Integrating multi-point security solutions with the right technology empowers retailers to effectively monitor, assess, and prevent retail crime. Here’s how these solutions help retailers minimize losses and enhance safety.

Leveraging Real-Time Data

Integrated surveillance solutions, such as cameras and access control equipped with intelligent video analytics, allow retailers to automatically collect and analyze data for powerful insights [1]. Data analysis can happen in real-time, meaning retailers can:

• Accelerate investigation processes
• Deter theft and fraud proactively
• Identify risks as they occur
• Uncover patterns of suspicious activity

The result? Fewer instances of theft, improved security, and a protected bottom line.

Preventing Return Fraud and Employee Theft

Retailers can integrate surveillance cameras, audio systems, and access control with their point of sale (POS) systems to enhance loss prevention efforts. These networked solutions allow retailers to quickly investigate unusual refunds, exchanges, or voids that may indicate employee or customer theft.

Employee theft is a significant concern for many retailers. Integrated surveillance systems can alert you when a register is open without a customer present, discrepancies arise in transactions, or unusual patterns emerge in an employee’s activities.

Retailers can also address return fraud effectively with integrated network solutions. Return fraud cost retailers $101 billion in 2023 and is expected to continue to rise, making it imperative that stores put proactive measures in place [2].

The Power of Video Analytics

Video analytics allow retailers to enhance their existing surveillance systems without updating to new technology. Video analytics enable stores to:

• Detect non-scanned products at self-checkouts
• Identify full carts or bags leaving the store without payment
• Monitor registers for employee fraud prevention
• Keep an eye on high-value goods
• Recognize loitering behavior, allowing staff to offer timely assistance or intervention

By notifying the appropriate personnel when suspicious activity or theft is occurring, store security or staff can intervene to prevent theft. These analytics also enable retailers to identify trends, such as where goods are commonly stolen, so they can take proactive measures to secure their inventory.

The Benefits of Multi-Point Security Solutions

Multi-point security solutions provide a holistic view of your retail environment. With such a view, your team can respond quickly to potential theft or threats, thoroughly investigate incidents to hold people accountable and prevent future losses, and deter activity through visible security measures.

In an era where retail crime is on the rise, investing in a robust, integrated security system is more crucial than ever [3]. From local shops to multinational chains, retail crime can significantly impact bottom lines, making advanced security solutions paramount to protecting your business.

Leverage Security Technology for Your Store Today

With Surveillance Secure’s multi-point security solutions, you can protect your assets, deter criminal activity, and create a safer environment for both your customers and employees.

Don’t let retail crime impact your bottom line. Contact our team today at (877) 388-1248 to learn how our integrated security solutions can revolutionize your retail security strategy.

Sources:

1. https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/technology/video-analytics-business-benefits 
2. https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/nrf-and-appriss-retail-report-743-billion-merchandise-returned-2023 
3. https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/94563-implementing-next-gen-retail-technology-to-improve-security-mitigate-fraud

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Advancements in technology have provided new solutions to these challenges, with video analytics emerging as a powerful tool for event organizers. By leveraging video analytics, businesses can gain valuable insights into crowd behavior, optimize resource allocation, and enhance safety measures.

Here’s how video analytics can revolutionize crowd control and ensure safe guest experiences.

Understanding Traffic Flow and Maximizing Revenue

One of the primary benefits of video analytics in crowd control is its ability to help organizers understand and manage traffic flow [1].

By analyzing video footage, event managers can identify high-traffic areas in real-time and take proactive measures to ensure the efficient movement of guests. This includes identifying congested areas, bottlenecks, and points of friction, such as entrances and exits.

Event organizers can leverage this data to make informed decisions about the optimal placement of concession stands, rest areas, and other amenities, improving overall guest experience and maximizing revenue potential.

Real-Time Tracking and Optimal Staff Placement

To effectively manage a large crowd, having adequate staffing in the right locations is crucial. Video analytics solutions allow event managers to monitor crowd movement and density in real-time, enabling them to deploy staff strategically [2].

By identifying and repositioning personnel as needed, organizers can ensure that key areas like ticketing booths, security checkpoints, and guest assistance centers are adequately staffed, enhancing overall safety and efficiency.

Preventing Issues and Investigating Incidents

A major concern during crowded events is the potential for incidents like lost children or fights. Video analytics can play a vital role in preventing such occurrences and efficiently addressing them when they do happen.

By employing facial recognition and object tracking algorithms, event organizers can detect missing children by matching individuals in the crowd against a database of registered faces and characteristics, such as clothing [3]. This proactive approach dramatically reduces response time, allowing staff to quickly locate and reunite lost children with their guardians.

Analytics can also identify potential fights in real-time. For example, video analytics can detect breaking glass, raised voices, or gunshots, allowing personnel to respond immediately.

Intelligent video analytics also provide valuable evidence that supports investigations. By analyzing recorded footage, security personnel can review incidents from various angles, identify responsible individuals, and gather crucial information for law enforcement authorities.

