Security cameras?????

[msinc]

Anyone else out there ever wonder why there seems to be no such thing as a security camera that will deliver an image good enough to actually identify a person????
Just about once a week in the news around here there is a flash: "Police are asking for help identifying this suspect" and then show a picture taken with a security camera that other than being able to tell it is in fact a human {as opposed to a black bear or large chimp} there is a less than zero chance anyone can come up with a name...you cant even tell any facial features at all.
I know we absolutely have the technology to get a clear picture but in 2015 the security camera images I continue to see are no better than they were 30 years ago...why is that??? And, is there such thing as a security camera that will take a clear picture?????

 

[m1gunner]

The reason is people are cheap. The good stuff costs money. Not as much as it used to cost, but more than the Sam's Club specials that businesses are buying and using.

Locally, some businesses are required by code to have security cameras. You know what they buy? Yup, cheap junk.

A good camera with a dime store lens still gives poor images. Plus, cameras need maintenance. You got a camera in a fast food place, in 6 months the lens will look like it is covered in grease, because it is covered in grease.

For a modest outlay, you can tell if a person shaved that morning, or what brand cigarette he is holding.

BTW, over 10 years ago, cameras could be installed in cars that would read every license plate on the road, coming or going, at any highway speed. For a little extra, you could get VERY clear images of the passengers in the car. Today, the tech is even better.

 

[3dots]

I have to agree! Even a GoPro, waterproof, 1080 camera is only $129.00. These can be set up anywhere and rigged to do whatever you need.

 

[hoc9sw]

There are facilities that I visit where the cameras can read the text on your employee id tag and match the picture to your face from ten feet away.

It is just money. The technology is there.

 

[Arik]

About 10 years ago a friend of mine worked at a retail store while going to college. Their "cameras" worked only when the cash register was opened. And instead of recording it took a snap shot. He found this out when they got robbed one time. Because the register was already open no picture was taken

 

[m1gunner]

They have really good cameras at US Post Offices, but danged if I can spot them.

They record in very good detail everything going on at each counter, I mean everything.

 

[Eaglestroker]

In our warehouse I had a system installed appx two years ago that cost around $15k. Two weeks later our video evidence was used to arrest a break in across the street that was over 100 yards from the camera.

Good cameras exist if you want to pay for them but a lot of small business have a hard time affording the up front costs involved. Our system has paid for itself and is a great tool to utilize. The remote viewing feature is great when the alarm company calls at 2AM.

 

[JohnSW]

Anyone else out there ever wonder why there seems to be no such thing as a security camera that will deliver an image good enough to actually identify a person????

Good security cameras are available. Below, from an online newspaper, is an example of a bank security camera.

 

[Watchdog]

They have really good cameras at US Post Offices, but danged if I can spot them.

You aren't supposed to be able to see them. Neither are the employees.

They record in very good detail everything going on at each counter, I mean everything.

Yes, they do. And lots of times, those cameras aren't just recording...they're being monitored in real time by postal inspectors or being operated (hand held) by the inspectors...video and still cameras. Those cameras are everywhere in post offices, not just overlooking the counter areas.

In larger cities, post offices have enclosed catwalks that circle the entire interior of the workroom floor where mail and packages are sorted. These catwalks have two-way mirrors inset into them at regular intervals. You might even see them in some counter areas in older/larger offices. Postal employees are among the most closely watched employees in the country...and they never know when they're being watched from behind those mirrors.

 

[armorer951]

Security cameras and systems, for the most part, are installed for the purpose of keeping an eye on the employees, and to satisfy insurance company requirements. They can also have a positive impact on insurance and liability premiums. (lowering)
Although they can be used to prosecute and identify criminals,
they are installed/used primarily to protect the business's bottom line, not the employees.

 

[NYlakesider]

You aren't supposed to be able to see them. Neither are the employees.



Yes, they do. And lots of times, those cameras aren't just recording...they're being monitored in real time by postal inspectors or being operated (hand held) by the inspectors...video and still cameras. Those cameras are everywhere in post offices, not just overlooking the counter areas.

In larger cities, post offices have enclosed catwalks that circle the entire interior of the workroom floor where mail and packages are sorted. These catwalks have two-way mirrors inset into them at regular intervals. You might even see them in some counter areas in older/larger offices. Postal employees are among the most closely watched employees in the country...and they never know when they're being watched from behind those mirrors.

A few years back I was supervising a build of a Pine Wood Derby car for a friend son. Dad was out of the country and I had done Woodies for my sons.

