Should your security cameras or recorders malfunction, it’s important to put them
in working order immediately. Some people believe that just the presence of the
cameras is enough to deter criminals, and they try to save money by not fixing them
when they fail.
As a security professional, I do not recommend installing fake or dummy cameras.
The risk of liability outweighs any potential savings a company may realize by not
having proper security.
We use the term “implied security” to describe the potential liability. By having nonworking
cameras -- especially if there are signs in the area stating that the building is
being monitored -- you are implying that the area is safe and suggest that a minimum
level of security is being provided when it is not. If someone were to get hurt within
view of the non-working camera, the business could find itself liable. There have been
dozens of lawsuits regarding implied security and it usually doesn’t bode well for the
business.
My recommendations are:
• Check your security cameras and recorders daily. Most systems have an alarm to
alert you by e-mail or text message if they fail, which is a good way to monitor them.
• Have your security company check your system at least once a year, but preferably
twice. Alarm systems, access control and video systems often have devices that fail,
such as alarm contacts or hard drives on a computer. Sometimes cameras can lose
their picture, but still send a black image which makes the DVR believe video is
still present. A visual inspection is recommended to make sure the cameras are still
operating, aren’t being blocked by objects or have not been knocked out of focus or
alignment. If you have an IT person on staff, even someone with technical aptitude,
have them check the computer and DVRs for disk failures, proper back-ups and
software updates.
One additional point: Companies frequently move into leased spaces where the
former tenant had a security system in place that no longer works. The offi ce may
have non-operational cameras on the wall or non-functioning card readers on the
doors. We recommend that each company have a security policy that states what
level of security can be expected by employees and customers. If you don’t have a
working security system, be sure everyone knows that. The policy -- which can go
into the company handbook or be passed around as a memo -- can simply state, “The
company provides a minimum level of security, so be sure to lock the doors at night if
you’re working alone.”
Bottome line: If you have a security system that looks like it works, make sure it does
or remove it. There are serious potential liability problems if it doesn’t. Having no
security at all is better than having bad security!