“Always eyes watching you and the voice enveloping you. Asleep or awake, indoors or out of doors, in the bath or bed—no escape. Nothing was your own except the few cubic centimeters in your skull.” – George Orwell, 1984
1920s + 1930s
- Earliest video camera was made for television production with the goal being to allow live broadcasts
1942
- World War 2
- Walter Bruch invented the CCTV for the purpose of learning about weapons, not people
- The first recorded use of CCTV was used by the German military to observe rocket launches from a bunker, however only “live streams” were available as recording features would come later on
- Surveillance cameras were then picked up by the US government to enable scientist to observe the effects of nuclear bomb testing from a safe distance
1949
- US contractor Vericon started selling the technology for commercial use
1960s
- Primitive security cameras were being used for public and home security
- Monitored safety at rallies and public gatherings – this is when preventable safety measures started
- Introduced to stores and retail departments
1961
- London transport started installing CCTV cameras throughout the train stations
1968
- Olean, New York was the first city in the world to install CCTV cameras on their main street
1969
- Marie Van Brittan Brown pioneered the home security system with a patent
- Her invention bought CCTV INTO HOMES
- With this patent, it allowed people to use video cassette tapes, invented years prior in 1951, to record security feeds
- First home video surveillance system with a picture display monitors were utilized
1970s
- VCR Replaced video cassettes
- NYC placed cameras in high crime neighborhoods to deter delinquent activity
- Started to use CCTV to protect banks
- 1973 – NYPD installs CCTV in Time Square
- CCD Chips (charged couple device) was used for night recording
1986
- Digital video recording in commercial space allows building owners to “comb through” video footage with ease.
- Digital Multiplexing
- DVR made the process of recording easier by decreasing the need for certain steps and created ample recording space as well as eventually wallowing remote viewing
- Local authorities begin to utilize CCTV cameras by installing them in heavy populated and crime ridden locations
1990s + 2000s
- Facial Recognition Software
- Time lapse and motion only recording features allowed for more functionality
- Multiplex recording devices and ATM video surveillance
1996
- First IP (internet protocol) camera was released by axis (stand-alone camera + operated via a customized internal web server)
2013 – Current
- BSIA – 1 CCTV camera per every 11 people
CCTV Requirements for 2021
- Better image quality
- Simplified install and maintenance
- Secure and reliable technology
- Longer retention of recorded video footage
- Reduction in initial costs
- Size and scalability
- Remote monitoring capabilities
- Integration with other systems
- Built in system intelligence
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is used in a vast majority of public spaces to deter crimes. With security cameras sprouting out of every building, park, traffic intersection, or public space, we have seen a dip in crimes while the cameras are rolling. Security cameras are on almost every street acting as an extra set of eyes and ears for when you are not home.
There are an estimated 50 million security cameras installed in the US alone. Major cities like Chicago have about 10,000 while New York has about 18,000. Many modern surveillance camera systems have advanced features such as turning towards a sound such as a gunshot and the ability to recognize faces and objects. There have been multiple cases where criminals have been apprehended as a direct result of surveillance cameras.
Today, there are two cases that come to mind: The Boston Marathon Bombing and the Abduction of Carlesha Freeland-Gaither. Let’s look at these two cases below to see how security footage helped solve the case.
Case 1: The Boston Marathon Bombing
With a history of over 120 years, the Boston Marathon was held in April 2013 with about 30,000+ entrants. Police were able to capture Dzhokhar Tsarvnaev in a televised manhunt, second to that of OJ Simpson’s, with the help of CCTV. Even as first responders entered the heinous scene, officers were already securing video surveillance footage from the vast networks in downtown Boston. Video footage can hold more evidence than eyewitness accounts and DNA can. After police department analysts combed through hours of video footage collected from spectators and surveillance cameras, it was the camera mounted on Boylston Street’s Lord & Taylor that proved most valuable; the suspects’ pictures were released to the media to aid in their capture. In the wake of 9/11, more protocols have been put into place allowing the ability to share information. The Boston Marathon bombings’ ability to apprehend the suspects was a direct result of the United States Homeland Security’s preparedness.