Ensuring the Security of Restricted Areas

Certain areas within an event venue, such as backstage areas or VIP sections, require restricted access to maintain order and security. Video analytics systems equipped with intrusion detection capabilities can detect unauthorized access attempts and send immediate alerts to security personnel [4].

This not only prevents potential breaches and theft of inventory or valuable equipment but also helps event organizers take necessary measures, such as reinforcing physical barriers or enhancing surveillance in vulnerable areas.

Leverage the Power of Video Analytics for Your Events

Video analytics for crowd control and ensuring safe guest experiences has become an indispensable tool for event organizers. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for improved crowd control and guest safety will continue to evolve.

Leverage the power of video analytics for your facility or events by contacting Surveillance Secure today at (877) 388-1248. Our commercial security professionals can help you choose and implement the right equipment and software to meet your event security needs.

Sources:

1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8926351
2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9765008
3. https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/99403-strengthening-concert-fan-safety-with-video-analytics 
4. https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/technology/prevent-business-theft-with-video-analytics 

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Town and Country Animal Hospital in Fairfax, VA, and Columbia Pike Animal Hospital in Annandale, VA, are both veterinarian practices and animal hospitals, but Columbia Pike is a 24-hour hospital that offers emergency services.

Here’s how the Surveillance Secure team helped these hospitals update their security for improved patient and staff safety.

Outdated Systems That Needed Upgrading

The hospitals had video surveillance, access control, and panic alarm systems in three different buildings. Town and Country Animal Hospital is one building with multiple floors, while Columbia Pike Animal Hospital is one location with two separate buildings on campus. 

However, the systems were outdated and not reliable. They wanted new systems that would work properly and help give them the control and convenience they needed. Their priority was providing staff and patient safety at the 24-hour facility.

Replacing Cameras and Adding Video Analytics

Surveillance Secure updated each system at each hospital. Town and Country had 18 cameras, and Surveillance Secure installed three more as new spaces became available in the building.

Columbia Pike had the Surveillance Secure team take over their older, outdated system but wanted to reuse their 15 existing cameras by adding them to the Avigilon Alta video cloud system. The Surveillance Secure team also added analytics to their existing cameras for smart surveillance.

These cameras monitor the interior and exterior of the buildings. On the exterior, the entire parking lot, sidewalks, and the perimeter of the building are visible. The cameras have already been helpful as they were able to capture video to see exactly what happened when someone fell in the parking lot and when a vehicle was hit. 

Interior Surveillance and Panic Alarms

The interior cameras at each hospital are in place mainly for safety concerns. For example, treatment areas are monitored via surveillance to ensure employees and patients are safe. The hospitals also have 24-hour recorded surveillance of the pharmacy to monitor access to medications and keep them secure.

The panic alarms at the hospitals are in treatment areas or spaces where employees may be alone with animals or pet owners. These alarms allow staff to request assistance if anything dangerous begins to happen or a sudden medical emergency occurs.

Access Control for Building Security

The hospital access control systems allow management to control who can enter secure spaces within the facilities. They also control external entry doors. The system lets employees move freely between locations without keeping track of keys for every building and room. The system also prevents unauthorized access to certain rooms, such as where medication is kept, and pet owner access to the building after-hours at Town and Country.

Expanded Surveillance With Facility Growth

After completing the updates for each animal hospital, Surveillance Secure has done several additional security projects for them, including adding 10 more cameras to the Columbia Pike campus.

As the facilities continue to grow, both Town and Country and Columbia Pike Animal Hospital have asked Surveillance Secure to augment their systems. They recently renovated a new building next door to the main hospital and included Avigilon Video and access control because they are so pleased with the new systems.

Surveillance Secure is happy to assist these hospitals with their surveillance needs so they can continue providing excellent security and services to their patients.

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The regulations differ for every state and for whether audio or video surveillance is used. You need to be sure you’re in compliance with these laws when using recording equipment. Here we review Maryland surveillance video and audio recording laws (updated in 2024).

Audio Recording Laws in Maryland

In the United States, there are twelve states where audio recording cannot be done without the consent of every person in the conversation[1]. Maryland is one of those states.

Most types of audio recordings are illegal unless all parties know the recording is taking place. Under Maryland law, in both residential households and in a place of business, people must be clearly told that audio recording is happening.

In some situations, such as a phone call, implied consent is enough. You’ve likely heard “this call may be recorded for quality and assurance purposes” while on a call. If the person hears this and proceeds with the conversation, this is legal even though the person hasn’t given explicit permission.

If you do record employees or people at your home under any other circumstances in which all parties are not aware of the recording, this is a felony in the state of Maryland which could mean imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both [2].

What About Video Surveillance?

Video surveillance is a bit different than audio surveillance under Maryland law. It is legal in Maryland to use surveillance video in your home, including on your porch or lawn, without consent from the parties being recorded [3].

