Since parking lots have become a good place for crimes, security cameras are needed to limit the influence of threats or at least, pick enough details if, in the end, a crime occurs.
Meanwhile, since most parking lots have security cameras on them, how often are they checked?
Parking lot security camera footage is in most cases checked either a month or between 2 – 8 weeks after the record has been stored. The records are only checked if there’s an accident.
Do Parking Lots Have Security Cameras?
Yes, most parking lots have security cameras to record events that occur in the parking lot. It is a form of security needed to keep activities going on in the parking lot in check.
However, it’s important to note that some parking lots would rather subscribe to other means of security rather than have myriads of security cameras to capture specific places.
They will rather use a controlling system that controls who goes in and out of the parking lot with mounted emergency stations where you can either see an officer or make a quick call in case there is any form of threat.
The reason many parking lots might not subscribe to having security cameras could be because there isn’t a company ready to mount them or there was no pressing need for them.
But, most parking lots will have security cameras to monitor the security aspect of that environment. Most especially if the garage is owned by a government or a well-to-do private sector.
How Often Are Parking Lots Security Cameras Checked?
Parking lot cameras are probably not checked quite often except if there is a need for them to be checked.
Since security cameras are designed to automatically record and store their footage, most parking lots don’t check them except when needed.
Most parking garage security camera may just be motion-activated cameras that only records when there is a motion but bigger firms in most cases may subscribe to a CVR- A continuous video recording, which works 24/7.
There are no specific averages to qualify how often parking lot cameras are checked. But, you should be sure that in most cases, nobody checks them until there is an urgent need for them.
Is There Always Someone Watching Security Cameras?
Maybe 15% of 100 is being monitored by someone. A high-resolution video camera that records 24/7 wouldn’t need any monitoring.
According to data, a security person can only stare at a video monitor for 18 minutes or less before fatigue steps in, because except someone is doing something fun and you’re smiling at the camera hoping to see more of the person’s action, there’s nothing interesting about keeping an eye on the video monitor.
A routine check can be done to ensure there are no glitches but in most parking lots, nobody is watching 24/7.
Haven’t you noticed that even after a crime, the culprit is not reached until after some days because there will be a need to analyze the video first?
If someone was behind, watching the camera, there might not be a need to analyze every hour; he would just go right into the exact time the incident happened.
However, in most grocery store parking lots and others, there may be someone watching the footage. It depends on the establishment when the parking lot is stationed and their policy.
How Do You Tell if a Security Camera is Watching You?
There are many ways to tell if a security camera is recording. As the owner of a parking lot or security personnel, you sure want to know when it’s recording and when it’s not. Here are a few tips for you.
1. It’s Recording When The Camera Lens Is Moving
Not all security cameras move. If you have your hands on a pan tilt-type security camera, then you want to check for the movement of the lens. It could be a horizontal movement or a vertical one.
2. You Should See Some Shades Of Red
Most cameras will leave tiny red light trails. Most especially if it’s a dark corner. The light might not be so visible but if you pay close attention, you’ll see it. The red lightning is always around the camera lens.
3. Log In To Check Via The Monitor
Another way to check is to log in to the security camera software to check the recording process. If it is working, you’ll see a live stream and if it doesn’t, it will clearly inform you, if there is an error code or not.
4. With The Help Of Your Android Phone
There are numerous camera-detecting apps available for downloads and this software help you to detect nearby cameras and their working status.
5. You Can Also Confirm With Your Wi-Fi
Some security cameras have Wi-Fi, all you need to do is to check for any nearby Wi-Fi. If you find that of the camera, it signifies that it’s on and recording as well.
Do Apartments Have Cameras In their Parking Lots?
Some apartments have security cameras in their parking lots while others don’t see the need for them. It is critical that an apartment parking lot should have a security camera since the parking lot is accessible by more than one person.
Even though a security camera doesn’t really stop criminals from conducting their criminal acts, at least, it gives details on how things happened.
Many apartments’ parking lots don’t have cameras and it is dangerous to both the owner and the people who stay in the apartment.
Even if a security camera doesn’t have the hands and the know-how to stop a crime from happening, it sure reduces the influence of criminal activities within that vicinity.
Also, cameras in apartment parking lots will keep everyone in check. It’s like how you’re being told that God is seeing your crimes; the same way it is whenever anyone wants to be funny with their actions in the presence of a security camera.
Conclusion
Cameras in parking lots are important. Nobody wants to experience vandalism of a vehicle or assault that isn’t traceable in a parking lot. Cameras might not prevent crime, but they can take records of the crime and helps put the perpetrator behind bars.
Therefore, every parking lot should have security cameras that will be checked when needed.