Monday April 15, 2013 – At 2:46 pm with 12 seconds in between, two bombs went off near the Boston Marathon finish line; 264 people were injured while three perished.
Tuesday April 16, 2013 – After the race was suspended rumors were running rampant around the Boston area about the suspects being captured on surveillance cameras of nearby homes, businesses, and cell phone footage.
Thursday April 18, 2013 – Surveillance videos released by the FBI show two suspects: one in a white cap and one in a black cap pleading for the public to aid in their identification.
Friday April 19, 2013 – After a carjacking, officers locate the two suspects in a Boston suburb. More than 9,000 Police Officers were armed for a hostile situation. After a shootout, one suspect, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, was killed. His brother who was armed and dangerous fled. After hours of searching with an hour-long standoff, the younger Tsarnaev was captured and sentenced to death by lethal injection.
Case 2: The Abduction of Carlesha Freeland-Gaither
22-year-old nursing aid, Carlesha Freeland-Gaither, was violently snatched off the streets of Philadelphia in 2014. As seen on street surveillance footage, a man approaches Carlesha, hits her over the head, and drags her the length of a block to his waiting car.
November 2, 2014 – Carlesha Freeland-Gaither is abducted walking along a Philadelphia street after a long struggle with her attacker.
November 3, 2014 – Miles away in Maryland, the victim’s bank card was used at a machine whose surveillance video captured a dark, but grainy, picture of a man. Minutes later, the suspect purchases a few items at a nearby gas station. The receipt produced from this transaction was later discovered scattered in the driveway of a Grace, Maryland with other belongings; police were informed.
November 4, 2014 – Video surveillance footage from the street and gas station are reviewed showing a man matching the description at the bank machine where the victim’s card was used confirming it’s the same person. More surveillance photos were examined and released to the public later sparking the interest of the Virginia police department 300 miles away. In an attempt to find the offender in the abduction, rape, and torture, a 16-year-old, saw the video and contacted Philadelphia authorities. Due to similarities in these cases when the footage was obtained of Carlesha’s abduction and shown to Barne’s father, he told authorities that his son, Delvin Barnes, drives a gray Ford Taurus and is similar to the one seen in surveillance footage.
November 5, 2014 – The Ford Taurus was captured on traffic cameras in Jessup, Maryland, leading investigators to Barnes who had Carlesha captive in his back seat.
Law enforcement are able to review security camera footage to verify whether a suspect was in a specific area at a specific time as well as identify the direction they are traveling. This helps law enforcement as they do not need to operate solely on guesswork and can corroborate their theories to ensure no misinterpretation. Police departments nationwide, no matter how big or small, should evaluate and analyze video evidence just as they do with other forensic evidence.
Here are four ways security cameras can deter crime:
- Surveillance cameras should be placed in a public space to ensure public safety in high crime areas as well as to decrease the threat of vandalism.
- Surveillance cameras can be accessed by police departments to identify criminals and solve the cases quicker with this material evidence.
- Criminals are less likely to engage in negative activities or commit crimes in areas that promote the protection of security cameras.
- With crime prevention the new features of surveillance cameras such as the ability to zoom and reveal someone’s identity is beneficial in abduction cases as well as terrorist activity.
Police departments across the Country are asking more and more residents to register their security cameras, including video doorbell cameras, with law enforcement to aid in the solving of crimes. With cameras registered, it can help lead to the capture of vandals, thieves, and even juvenile-related crimes.
Total Security Completes One of the Largest Intercom Projects of 2020-2021 installing 1,024 intercom units along with 160 Security Cameras for Le Havre.
