In light of the recent attack in Boston, video surveillance has risen to the forefront of national attention. Video footage obtained from local retailers enabled the FBI to identify, publicize, and swiftly apprehend the attackers.
Security cameras are commonly used for a variety of familiar reasons inside of a business: theft, slip and fall, insurance claims, and operational issues. Increasingly, however, surveillance assists with capturing activity outside of the location itself, even off of the property. At our customers’ request, iTech Digital often provides law enforcement with video of incidents at neighboring businesses. In Boston, security cameras on the outside of a department store building provided authorities with crucial images of the suspects. The evolution of surveillance technology enhances capabilities such as clearer images and enables users to transmit video instantly to law enforcement authorities, providing vital information in those crucial first few hours.
As expressed by Time Magazine, “When photos quickly turned up of the Boston Marathon bombers, and those images helped in tracking them down, it was hard not to cheer for the role that video technology can play in fighting terrorism and other crimes.” It is difficult to imagine a world without security cameras. Surveillance is one of the easiest, cost effective measures that businesses can take in order to mitigate security issues and assist when the unimaginable happens.
ABC News: Retail Surveillance Assists Authorities with Crimes Outsite Stores
The Blaze: Do Boston Bombings Make a Case for More Camera Surveillance?