We needed to get an accurate weight of the "car" and my wife’s diet scale was broken. I thought about it for a while and as it was Sunday I went to the local large mail faculty. They have a scale out in the public area, used to weigh stuff so people can put on the right postage. when the counter was closed. Put the car on the scale, changing weights (all different lead pistol slugs) to get it exact. We were there about 3 minuets.

A worker came out a door into the lobby and asked what were we doing (the only way he could have seen us was by a camera as there were no mirrors around) Told him and he laughed and said smart move and wished us good luck at the derby.

FWIW we took second place!

 

[Jack Flash]

Bank cameras seem to get much better images than cameras at the local Stop & Rob.

Slight drift here:
It seems like bank robbers come in wearing hooded sweatshirts, sun glasses and scarves over their nose/mouth. You'd think someone would hit the alarm button the minute anybody so attired entered the lobby!

 

[P&R Fan]

In addition to being a Private Investigator I also own a Contract Security Guard company. When I talk to a potential client they often ask about security cameras, which I don't sell or service. I tell them they are great, as long as somebody is monitoring them. I always mention there are shots on the news about somebody robbing a bank or convenience store. They will have a frame shot of the robber. In the former instance the camera was maybe 10 feet away. You cannot possibly identify the person.
If you spend a lot of money on them they may work. But the problem is, you still have the theft or vandalism. Now you just have a picture the next day of somebody who did it, and MAYBE you can identify them and maybe convict them.
Used properly they are good. Most of the time they are a waste of money.
I always tell people to buy fake cameras. They have an obvious light on them people are supposed to see, and decide to go elsewhere. I know of businesses who have followed my advice. Worked great for them.
Jim

 

[coltle6920]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest why I think security camera footage is so poor when watching on TV.

You are watching your TV showing footage of a security camera.I would bet that if you were watching a livefeed of the footage beamed directly to you the images would be better.Of course the quality of the equipment still makes a difference.

Kind of like watching videos that are uploaded to YouTube.

jmho...

 

[wrhk33]

I'm interested in cameras that people put in their home to catch thieves.
Ine mistake people make is they put all the cameras high. When the intruder wears a cap the bill covers their face. You need cameras that are hidden at eye level, it would make ID much better.

 

[1morethan8]

Bank cameras seem to get much better images than cameras at the local Stop & Rob.

Slight drift here:
It seems like bank robbers come in wearing hooded sweatshirts, sun glasses and scarves over their nose/mouth. You'd think someone would hit the alarm button the minute anybody so attired entered the lobby!

In my bank you are required to remove your hat or hood before going to the teller.

 

[The Last Standing Knight]

The reason is people are cheap. The good stuff costs money. Not as much as it used to cost, but more than the Sam's Club specials that businesses are buying and using.

Locally, some businesses are required by code to have security cameras. You know what they buy? Yup, cheap junk.

A good camera with a dime store lens still gives poor images. Plus, cameras need maintenance. You got a camera in a fast food place, in 6 months the lens will look like it is covered in grease, because it is covered in grease.

For a modest outlay, you can tell if a person shaved that morning, or what brand cigarette he is holding.

BTW, over 10 years ago, cameras could be installed in cars that would read every license plate on the road, coming or going, at any highway speed. For a little extra, you could get VERY clear images of the passengers in the car. Today, the tech is even better.

What M1Gunner said. Technology is rapidly making very high quality very affordable. Against that is that new tech become obsolete in under a year. There are good, inexpensive camera systems out there that you'd have to REALLY know what you are looking for to see the camera...and the picture is so clear you can actually make out small. physical features from a distance under iffy lighting conditions.
We just had some put in at work...and they paid for themselves today less than 24 hrs after the final install.
Many of the camera shown on TV are decades old in some cases...and some still using VCRs instead of digital.

 

[torizus]

My system is somewhat dated but just as effective if not more so than any other on the market. The viewfinder generally captures the bad guy's full facial features during a "oh S***" moment". Unlike current double digit megapixels, mine memorializes the event in megapis*'es. Guaranteed to work even during power outages and it can see thru walls and doors too ! Comes in both residential or commercial models.

 

[Jack Flash]

In my bank you are required to remove your hat or hood before going to the teller.

My only reservation about this:
Who requires that? An armed guard? Or a printed notice on the entrance door?

If the latter, consider that the bank robber is already breaking FEDERAL law, why would ignoring bank policy concern him?

 

[LouisianaJoe]

I bought a system with 1080P resolution and the detail is great.
The better the resolution, the more that you will pay.
My 4 camera, 2TB disk system cost around $650.

Here is a link that compares different resolutions.
Difference in DVR and Security Camera Resolutions
scroll down to see several different comparisons.
I am not recommending their products. I do think that this will educate you on the differences.