In short, yes, you should always ensure your office or commercial building is protected with some form of CCTV or security cameras. Most workplaces contain thousands of dollars worth of stock and equipment which is vulnerable to theft and vandalism.

Because of this, the question shouldn’t be “does my office need CCTV?”, but something like “what sort of CCTV should I install, and what else do I need to know?”.

In the rest of this article, we’ve attempted to answer this question. We’ve also provided a range of useful information regarding the legalities of CCTV in the office and everything else you need to know.

What Sort of CCTV System Do I Need for My Office?

There are various types of CCTV systems available that are suited to different situations. In order to protect your office fully, it’s important to do your research well ahead of time so you can select the right option. Some of the more popular types of CCTV security systems include:

Dome cameras – These are designed for both indoor and outdoor surveillance and are available in a range of styles. The main benefit of these cameras is that it’s hard to tell where they’re pointing, which makes them difficult for intruders to avoid.

Bullet cameras – When you think of a security camera, you probably think of a long, thin device mounted on a pole or rooftop. These are known as bullet cameras, and they’re designed to be used outdoors. Some models come with IR night vision, and they’re usually a great option if you need high-resolution footage.

Day/night cameras – Day/night cameras are made for areas with varying light levels. On one side of the equation, they work well in full daylight and brightly lit areas. However, they also come with very sensitive video chips which makes them useful in dark, poorly lit areas as well.

There are numerous other types of security cameras on the market, but these are the most popular options for securing businesses and office buildings.

What Regulations Do I Need to Be Aware of if I’m Using CCTV in the Workplace?

In Australia, employers are allowed to install CCTV surveillance devices in the workplace, but they’re usually bound by a range of rules and regulations to protect employee privacy. Note that every state has its own specific regulations, so make sure you check the laws for your area.

One example of where it’s appropriate to use CCTV would be when you’re monitoring normal workplace activities, as long as the employees being monitored are aware of the cameras.

Final Word

Installing CCTV to protect your business should be a no-brainer. Unfortunately, though, a lot of businesses don’t bother with large security systems, and break-ins and burglaries can occur as a result.

There are numerous security camera options on the market, so make sure you do your research before settling on one. Likewise, ensure you’re familiar with your local workplace surveillance laws. Speak with a security professional if you need more information.