Video surveillance is an essential part of comprehensive security for any facility. In addition to having the right types of equipment, systems, and configurations in place, security camera placement needs to be right as well. You can have the best technology on your side, but it won’t make much of a difference if none of your cameras are placed where they should be. Here are a few essential security camera placement tips to keep in mind:

1. Start With a Security Risk Assessment

Reviewing your current facility and security is a good place to start. On top of that, running through a full building vulnerability assessment checklist can help you identify gaps, keep track of any new risks that need to be addressed, and more.

Above all, it’s a tool that can help you address all the details and ensure you have both a broad overview and a detailed view of what you need for comprehensive security coverage. Focusing on video surveillance, a security risk assessment like this will provide valuable insight into areas you need coverage, different camera capabilities you may need, considerations for ideal placement, and more.

Plus, you can use information from this initial assessment to run checks throughout the installation process and post-installation to ensure everything has been addressed adequately. Instead of running through a general review and hoping to catch anything that may have been missed, you can do an overview and then also re-do the risk assessment to test specific areas and ensure previous gaps are covered.

2. Make Sure All Areas Are Covered

Even with a security risk assessment in hand, it’s still possible to overlook an area if you’re not intentional about making sure all important areas are covered. Entries and exits and obvious high-value areas tend to be top-of-mind, but there are plenty of other areas that also need coverage.

Hidden spaces, areas around the perimeter, anything that is secluded or blocked from other sight lines, areas with a lot of activity, and more are all some of the best places to install security cameras. An experienced integrator can help you assess vulnerabilities and make sure all areas are covered while also providing you peace of mind that everything is placed and installed correctly.

3. Ensure You Have the Right Camera Capabilities

Not all types of video surveillance cameras are the best fit for all conditions. This is why one of the most essential security camera placement tips is having the right cameras with the right capabilities in the right places.

If you want to use geo-enabled analytics, you need the right equipment and software to accommodate those capabilities. Outdoor security cameras need to be able to work in varying light and weather conditions.

Good security camera placement will include these considerations and ensure that the installed cameras are monitoring the correct area, have the desired intelligent video analytics capabilities, and are capable of capturing clear footage in the necessary conditions.

4. Consider Router Placement

Security camera placement tips include the installation of the cameras themselves in addition to power supplies and network connectivity. With wireless and IP cameras, you want to ensure all cameras are well within range of the router and can receive a strong signal without issue or delay.

Cameras that are too far or receive weak signals may not work as consistently or efficiently. Over time, this is a drain on the equipment and can drain batteries and lead to more frequent maintenance requirements.

A good security systems integrator will take all of this into account during consultation to make sure all security and security networking needs are adequately considered and met. In addition to router placement, electrical needs, signal boosters, and more, you should also ensure there are backups in place to sustain security systems during power outages.

5. Use Both Hidden and Visible Security Cameras

Visible security cameras act as a deterrent on their own. However, visible cameras are also more vulnerable to damage, intentional or otherwise. Although many security cameras are available with tamper alerts, a mix of hidden and visible security cameras will ensure monitoring is uninterrupted even if a visible camera is damaged or vandalized. Having both improves building security and provides optimal monitoring, especially if you are able to combine capabilities for full coverage.

6. Determine the Optimal Height

The optimal height for security cameras is a balance and varies based on several factors. You want them to be high enough to monitor the assigned area comprehensively and also want them high enough to be well out of reach to prevent tampering. At the same time, you don’t want them to be too high that they can’t provide clear and detailed footage.

The optimal height for a specific camera will depend on the area being monitored, the type of camera, the capabilities of the camera, the facility, and more. Choosing the right security systems integrator can ensure all of these things are taken into consideration and cameras are installed correctly, at the optimal heights for the specific placement, and configured correctly.

Upgrade Your Video Surveillance With NEPPS

These are just a few security camera placement tips to keep in mind as you think about your facility’s video surveillance and overall security. Partnering with an experienced, reputable security systems integrator can go a long way in making sure you have the systems, configurations, and equipment your facility needs for truly comprehensive security. If you need to upgrade the security of your facility, contact NEPPS at 1-800-736-1456.