Can you imagine a vacation in the Caribbean while having complete control over the security of your business or site, all from the palm of your hand through security guards or remote video surveillance?
Thanks to technology, remote monitoring centers now make it possible to achieve what was once thought impossible before 2035!
This blog is for you if you want to secure your business but aren’t sure whether to hire security guards or use remote video surveillance services.
It will help you make an educated decision by evaluating the effectiveness of a security guard and remote video surveillance.
By the end of 2023, Canada’s security services market is expected to reach 8.83 billion CAD.
Even though the market for security services, including options like security guards or remote video surveillance, may be expanding.
this only underscores the risks and damage that on-site security personnel may cause if they lack adequate theft protection training.
When faced with critical security concerns, it becomes imperative to implement a robust security surveillance system.
Having security guards or remote video surveillance employees at a business provides various benefits, including a sense of security, crime prevention, customer service support, crime handling, and monitoring duties.
Small businesses should consider these advantages when deciding whether to hire a security guard or implement a remote video surveillance system.
With a remote video monitoring service like Sirix offers, a security operator can remotely respond to alerts and alarms raised by networked cameras, sensors, access control, or other devices, for a swift and proactive security solution!
Read on to find out what will make your business more secure: security guards or remote video surveillance?
This blog discusses the advantages and limitations of security guards or remote video surveillance approaches, providing insights into their applicability in different industries such as car dealerships, construction sites, truck yards, and retail stores.
So let’s dive in and find the right security option for your business.
Security guards or remote video surveillance
For a long time, security guards have been an essential part of any business or site, their role evolving to integrate methods such as remote video surveillance.
Traditionally, businesses heavily relied on security guards or remote video surveillance to prevent theft and patrol the area.
Security guards, often working in conjunction with remote video surveillance systems, could use passive surveillance methods to watch for unusual activity.
These methods, incorporating security guards or remote video surveillance, allowed them to monitor camera feeds more efficiently, taking appropriate action to deter crime or lessen harm to life and property.
While these assets go by different names, such as security officers, watchmen, agents, and guards, they all, along with the remote video surveillance, provide the same invaluable protection.
They were extremely valuable and life-saving a few decades ago, and they continue to serve many businesses today.
But given that today’s theft, vandalism, and arson take on new forms, are traditional security guards enough to protect your businesses? Or is it time to think about options like remote video surveillance?
With the advent of new technologies, criminals have become smarter, necessitating a strong need for preventative action – a choice between security guards or remote video surveillance.
Considering these challenges, it may be time to evaluate whether utilizing security guards or remote video surveillance could supplement your existing safety measures, providing a more proactive approach to stop crime before it happens.
Are on-site security guards really beneficial?
Mental and physical training of security guards
Nowadays, various security guard providers train their personnel physically and mentally to combat the most challenging conditions.
These providers understand the importance of equipping security guards or remote video surveillance systems with the necessary physical and mental skills to handle challenging situations effectively.
By providing comprehensive training, they ensure that security guards or the operators handling remote video surveillance are prepared to face any potential threats and protect the safety of their clients and premises.
They train security guards or remote video surveillance individuals responsible to develop physical strength and technical proficiency. These individuals are more alert and vigilant on the job, whether it’s in person or overseeing through a digital lens.
In addition to physical fitness, security providers also focus on enhancing the mental resilience of guards or those handling remote video surveillance.
This includes teaching them effective communication and conflict-resolution techniques, and training them to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations.
They are also taught how to use various weapons that may be necessary for their line of work. This training is crucial, whether they are serving as security guards or remote video surveillance
They are also taught how to use various weapons that may be necessary for their line of work, especially when assuming roles as security guards or remote video surveillance operators.
The combination of hands-on security guard duties and the intricate task of monitoring through remote video surveillance is critical.
This training is essential, whether they are actively serving as on-ground security guards or remote video surveillance management team.
By equipping guards with these skills, which are pivotal in both conventional security guard or remote video surveillance operations, they can handle challenging conditions and maintain a safe environment for their clients.
Challenges and limitations in security guard’s monitoring
Human behaviors such as falling asleep at work, being distracted by phone calls, arriving late for your shift or leaving early, and low pay demotivation can all lead to insufficient attention to detail over time.
This can especially be a major concern when it comes to security guards or remote video surveillance, where a lapse in vigilance could potentially have serious consequences.
Intruders may take advantage of the situation, sneak in and cause damage, exploiting these vulnerabilities in security guards’ attention or in the operation of remote video surveillance systems.
