Security alarm systems make an undeniable difference in the deterrence of crime and are now a feature in the majority of premises.

The security industry is estimated to generate $2.343 billion in revenue across Australia, through the installation and monitoring of electronic security equipment.

So when considering the volume of security alarm systems now in operation and the reported rates in Western Australia of 38,567 burglary’s for the 12 months 2015-16, it is understandable how Police resources are stretched to respond.

In addition to these reported offences the Police are requested to attend many thousands of alarm activations that would be classified as False Alarms.

So it is critical that Police resources are deployed as a priority to alarm activations that have been confirmed as “live actual offences”.

CCTV visual verification provides this solution.

The UK and American Police (in some states) have dedicated response protocols that are ranked in order of priority based on a non-verified and verified (CCTV visual confirmation) responses.

In many instances visual verification on an alarm will be treated with the same priority as a “crime in progress”.

The benefits for the police in prioritising alarm events with CCTV visual verification are numerous.

  • Live confirmation on event status.
  • Increased apprehension of suspects.
  • Video can be used in the prosecution of criminals.
  • Higher conviction rate.
  • Opportunity to link previous offences.
  • Swift apprehension preventing further offences.
  • Visual verification also reduces the number Police responses to false alarms.

CCTV Visual verification has been utilised by the UK Police since 2003.

Over the last several years CCTV technology has improved significantly through the introduction of IP cameras, digital recording and most importantly high speed video transmission via IP or 3G.

Cameras can now be viewed remotely by professional monitoring centres in real time with an almost instantaneous connection.

How does visual verification work?

For premises which have been enabled for CCTV visual verification. On activation of the alarm system the alarm receiving centre (ARC), will receive the alarm event information and a direct link to CCTV video for the cameras or cameras associated with the zone that has activated.

Live CCTV images from the camera or cameras are displayed for the operator to confirm on site activity.

All video that is viewed by the operator is recorded and stored by the ARC for future reference. The operator can select and view additional cameras on site to gather more information.

The footage can be forwarded on to any responding party if required. The operator will continue to provide live updated information from the site to assist the Police.

If the cause of the alarm remains unclear, the operator can monitor the site remotely and arrange random ‘virtual patrols’ utilising the CCTV cameras across the site.

Visual video verification of a genuine offence occurring on site would assist Police resources to be deployed as a priority in preference to unconfirmed events at other locations.

To find out more about SECURUS’s Visual Verification services click here.