Hire Date: October 2020
Completion Date: March 2021
Location: Le Havre on the Water – Whitestone, New York
History
Designed by George J. Miller, AIA, and built in 1958 the Le Havre is a 28-acre waterfront apartment development in Whitestone Queens. In September of 1984 it was transformed from luxury rental apartments to Residential Co-op (cooperative). With 32 buildings and 1,024 units, Le Havre on the Water is minutes from all major highways and airports and offers magnificent views of the Long Island Sound. Total Security was interviewed along with multiple other security companies. An onsite evaluation of the needed work was done, and a bid was submitted with scope of work, equipment, and pricing. Total Security was selected based on its 20 years of experience and professionalism. Our previous installs at this property involved 2-3 security cameras placed in the pool, fitness, and tennis courts areas as well as access control systems.
Le Havre’s Problem
Le Havre had a 20-year-old, audio only, intercom system that was not up to date with technology making it impossible for tenants to see who was at the main entrance door; this allowed unauthorized persons to enter. Along with not knowing who is entering, there was an issue with car and apartment break-ins, as well as bike and package theft. Le Havre wanted to make their residents safer.
Total Security Solutions
The Total Security team installed 1,024 video intercom apartment units with Wi-Fi and app, 32 main building entrance panels with 32 bells each. A smart phone app allows for Co-op owners to remotely see, speak, and let visitors in who you know while turning away those you do not. The ability to see, not just hear, who is at the door allows for better control of who is accessing the building. In addition, we installed 160 HD IP Cameras with Infrared Night Vision. Per building, 4-7 cameras were installed with the goal being to deter any vandalism, apartment bike, and car theft to keep undesirables with bad intentions off the property.
Installation Challenges
One of the biggest and most obvious challenges for this installation was due to COVID-19. Coordinating with the Co-op owner’s personal schedule as well as their comfortability with the ongoing pandemic was a daunting task. Coordination was vital to provide us access to their apartments in order to upgrade and install the video intercom unit. With 1,000+ apartments, being efficient, clean & respectful was key to our successful installation.
How Total Security Overcame Installation Challenges
Total Security Integrated Systems was able to coordinate with Le Havre residents as well as disinfect (due to COVID) their residence when the job was completed. There were some minor issues when it came to the intercom due to using their existing wiring. In some cases, we had the issue in the existing wiring and then needed to run a new line for that particular apartment. Fortunately, approximately 95% of the existing wiring was functioning. We handed out a “How To” tutorial (video and hard copy) to each tenant on how to use the intercom and we provided each one with our office number to call our tech support for assistance when needed.
Does your NY Apartment Building need an intercom / video intercom / security system upgrade or installation? Total Security Integrated Systems of New York can upgrade your outdated audio intercom system using the existing wiring and upgrade to a state-of-the-art video intercom system at an affordable price. Call (516) 775-2304 to request a FREE quote.
Securing your people and properties has been increasingly important over the recent years. The bulk of security responsibility in commercial or residential buildings is placed on the property managers. There is no such thing as a “one-stop” security solution which is why involving a security system integrator is helpful as they can properly assess risks and design a system tailored to your facility; not to mention a seamless installation process. It is important to implement preventative security measures that meet the needs of everyone in the building and the risks that are associated with the surrounding area.
Security system integrators use a variety of products and services to protect your building. Their main goal is to integrate all security subsystems to counter any possible threat. Using specialized security equipment, they leverage hybrid IT solutions, hardware, networks, and software. Physical security will always be the best option when fighting against vandalism or theft, however cybersecurity is a close second. It is important to have your system equipped for any attack which is why it is important to involve a security system integrator to design, install, and manage solutions while protecting data, people, and property.
Figuring out the type of system needed for your property can be difficult. To determine where the greatest security threat is, a risk assessment must be performed. Security is dictated by three main evaluations: perimeter, exterior and interior, and evaluating each area in terms of the nature of operations.
There are a few questions that need to be asked to help determine how tight the security system needs to be. Ask yourself as a property manager:
- Is the location private, semi private, or public?
- What are the demographics of the “at risk” population?
- What are you protecting?
- Why are you protecting it?
- How will you protect it?
- What’s the likelihood of something happening?
Depending on how “high risk” the area is deemed, stronger security systems might be required. Follow the steps below to help determine what you might need.