Despite receiving extensive commando-style training, they can only handle mild security situations.
Weapons and the physical presence of strong guards, particularly security guards, may serve as effective deterrents to potential threats. Still, if used carelessly, they also run the risk of escalating a situation.
One has to keep in mind that the cost of multiple security guards or remote video surveillance systems should be taken into account.
Though hiring guards can be expensive, there will still be some property coverage gaps because they cannot be everywhere at the same time.
But remember, integrating the efforts of security guards or remote video surveillance can provide a much more comprehensive security coverage.
Benefits of hiring security guards
Following are the unavoidable circumstances under which the security guards are undoubtedly the most useful:
- Certain emergencies require physical action; at that point, security guards are beneficial .
- They can guide people to safety during emergencies, such as natural disasters, building evacuations, or sudden disturbances.
- When tensions rise, their presence can help to defuse confrontations and mediate disputes.
- They can administer first aid to injured individuals, stabilize their condition, and facilitate the arrival of medical professionals.
Remote video surveillance
After the COVID-19 pandemic, five million Canadian employees switched to remote jobs. Because business premises were left unattended and more open to theft and intrusion, this increased demand for remote video monitoring.
What is remote video surveillance?
Remote video surveillance, expertly operated by trained security guards or remote video surveillance teams, entails strategically placing security cameras on your property.
These professionals employ advanced analytics to detect suspicious activity.
This activity triggers alarms at the Remote Monitoring Center to which your security devices are connected.
Subsequently, live video feeds are transmitted to these security guards or remote video surveillance team for immediate examination and response, ensuring an effective line of defense against potential threats.
How does remote video monitoring work?
Remote monitoring focuses on early detection, and quick and appropriate responses. Using a step-by-step example, we will demonstrate how remote video surveillance works.
Assume someone sneaks in a car dealership parking lot after hours.
Step 1.
The camera AI spots a person walking around the car dealership parking lot when the business is closed.
Step 2.
An alarm is triggered by the camera AI and rings at the remote monitoring center. One operator swiftly acknowledges the alarm and examines the situation via live video.
Step 3.
Once the intrusion is confirmed, the operator follows the established SOP for this particular situation. Most likely, they will perform a vocal intervention, also called voice talk-down or audio talk-down, asking the potential intruder to identify themselves or to leave the premises at once.
This verbal warning is done through bidirectional speakers located in key areas in the car dealership parking lot.
In most cases, a vocal intervention is all it takes to convince the potential intruder to leave the premises.
In the rare cases where it does not work, the remote operator will continue to follow the SOP, possibly dispatch the police or call the contact on the emergency list.
This procedure involves the active collaboration of security guards or remote video surveillance.
Note that the parking lot management team and the remote monitoring center security experts had previously agreed on the SOP followed by the security operators.
This SOP considers the roles of security guards or remote video surveillance in ensuring safety.
Step 4.
The operator writes notes about the event and the information is entered into the system. The case is closed.
Advantages of remote video surveillance
Wide coverage and multiple camera integration: The system provides extensive coverage by integrating multiple cameras, allowing for comprehensive surveillance across various areas or angles.
Continuous monitoring and real-time alerts: The system continuously monitors the surveillance feed and immediately sends real-time alerts in case of any suspicious activities or security breaches, ensuring prompt action can be taken.
Cost-effectiveness: The solution offers a cost-effective approach to security as it eliminates the need for extensive human resources by leveraging advanced technology to automate surveillance tasks efficiently.
Scalability: The system is designed to scale seamlessly, accommodating the addition of more cameras or expanding surveillance capabilities without compromising performance or functionality.
Limitations of remote video surveillance
Dependence on stable Internet connection: The effectiveness of the system relies heavily on maintaining a stable and reliable Internet connection.
A stable connection ensures seamless communication between the surveillance devices and the central monitoring system, enabling real-time data transmission and immediate access to live feeds.
But there is a solution to this problem…
Uptime monitoring: A remote monitoring solution to prevent downtime
Uptime monitoring is a dependable remote solution that oversees your devices, applications, and network to ensure uninterrupted operations.
When an anomaly is detected within your monitored infrastructure, an immediate alert is sent to both the client and the monitoring center, ensuring early detection and resolution of the problem.
This advanced system can work in tandem with your security guards or remote video surveillance to provide comprehensive coverage and enhanced safety.
With AktivSense or Uptime Monitoring, you can steer clear of network downtime, Internet connection issues, and more, hence ensuring continuous site monitoring.
