Do CCTV Camera Systems Work?

Posted by Blognut | Posted in , , , | Posted on 9:18 PM

CCTV camera systems over the years have captured some defining moments in history. From the last images of the crew of the Challenger to the terrible images of 9/11, CCTV camera systems have been our silent witnesses to moments in modern history that can never be forgotten.

The question remains, however, if using CCTV camera systems is really worth it when it comes to documenting criminal activity. Of late, this question has been hotly debated in terms of civil rights and the effectiveness when it comes to evidence in criminal trials. There are statistics that support claims that the effectiveness of CCTV camera systems is lost when their presence is proven to not be very effective in reducing crimes in designated areas. On the other hand, however, there is also data that proves that a significant presence of CCTV camera systems curbs criminal activities and assists the local authorities in securing evidence for prosecutions and trials.

The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle of these arguments, carrying the weight of documented history that CCTV camera systems are not only effective in the solving of criminal cases, but are also a great asset for preventing the crimes from happening in the first place.

CCTV camera systems have always been more concerned with deterrence than with evidence collection. Red light cameras do catch drivers in the act of running red lights, but the reason they are there is not to simply increase the coffers of the city they are installed in. They are supposed to be making drivers think twice before breaking the law, since it has been well publicized that any driver caught will be paying some hefty fines.

CCTV camera systems placed in convenience stores were shown to have decreased the number of robberies in those stores by more than 50% in the first year of operation. Overseas, the United Kingdom has had more CCTV camera systems in place than any other country, including the United States. Studies concerning their effectiveness have proven that crimes in areas like city centers, public housing, public transportation centers and car parks have decreased dramatically since their installation. That is resounding proof that CCTV camera systems are an effective tool in reducing criminal activity everywhere.

While CCTV camera systems can be effective tools for collecting evidence, they are limited by their inability to capture audio as well as video. Under federal law, if sound is recorded by CCTV camera systems along with video, it is considered to be the same as a wiretap, and therefore inadmissible in a court of law without the use of a warrant for the premises the system was installed in. In response, many police departments utilize skilled lip readers, and still gain an accurate deposition concerning incriminating spoken evidence.

CCTV camera systems are used all over the world in police investigations. In Canada, more than 70% of all bank robberies and other commercial crimes have been captured using CCTV camera systems. Anyone who regularly watches the local or national news has already learned just how effective CCTV camera systems can be when it comes to kidnapping and missing person cases. The evidence of their effectiveness just keeps growing.

The controversy stems from the fear of a Big Brother society coming into vogue. This cannot be further from the truth. Evidence collected for decades shows just how effective CCTV camera systems can be against crime. Besides protecting individual properties, they have the ability to insure that entire cities can be made safer by their use. To do without them would be madness.





Experience Movie Magic with Home Theaters

Posted by Blognut | Posted in , | Posted on 11:20 AM

The rising cost of movie and theater tickets means that a night out at the movies is becoming less affordable. With adult movie tickets costing up to $20, expensive parking costs and overpriced popcorn and drinks, a family of four can easily spend up to $150 for just two hours of entertainment that’s often accompanied by long lines and crowds, obstructed viewing, and audience members who like to talk.

The good news is that you can easily experience the magic of the movies, without breaking your budget, from the comfort of your own home with home theater installations complete with surround sound, a big plasma screen, and comfortable seating.

A good home theater has well-tiered seating, so that your family and guests can enjoy the picture without having to look over or around someone’s head. With your well-designed acoustics, soundproofing, and properly placed speakers, including subwoofers for deep bass effects, you’ll be immersed in the soundtrack and feel part of the action with your plasma screen providing three-dimensional vividness. And sound, lighting and ventilation are all easy to adjust with your well-integrated home automation system.

You’ve bought some microwave popcorn and soda from the local supermarket and you have this week’s release on Blu-Ray DVD. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to head to the movies.

Enhance Your Business with An Audio Distribution System

Posted by Blognut | Posted in , , , , | Posted on 11:19 AM

An audio distribution system can mean the difference between a good experience at a restaurant or bar and a great one. Even when it’s just playing background music, a quality commercial sound system can improve the sense of ambience for customers and enhance your business’s image.

Mezuri Systems offers a range of sound, audio-visual, background music, public address and paging systems, and other communication solutions for all types of businesses, from offices, department stores and wedding venues to hotels, bars, entertainment complexes and even houses of worship.

Audio distribution systems use cutting-edge equipment and the latest computer software and CAD systems to ensure high performance, flexibility and ease of use. A good commercial audio distribution system functions well day in, day out, and is easy for the user to operate at the touch of a button. If an establishment such bar has a multi-zone system, then a bartender has control over all sections of the bar and is able to change tracks and adjust volume to set the mood as needed.

To find out more about how an audio distribution system can add an extra dimension to your business, contact the professionals at Mezuri Systems today.

How Do Access Control Security Systems Work?

Posted by Blognut | Posted in , | Posted on 11:18 AM

Access control systems are an important security tool for businesses as they allow you to secure your premises through the use of code keypads and computerized cards, and even finger print, hand and facial recognition readers. With access card readers combined with CCTV security surveillance, your business can determine who entered a room, when and why.

Access control security systems provide you with complete control over your property. You can program cards so that only authorized people can access a building, parts of a building, or certain doors at certain time. The system means you can know where your employees are at all times, which contributes to greater accountability and risk reduction. You can also generate electronic access reports and conduct audits of all activity that takes place on the property.

Visitors can be easily managed through access control security systems. They can be issued temporary card readers that gives them access to only certain doors, in a certain timeframe. With access control security systems, doors can be programmed to lock or unlock automatically, which is particularly useful for entrance or lobby doors.

To find out more about how access control security systems can benefit your business, contact Mezuri Systems today.