However, it is illegal to use hidden surveillance cameras in places where people expect privacy—these places include bathrooms or dressing rooms. Deliberately using video to record people in their respective private residences or in a private place without their consent is considered unlawful in the state of Maryland.

While federal law doesn’t regulate the use of video surveillance cameras in your home or business, state laws do apply and will vary by state, so be sure you’re in compliance with these regulations to avoid potential legal issues.

Using Audio and Video Surveillance Properly

Both audio and video surveillance can be beneficial for homes and businesses that want more security. However, complying with Maryland law is important. Exercise caution when using audio recording and be sure to notify all parties involved, but know that video recording is usually legal without such permission.

Do you have surveillance equipment in place at your house or office? Are you in compliance with Maryland’s laws for audio and video recording? Contact us at Surveillance Secure to learn more about how we can help you conduct legal surveillance to keep your place of work or your home safe!

Updates for 2024

In 2024, Maryland remains one of the states in which all parties must consent to an audio recording for it to take place. It still remains legal to conduct video surveillance on your property, so long as they are places where people do not expect privacy.

Sources:

1. http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/recording-phone-calls-and-conversations
2. https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2005/gcj/10-402.html
3. https://gbbr.org/blog/2019/03/27/is-it-legal-to-record-audio-or-video-in-maryland-without-consent/

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With the ability to quickly process large volumes of video data and extract valuable insights, video analytics is revolutionizing the way law enforcement agencies monitor and respond to criminal activities to keep people safer.

From enhancing surveillance capabilities in high-crime areas to improving crime detection and investigation, the integration of video analytics is reshaping the landscape of public safety in communities worldwide—here’s how.

Automatically Detect Threats and Alert Authorities

Video analytics encompasses a range of cutting-edge technologies that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to analyze and interpret video footage in less time than it would take humans.

These sophisticated systems can automatically detect and alert authorities to suspicious behaviors, such as loitering, unattended objects, trespassing, and people with weapons [1].

By automatically monitoring live video feeds in real-time, analytics enable law enforcement to proactively identify potential security threats and take immediate action to mitigate risks.

Proactive Monitoring to Reduce the Impact of Labor Shortages

One of the primary ways law enforcement agencies leverage video analytics is by implementing surveillance cameras equipped with advanced capabilities.

These cameras can be strategically positioned in public spaces, transportation hubs, and high-crime areas to provide continuous monitoring without the need for police or security guards to be on the ground. This allows law enforcement to more strategically deploy professionals and reduce the impact of labor shortages in the industry.

Video analytics software can analyze the footage in real-time without human intervention, flagging anomalies and sending alerts to law enforcement personnel, allowing for a rapid response to potential security incidents to save invaluable time [2].

Streamline Investigations and Leverage Evidence

Video analytics facilitates quick and efficient investigations by enabling authorities to search through vast amounts of video data to pinpoint specific events or activities in just a fraction of the time it would take them to manually sift through video [3].

This capability is especially valuable in solving crimes promptly, as it can help law enforcement identify suspects, track their movements, and gather crucial evidence with the help of technology.

Additionally, video analytics can reconstruct events and provide detailed insights to aid in apprehending perpetrators and supporting prosecutions for a more effective legal process to keep the public safer.

Shorten Emergency Response Time

Intelligent video analytics enhance situational awareness and emergency response by enabling law enforcement to gain real-time insights into developing incidents.

By integrating analytics with other security systems, such as gunshot detection sensors or access control, law enforcement can rapidly assess unfolding situations, coordinate responses, and allocate resources effectively.

Such integration helps law enforcement agencies respond to incidents more quickly and anticipate and prevent security threats, ultimately bolstering public safety [4].

The Future of Video Analytics in Law Enforcement

The integration of intelligent analytics represents a monumental leap forward in law enforcement capabilities, significantly contributing to the enhancement of public safety.

By harnessing AI-powered algorithms to analyze video data, law enforcement agencies can improve their surveillance, investigation, and emergency response capabilities, ultimately deterring criminal activities and protecting communities.

As technology continues to evolve, video analytics will undoubtedly play an integral role in advancing the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement, cementing its status as a cornerstone of modern public safety initiatives.

Discover Video Analytics With Surveillance Secure

Intelligent video analytics hold a range of possibilities for supporting public safety and aiding law enforcement. Discover what video analytics can do for your surveillance system by contacting Surveillance Secure today at (877) 388-1248.

Sources:

1. https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/101647/lessons_learned_implementing_video_analytics_in_a_public_surveillance_network.pdf
2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333767552_Using_Video_Analytics_and_Sensor_Fusion_in_Law_Enforcement_Building_a_Research_Agenda_That_Includes_Business_Cases_Privacy_and_Civil_Rights_Protections_and_Needs_for_Innovation
3. https://policeandsecuritynews.com/2019/07/22/video-analytics/
4. https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2019/11/enhancing-public-safety-video-analytics-computer-vision-and-artificial

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