know exactly where to go and what to do. 

The Security Product Depot is an established online provider of physical security products. As an innovative supplier of online security solutions, they are committed to offering the broadest array of CCTV camera systems, door hardware, locks, and safes for securing government, school facilities, commercial businesses and residents.  

Written by Mike Hassebrock from The Security Product Depot

 

 

 

 

 
 
General Safety Issues

PROTECT YOUR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WITH ASSET TAGS – GUEST BLOG

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Whether you’ve a swanky new Notebook or an old (but much-loved) PC, it’s essential to protect your belongings. Security labels from asset tags providers like Seton can really help, so why not stock up on these handy products? They’re pretty useful – here’s why.

Asset tags deter thieves.

Asset tags are small, adhesives that can be applied to all kinds of office and personal equipment. They can help protect your laptop, printer, mobile phone – or anything else that might prove valuable to an opportunistic thief – as they show each item’s accounted for. These burglars are less likely to pinch anything that can be retraced, so it makes sense to label your products.

What’s more, asset tags made from tamper-evident materials leave a nasty stain when removed – helping police track stolen goods. Experts highly recommend them for keeping your equipment safe, so it’s definitely worth seeing what’s available online. Browse the web, make an order and safeguard your gadgets and gizmos (which can be expensive to replace).

Security labels can help with inventory management.

If you run a small business or own lots of technical equipment, asset tags can help you keep track of everything. The idea is, you buy them in bulk, label up your valuables and scan the serial number or barcode into an inventory management system. This will make stock taking a lot easier and will give you more time to do other tasks. If equipment’s goes missing, you’ll know what items need replacing and will be able to report the specific product to the police.

Barcoded and non-barcoded asset tags can be bought from reputable suppliers at a great price, so you can choose a product to suit your needs. They can be attached to a whole range of surfaces and are highly durable – meaning they’ll last for years. Portable scanners and label printers can also be bought online, so why not find out more today?

Asset tags aid identification

Believe it or not, security labels can now be custom made to suit your business requirements. They can contain a personal message or logo and help identify all products if they go lost or missing. Asset tags of this kind also look highly professional and stand out among Windows 7 logos, Intel Core stickers and other branded adhesives.

If you decide to tag your equipment, place all labels on the front of gadgets so they can be easily seen. Well-positioned tags will offer maximum protection and will safeguard anything expensive.

You can most definitely increase security at work and home by using asset tags. Click here to have a look at Seton’s range and see if they’re right for you.

This good advice comes to us from our friend Matt Hornsby, who lives in Liverpool.  We appreciate your sharing this with our readers, Matt.  I’ve also heard that taking pictures of your valuables can be helpful when replacing them in the event of a fire, storm, or burglary.  More of Matt’s articles can be seen at www.whatishealthandsafety.co.uk.

 

 

General Safety Issues

DO SECURITY CAMERAS BELONG IN THE WORKPLACE?

TODAY’S POST IS BY REBECCA, WITH SPYTOWN.COM.  We welcome our guest author, and hope you enjoy reading about security at your workplace. 

There’s at least one news story every day about schools adding security cameras, public parks mounting security cameras on lamp posts, and working parents installing nanny cameras in their child’s room to see what both their little one and the nanny are doing during the day. But how about the workplace? Should security cameras monitor your movements while you’re on the job, especially if they could help prevent safety issues in the future? Or should the company trust its employees and conduct regular safety training to educate employees? The Security Camera Systems experts from SpyTown.com are here to shed light on this controversial topic. 

Business Security Cameras Look Out For Employees 

Many businesses have added security cameras to genuinely protect their employees from any kind of misconduct or verbal/physical abuse from other employees. Team building exercises help employees work with each other, but if there is a situation, security camera feeds can be the unbiased eye-witness on the scene. 

Security cameras also act as a safeguard to see where any safety mishaps are occurring or identify potential safety issues. Be sure to have each department manager review the tapes weekly and point out any safety concerns, and develop a plan to minimize those concerns for the future. 

Have quality control checkpoints? Security cameras act as just another step in your quality control route, and are your eyes in the sky to document what’s happening throughout the production process. Review the tapes often to see if they spark any ways to increase efficiency and safety for your employees. 