Modern technology enhances remote video surveillance
Nowadays, robust technologies can solve most security issues; one such technology is cloud-based video analytics.
Cloud-based video analytics providers often have access to powerful algorithms and resources, which means they can give you accurate and complete insights.
Put another way, with cloud-based video analytics, you have quick access to important business data.
Here are a few examples of solutions a remote video monitoring center can offer your company using Cloud-based video analytics:
- License plate recognition
Find targeted license plates through a vehicle database. Alarms can be set up for particular license plate numbers. It can recognize license plates by comparing them to a vehicle database that the site’s owners have already established.
- Gun detection
Detect firearms that are visibly brandished in an instant.
- Intruder detection
In contrast to any other element, the AI can recognize human or vehicle movement. If either one is detected on your premises after work hours, an alarm will be triggered.
- Crowd detection
Recognize the emergence of sizable crowds of people. Based on a maximum threshold, you can set occupancy triggers.
- Loitering detection
You can set a time trigger so that if someone stays too long on your premises, it will be regarded as loitering and an alarm will go off.
- Less false alarms
Video surveillance analytics in the cloud improve detection accuracy and reduce false events by over 97%.
Considering budget constraints
Staffing a large property with enough security personnel to effectively secure it can be extremely costly.
To keep your business safe, you will most likely need to hire a team of full-time security guards, which will significantly increase the cost.
It’s worth noting that, when considering the choice between security guards or remote video surveillance, in many circumstances, the latter option is less expensive.
This even holds true when monthly service fees are factored in.
The unique benefit of remote video monitoring, a core component of security guards or remote video surveillance strategies, is that security personnel only need to examine the live video feeds sent to them when an alarm is raised.
This alarm may be due to a suspicious activity being spotted by a camera AI at one of the connected sites.
In a sense, the camera AI is what constantly monitors everything. As a result, a single security operator can instantly view and react to alerts.
To have a realistic idea of how much remote video monitoring costs, read our blog, How Much Remote Video Monitoring Services Cost in 2023?
How remote video monitoring benefits industries
To demonstrate how remote video surveillance is a great security solution for a variety of industries, we’ve included benefits for three different industries below: construction sites, truck yards, and retail.
Benefits of remote video monitoring for construction sites
- A remote monitoring center provides 24/7 remote surveillance and immediate detection of suspicious activities through cameras with advanced AI technology, keeping your construction site safe at all times.
- The constant observation of construction site workers by video surveillance ensures strict adherence to safety procedures, such as wearing helmets and steel-toe boots.
- Furthermore, it makes it easier to identify hazards on the site to improve safety protocols and reduce the number of accidents.
- The recorded video footage serves as valuable evidence in liability claims, safeguarding construction companies against false allegations.
- Video surveillance enables real-time monitoring of project progress and worker activities, boosting employee motivation and leading to the completion of higher-quality projects.
- Construction site video feeds that have been recorded can be used for marketing initiatives to show off the project’s progress and draw in potential investors.
- With remote gate control, a remote operator can request to see proper identification, ask for credentials, and query visitors before allowing them entry on your site.
- This proactive monitoring of video surveillance cameras improves overall situational awareness and minimizes the likelihood of theft and vandalism.
For expert advice, we suggest you read our blog “How to Best Protect Your Investment Using Jobsite Security Cameras.” It provides valuable insights and practical strategies to ensure the security of your valuable assets at a construction site.
Benefits of remote video monitoring for truck yards
- Truck yards operate around the clock, and cargo theft can occur anytime. Remote monitoring systems often incorporate advanced video analytics and motion sensors that can quickly identify suspicious activities, such as unauthorized individuals accessing cargo containers or tampering with trucks.
- Security cameras act as a deterrent against potential criminals, preventing trespassing and theft in truck yards.
- Remote gate control is a key service for truck yards. Remote operators control truck entries and exits using unidirectional video and bidirectional audio. They can verify credentials, ask drivers questions, fill out forms, and direct truck drivers to the correct parking spot.
- This service allows you to keep track of who is coming and going from your premises and grant access only to those who are authorized.
- Video footage from the remote monitoring system can serve as valuable evidence for investigations, aiding in identifying culprits and recovering stolen goods.
If you’re looking for an in-depth resource on improving truck yard remote video monitoring, please check out “A Complete Guide on Better Truck Yard Remote Video Monitoring” for valuable insights and practical tips.
Benefits of remote video monitoring for retail
- Thanks to high-resolution cameras and advanced analytics such as Behavior AI that recognize shoplifting patterns and movements, you can detect and stop shoplifting.
