Surveillance

Surveillance is known as visual or fixed patrol.

A security guard can remain stationary while still being able to watch over a certain area.

• Security cameras would be used in this situation
• You can also use mirrors & security fences to secure an entire complex.
• Covert surveillance is, as the name suggests, carried out without the subject’s knowledge whereas overt surveillance is performed using devices that are visible and obvious.
• Uniformed security is and example of overt, where plain clothes (loss prevention guards) is an example of covert.

ADVANTAGES:

• Access and egress (entry and exit) of the site readily controlled
• Difficult for individuals to enter the premises and physically attack the guard
• Guard station or visible cameras act as a deterrent
• Lower number of guards required to secure an area

DISADVANTAGES:

• Cameras or fences may be defeated or circumvented
• Blind spots will exist, therefore making it so that not everything can be secured all of the time
• The equipment can potentially fail (power outages)
• Reliance solely on vision
• May be difficult for first responders if someone is not doing surveillance from the site