|
Home > Are dummy security cameras really an effective means of deterring crime?
February 02, 2007
By: Lynn Bryant
Companies marketing dummy surveillance cameras are all
over the Internet. Their message is that a dummy security
system is better than no security system. They claim that
dummy cameras are in fact effective at deterring crime. Is
this really the case though? Can dummy security cameras
really reduce the crime rate in and around your home or
business? We will take a closer look at the evidence
available in an effort to determine whether or not a fake
security camera offer any form of protection.
The concept behind dummy surveillance is to create an
illusion of active monitoring so that criminals think twice
before carrying out their evil intents. Dummy surveillance
systems are made to look identical to the real thing, yet
they are simply a façade. You may be wondering why you
should go through all the trouble to implement a fake system
and not just go ahead with implementing the real thing. The
main reason people invest in dummy surveillance systems is
the cost factor. Dummy cameras are a lot less expensive then
the real thing, so it would seem that a fake system is
better than no system at all.
This may not necessarily be the case. Some argue that
fake surveillance systems actually do more harm then good.
Let us look at some of the key points that have been brought
up as potential disadvantages of using fake equipment.
- Creates a false sense of security -- The mere
presence of video surveillance cameras often invokes a
certain sense of security in those employees or patrons
that see them. If the public assumes that the surveillance
cameras in and around your business are the real thing,
they can potentially develop a false sense of security
that can be dangerous if they let their guard down. There
are those that argue that it is inappropriate to give the
appearance of protection if there is really nothing
backing it up. The manager of safety, security, and asset
retention at
Mallory Alexander International Logistics believes
that a false sense of security can be very dangerous. It
leads people to assume that if they are the victim of
criminal activity around your business premises, evidence
supporting the crime can be obtained simply by accessing
the captured video footage. With a fake system, this is
impossible and potentially very misleading.
- Legal concerns -- The danger of a false sense
of security leads right into the other potential problem
with fake surveillance systems, potential legal liability.
As a business owner, you have a certain obligation to
provide a certain level of security to your employees and
customers. If you use dummy cameras, you could actually be
found guilty of providing negligent security. Walter
Palmer, founder of
PCGsolutions states, "One of the things you have to be
careful of is, do you have an obligation to provide
certain levels of security? If you do not have cameras and
something occurs or you have dummy cameras, could you be
liable for negligent security?" He responds that indeed
you could become liable.
- Fakes are uncovered -- With a fake system in
place, you always run the risk of someone uncovering the
façade. If this happens, you run the risk of an increase
in criminal activity. The credibility of your security
plans will be severely undermined which could have
devastating consequences.
While it could still be argued that fake surveillance
cameras have their place, it would seem they are
inappropriate in a business environment. When it comes to
providing protection for the public, you are much better off
installing the real thing.
About the Author
Lynn Bryant is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com. Your
definitive guide to video surveillance equipment, CCTV
cameras and wireless security systems for home and business.
Also See:
[ A brief but fascinating
look at pinhole camera history ]
[ Review of
reliable sources for purchasing wholesale security cameras ]
[
Use a wireless security camera & USB receiver for
surveillance simplicity ]
Related Articles
[ top of page ]
|