Companies Should Trust Their Employees, Instead Of Watching Over Them 

The other side of the coin says that businesses should invest time into choosing talented employees they can trust, eliminating the need to “monitor” these employees to ensure they’re doing their jobs. Regular performance meetings and quality reviews can also help to ensure the employees are performing up to the company’s standards. Savvy management and solid leadership can identify a top performing employee and have the know-how to spot an employee in need of motivation and additional training. 

Another argument against security cameras in the workplace is that regular safety training should educate employees on workplace safety best practices, and safety reviews should be conducted at regular intervals. In addition, management should also be looking out for gaps in workplace safety, rather than security cameras watching over the employees. 

What’s our take? We have helped many companies choose the business security cameras right for their business, and we’ve heard firsthand experiences where security cameras have been an invaluable tool. Of course, security cameras should complement safety training, quality control checkpoints, and employee performance reviews, rather than replace them.  In addition, it’s important to be open and honest with your employees as to the location of the security cameras and reasons you have installed them, rather than having them feel as if you distrust their movements or “big brother” is watching. This goes a long way in helping your employees feel like valuable contributors to your organization and doing their part to ensure their workplace safety is top notch.

(Thank you, Rebecca, for this invaluable information from SpyTown.com.)

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

AN INTERESTING JOB – BODYGUARD!

Most of the time we see bodyguards in movies, or television shows, and it looks like a very glamorous job.  Actually, we have no clue as to the actual responsibilities their job entails.  Of course, the United States Secret Service is one of the first occupations  that comes to mind.  They are highly trained officers, many of whom have combat experience.  These agents are willing to lay their lives on the line, if necessary, to protect their President, his family, other Executive Officers, former Presidents and Vice-Presidents. 

Weaponry that bodyguards may use depends on the jurisdiction where they work.  Some may legally carry concealed handguns, batons, pepper spray, or taser guns.  Others with more high-risk vocations may carry sub-machine guns or assault rifles.  Specialized weapons such as sniper rifle and shotguns, may also be used to protect clients.  Secret Service Counter Assault Teams are armed with a large variety of guns and rifles.  Those in high-risk assignments also wear body-armor vests, and carry folded bullet-proof shields that look like briefcases.  The United States Department Bureau of Diplomatic Security protects U.S. missions overseas.  Officers that were agents of the U.S. Treasury Department are now assigned to the Department of Homeland Security. 

Being a bodyguard involves all types of detailed work, such as pre-planning every trip or event their client has scheduled.  They have to check out buildings, hotel rooms, backgrounds  of people their client will be in contact with, and inspect the vehicles to be sure there are no bombs or other traps.  Some bodyguards serve as drivers, but there are usually other bodyguards along, as well.  There are close-protection officer ancillary units that check for IED’s and electronic “bugs.”  Most politicians and dignitaries around the world require bodyguards. 

Other types of bodyguards include those who protect their celebrity clients from paparazzi and stalkers.  Lance Armstrong has had the same two bodyguards since 2000, Erwin Ballarta, and his partner, Serge Borlee.  They are both well trained in defensive tactics.  Ballarta is a defensive tactics instructor for the Texas Department of Public Safety, and has 22 years of law enforcement experience.   Ballarta and Borlee have accompanied Armstrong on every Tour de France competition.  They meet with local law enforcement ahead of time to map out the entire ride, locate medical stations and trauma doctors, and even run along beside him across the finish line for each stage of the race to protect him from overzealous fans, boisterous crowds, and/or some even wanting to do him harm. 

Many private companies offer security for individuals on a continued  basis or for special occasions.  Their personnel may offer special cars, transportation, and take many other safety measures to protect their clients.  It is amazing how many people worldwide require bodyguards and special security systems.  The job requires being physically fit, having good hearing and vision, and available to work long hours.  They are very dedicated to the duty of shielding their client, whether a dignitary, celebrity, or any other person in need of protection. 

We should appreciate those people who have the expertise and are willing to keep others safe in a world that makes this such a necessity.