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Sentry Commercial Property Management Video Surveillance Basics

Commercial property owners have far-reaching responsibilities that affect their tenants, physical and intellectual property, and the general public that may enter that property.

That’s why surveillance systems play a major part in reducing liability while helping to meet a variety of legal and regulatory compliance statutes.

While owners with seasoned property management support can rely on their experience in dealing with surveillance systems and system integrators, owners without this support may be at a disadvantage. But no matter their support, all owners should have at least a basic understanding of property surveillance systems and developing a security plan.

The first step is to develop a video surveillance system plan that will determine the following:

  • Security vulnerabilities and identifying key access points
  • Size and type of security system to address those vulnerability and access point needs
  • Types of security cameras to meet the needs (indoor/outdoor, wired/wireless, infrared)
  • Camera placement (coverage area, weather exposure, inaccessibility, lighting and more)
  • Monitoring (onsite or off location via internet, in-camera recording or cloud storage)

Depending on the property area or usage case property owners will need a combination of the following:

  • Onsite and/or remote security monitoring personnel
  • A detailed and documented incident response plan
  • Maintenance and regular system checks
  • Surveillance signage to meet legal requirements and deter low level vandalism
  • A written policy for footage access rights in the event of a crime.

Surveillance video can be important in the event of slip and fall incidents, property damage or theft in terms of investigations and prosecutions of alleged perpetrators. The video recording can be reviewed by the police or provided to your insurance company to defend claims.

Many commercial property owners rely on instincts or a security company to balance video surveillance system budgeting, monitoring, and upkeep. An experienced property management firm can bring collaborative relationships with security firms and system integrators. This can bring the balance of minimum cost with maximum security and legal obligation fulfillment that keeps people and property safe.

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