- You can track customer behavior patterns, preferences, and purchase histories with security cameras layered with a Behavior AI solution.
- Security cameras and warning signs of live surveillance act as a deterrent against potential criminals in retail settings, reducing the risk of shoplifting.
- Video footage can act as a valuable piece of evidence for liability claims, defending retailers against false claims.
- Video surveillance in retail environments allows managers to monitor employee activities. This insight can motivate employees to work more efficiently, resulting in improved productivity and service quality.
- Remote video surveillance allows for spotting goods and products that will sell more and boost sales by analyzing customer traffic patterns in a specific aisle.
Discover the ultimate weapon against shoplifting and ensure the security of your retail store with this groundbreaking blog: How to Stop Shoplifting with this Innovative Retail Anti-Theft Solution.
Security guard or remote surveillance? A list of factors to help you choose between the 2 solutions
Crewed guarding and remote video monitoring offer distinct approaches to security.
Assessing business needs and priorities
Each business has specific requirements depending on its sector. For instance, the retail sector may need round-the-clock monitoring and sophisticated camera software to spot even the tiniest signs of shoplifting.
A truck yard might need strict access controls and active gate security to prevent unauthorized entry and exit.
As a result, we’ve put together a table that lists priorities and recommends whether you should rely on remote monitoring or a security guard for your security system, depending on the situation.
| Needs/Priorities | Security Guards | Remote Video Monitoring |
| Physical Presence | Yes | No |
| Response to threat or problem | Can be immediate, but often delayed | Immediate |
| Surveillance Coverage | Limited by location | Comprehensive |
| Deterrence | Visible presence deters criminals | Awareness of monitoring deters criminals (warning signs, visible security cameras, etc.) |
| Cost-effectiveness | Depends on the number of guards (While one guard may be less costly, it is also less effective, and multiple guards are more effective, but more costly as well) | Cost-effective, especially long-term |
| Emergency Handling | On-site assistance | Co-ordinated response (voice interventions, police dispatched, etc.) |
Finally, here is a complete PROS & CONS table to help you make an informed decision between security guards and remote video surveillance:
Pros and cons of security guards and remote video monitoring
| Attributes | Security guards | Remote monitoring center |
| Reliability | Although they provide a physical presence and quick response to potential security threats, they can be prone to human error and fatigue. For instance, guards may fall asleep on the job due to exhaustion or boredom. Some security guards may be tempted to steal due to their close proximity and access to valuable items. | Remote video surveillance offers a highly reliable solution unaffected by human factors. It provides 24/7 monitoring with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to detect potential threats and promptly notify the appropriate personnel for immediate action. |
| Perimeter coverage | Security guards physically patrol the premises, providing a visible presence and possibly an immediate response to security threats. They cannot, however, be present everywhere at the same time, and when they leave their original post to make rounds, there is a security coverage gap. | Remote video surveillance employs strategically placed cameras to monitor the entire perimeter continuously. Using advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, remote video surveillance systems can detect potential security breaches and promptly alert the appropriate personnel for a quick response. This makes remote video surveillance a reliable and efficient solution for achieving full perimeter coverage. |
| Response time | Security guards offer the advantage of swift in-person response and the ability to respond quickly to emergencies on-site. However, their response time may vary depending on where they are and when the incident occurs. There is a risk that the theft or incident may go unnoticed until it is too late. | By utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology that can detect specific movements and unexpected events with greater speed and accuracy than the human eye, security operators can respond rapidly to any issues. |
| Crime prevention | Security guards can identify and approach suspicious individuals, informing them that they are entering private property and discouraging criminal behavior. However, security guards may not always be enough to stop sophisticated illicit activities. | Remote video surveillance is a highly successful crime prevention tool. With 24/7 surveillance and AI-powered detection systems, security operators are instantly alerted by any unusual or suspicious activities. Advanced AI technology can identify subtle movements that may go unnoticed by human observation. The security operators can then use two-way communication systems to engage with the suspects or dispatch the authorities to prevent crime before any damage occurs. |
| Irrefutable evidence | In the cases where they witnessed the incident, the guards may provide testimony, but it is not irrefutable. | Video footage is a reliable and impartial source of evidence that plays a crucial role in investigations, suspect identification, and prosecution. |
| Employee safety | Using non-lethal tools like batons, pepper spray, and tasers, security guards provide on-site security. They receive training in de-escalation and conflict resolution tactics. However, since they do not carry firearms, their ability to deal with a hostile intruder may be constrained, and there is a chance that guards could become hurt or traumatized in such situations. | Remote security operators perform their tasks from a secure location free from danger. They can talk to trespassers without worrying about getting hurt. |
FAQs
Why are security cameras better than security guards?