Step 1: Determine your security needs
- A luxury city building would need multiple high-security methods in place such as a desk guard, secured access, etc. However, a small business in a rural area would need a less extensive system to be efficient. Your geographical location determines your security system needs and solutions
Step 2: Ensure all areas of your security system are utilized
- Your system must provide protection in multiple ways. It is important to not focus on just one issue but to utilize different methods of security. There needs to be a unified solution to protect against various possible threats. Property managers should take advantage of things like remote guarding systems, human security professionals, and even access control systems to increase the security system and its functionality.
Step 3: Plan for the unknown
- Make sure the staff in the building are trained to properly work the security system and feel comfortable while using it. Your security system integrator will perform a thorough consultation and risk assessment at this time to customize the needs for your building. This will ensure that the new system will integrate seamlessly with the building’s other systems.
Step 4: Understand your security cost
- We can visit your building and perform an evaluation while offering a FREE QUOTE. To protect against various criminal activity such as theft, vandalism, and violence, there must be a balance of a quality security system as well as the financial sense to install. Ex: You do not purchase 100 cameras when you only need a handful that can get the job done. Most effective systems are based on the property’s unique needs and vulnerabilities.
Property management companies on Long Island, New York City or New Jersey are responsible for the safety and security of their properties, their tenants and their tenant’s visitors. This means property managers need to safeguard their properties against theft, vandalism, and liability 24/7. Some of the systems needed are:
Security Video Surveillance
- Video surveillance cameras provide an unparalleled level of security for your property. Whether you manage an apartment complex, co-op, condominium, or a billboard property with multiple tenants, these cameras redefine the safety and protection of your properties.
- You’ll be ready to monitor areas like lobbies, entrances, hallways, public areas, storage areas, and parking lots. Property Management security video surveillance acts as an extra set of eyes in the event something goes wrong. It also enables you to alert the authorities within the event you notice suspicious activity. Regardless of the sort of property you manage, there are numerous reasons why you ought to consider installing a top-quality video surveillance camera system for your New York or New Jersey property.
Access Control
- Access control systems enable your tenants to limit who comes and goes into your building or individual units. These systems allow you to regulate who can get into your building and who can’t at any time. Access control systems are often installed on interior/exterior doors, gates, and vehicle entry points, enabling you to watch who is entering each of those areas and when.
- Another advantage of installing access control systems in your managed property is it enables you to limit and monitor access to your building, facility, offices and other restricted areas to keep unwanted personnel out.
Visitor Management
- For property managers who have multiple properties in their portfolios. These records help to address specific safety concerns. The knowledge of who is in a building at any given time can help with emergency situations and criminal investigations.
CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)
- This is the most effective when the buildings are in the design stage. It can be used to enforce boundaries, restrictions, and oversight as long as there is a clear signal that this is a monitored area. When in the design stage, it is important to use subliminal and subconscious strategies to alter behavior such as sights, sounds, aesthetics, etc. This will help to send a clear signal at the perimeter of the property which shows that there are rules enforced.
There are numerous benefits for property managers when they implement the correct security system for their needs. Due to early warning signs with the proper security system in place, you can avoid property damage. By making common areas safer this encourages tenants to increase good behavior while also deterring crime. Surveillance footage or access reports can provide vital information to investigate a crime or establish proof of property loss or damage. It can also help to lower insurance costs by decreasing premiums.
Property management companies, managing multiple buildings, keeping your tenants satisfied and maximizing your bottom line is challenging; that is why Total Security makes security simple for you. We pride ourselves on professional installations and maintenance service of security cameras, alarm systems, video intercom systems and access control systems for commercial and residential buildings.
We offer property management companies the following:
- Comprehensive site security assessments
- Security strategies & solutions for single to multiple building complexes your company manages
- Estimates that are simple, clear, and easy to understand
- Clear communication to you throughout the entire installation process
- Lifetime technical support
- 99% on budget and on-time delivery success rate
- A seamless professional process from the moment you call us to the complement of your installation
- A stable long-term team committed to supporting your company