New generations of silent sentries stand duty to safeguard shops, offices and commercial properties of all kinds. They never rest, get distracted or miss signs of trouble; and not a moment too soon-copper theft alone has cost U.S. companies nearly 1 billion in the past two years. Detroit, in fact, leads the nation in such thievery.

This reinvigorated, dependable vigilance comes from advanced video surveillance gear that lets a central monitoring station confirm what activated an alarm. These wireless or Internet-based systems transmit clear images so security technicians can alert police while suspicious activity occurs. 

Retailers, property managers and loss prevention executives in varied industries are upgrading from passive door and window alarms to apply more effective electronic defenses against burglary, vehicle stripping, vandalism and the surge in copper thefts. Other sophisticated security devices transmit alerts about fire, rising water, pressure problems or temperature extremes.

They all reflect dramatic progress in protecting small and mid-size businesses, while reducing false alarms. High-technology solutions are more economical and practical, thanks to digital equipment and managed service arrangements from progressive system integrators.

This is a huge leap beyond "blind" alarms that can't indicate why they were activated. Centrally monitored video security prevents losses by relaying details to authorities about crimes in progress.

Law enforcers welcome this advance, which eliminates needless runs and supplies facts about the number of intruders, their location, their appearance and their vehicle for more expedient dispatch to a crime scene. Remote video monitoring services also provide event-driven images at a far lower cost than closed circuit (CCTV) security cameras that require more on-site equipment. Solutions gaining popularity include Internet-access video feeds that let business owners be virtually present anytime from anywhere. In addition to providing after-hours security through instant notification to an alarm company operator who then sees whatever caused an alert, the setup sends Video Mail images to owners or other executives at pre-set times or when specified electronic "triggers" occur.

This allows simple, time-efficient monitoring over a secure Internet connection rather than via a costlier Virtually Private Network (VPN). A central station and a designated contact are notified whenever an unplanned event - such as entry after closing-- "awakens" the camera and activates an alarm. The guard company and business representative can instantly watch what's happening via the online video feed to a computer or hand-held device.

At the same time, automatic taping provides authoritative prosecution evidence that is time-stamped and authenticated as an original, tamper-proof image. 

Look in from anywhere

In a more routine application of the same system, proprietors or operations managers can check opening and closing procedures, time clock use and storeroom access. Off-site executives also can confirm who's present at selected times, look for inefficiencies, detect pilfering and increase overall employee accountability. When multiple cameras are installed, managers can take a "guard tour" - a virtual walk-through -- from a Blackberry or laptop.

For sites without a convenient power source, battery-operated wireless systems are an ideal way to generate event-driven alarms that start a live video feed.  This delivers the same benefits of visual verification, documentation and appropriate response to safeguard foreclosed properties, storage yards, rooftop equipment, construction jobs and other unoccupied, isolated locations.

Here's how it works: Surveillance cameras create a security perimeter. When motion sensors detect a vehicle or human intrusion, an alarm and live video are relayed by two-way wireless radio over a cell network. Long-life batteries are the only power source for capturing and relaying signals, eliminating electric or phone lines that a criminal could cut.

Night vision cameras send a series of 10-second video clips showing any suspicious activity. That lets the central monitoring station mobilize the appropriate response immediately.

Depending on the system, any number of black-and-white cameras can be integrated, combining exterior and interior coverage. Batteries last for months because cameras turn on only when the alarm does.

Basic installations aim fixed-position cameras at driveways, gates, doors, storage areas and other critical points. Higher-end systems incorporate controllable cameras that let an operator hundreds of miles away zoom, tilt and pan for a clearer look from a wider radius.

Advanced setups incorporate video analytics, a technology using pixel-level scrutiny based on size, density and orientation to distinguish between animals and people. The software even can detect someone crouching or crawling flat.

Alarm industry advances don't end with new technology. A managed services agreement lets users avoid capital outlays by paying to install leased equipment, plus a monthly monitoring fee. This option lets clients benefit from a turnkey operation without buying cameras, sensors, relays and other gear - and without costs for maintaining or replacing provider-owned equipment. Larger businesses still can choose long-term hardware purchases for accounting or tax advantages, naturally.

Jim Blanchard is General Manager of Guardian Alarm Co., the largest independent security and life safety provider in North America. As a comprehensive security solutions integrator, the Michigan-based firm provides managed services to protect commercial, institutional and public properties in various regions. Learn more at www.guardianalarm.com.

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