While CCTV systems offer convenience and cost advantages, security guard services provide human presence and the ability to intervene physically.
You could also consider a blended solution that combines on-site security guards with video surveillance , leveraging the strengths of both approaches.
What is a remote security guard?
Remote guard services make use of modern cameras that are placed strategically all around a property and continuously record day and night, seven days a week.
Trained operators or remote security guards receive an alarm triggered by the camera AI, then watch the live camera feed, and take immediate action according to the pre-established SOPs.
What are the disadvantages of using a security guard?
The biggest drawback of hiring security guards is their insufficient security coverage, which could leave blind spots or gaps in surveillance.
They may experience attention or performance lapses due to fatigue, distractions, low morale, or family issues because they are only human.
Hiring and maintaining a full team of security guards for large sites or malls can be expensive, especially for companies needing round-the-clock coverage.
How can security cameras be prevented from theft?
- Security cameras can be protected from theft if they are properly mounted in high and inaccessible locations.
- Employing cameras with tamper-resistant housings, protective enclosures, or anti-vandalism features to deter theft attempts.
- Surveillance signage: Clearly display signs indicating the presence of security cameras, as it can act as a deterrent to potential thieves.
What is the advantage of a security camera?
Security cameras enable nonstop monitoring without the need for breaks or shifts, ensuring thorough coverage. These recorded videos can be used as crucial evidence in inquiries and court cases.
The best benefit of a security camera integrated with a remote monitoring service is that it enables users to monitor their property from anywhere using mobile apps.
What is remote video surveillance?
Remote video surveillance involves the use of cameras that transmit live video feeds to a remote monitoring center, where trained operators respond to security events in real-time.
It provides 24/7 powerful camera surveillance, immediate detection of suspicious activities, and remote access to video feeds.
Which is better for my business: security guards or remote video surveillance?
The decision is based on a number of variables, including the particular requirements of your company, available funds, and the nature of the security risks.
The best option can be chosen by weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each one in light of your particular needs.
Both armed security personnel and remote video monitoring are capable of preventing crime.
While remote video surveillance offers continuous monitoring, real-time alerts, and advanced analytics for proactive threat detection, security guards offer a physical presence that may deter potential criminals.
The cost-effectiveness of security guards versus remote video surveillance depends on factors such as the size of the premises, the level of coverage required, and the number of guards or cameras needed.
Determine which option is more cost-effective for your company by conducting a cost analysis and taking long-term operational costs into account.
Which is more effective in deterring crime, security guards or remote video surveillance?
Security personnel physically patrol the area, maintain a conspicuous presence, and deter criminal activity. However, they may have limitations in response time and coverage.
However, putting up clearly marked warning signs about security cameras also serves as a potent deterrent. Continuous monitoring, early detection, and prompt intervention are made possible through 24/7 remote video surveillance.
Which is more cost-effective, security guards or remote video surveillance?
It is crucial to compare the advantages of both onsite guards and remote monitoring when determining which option is more expensive.
The initial costs of hiring security guards are typically lower than those of implementing remote monitoring systems because the latter requires the purchase.
No installation is required if your site already has security cameras and other monitoring tools; everything can be done remotely.
The employment of security guards involves continuous expenses that are generally higher than the cost of remote monitoring services.
Therefore, it is evident that relying solely on security guards can be expensive and does not provide effective round-the-clock security coverage.
You can have a look at our blog, Remote Video Surveillance or Security Guards: Two Popular Cannabis Security Services comparison in detail.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to protecting a business, choosing security guards or remote video surveillance depends on various factors and the business’s specific needs.
Security guards undergo physical and mental training to handle challenging situations effectively, but they may face limitations in coverage, response time, and cost-effectiveness.
On the other hand, remote video surveillance provides 24/7 surveillance, immediate detection of suspicious activities, and the ability to cover large areas with multiple cameras.
It also offers the advantage of advanced technology, such as video analytics, face recognition, and license plate recognition to name a few, which can enhance security measures.
We hope this article enables you to make a well-informed decision. With more than 13,000 connected cameras, Sirix is a sophisticated security operations center that provides cutting-edge remote live monitoring solutions to manage and secure your business.
Which security solution does your company currently use? Are you happy with the result? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
