How Do Security Cameras Recognize Criminals?

One of the latest security technologies being developed is facial recognition software. Initial research in the field was started in the 1960’s; however it has not been in widespread use until recently. Faster computer processing speeds, Wi-Fi networks, wireless security cameras, better bandwidth, and greater storage capacity are major contributors to its realization. Today massive amounts of data can be stored in linked databases, and quickly searched with ever improving algorithms. Cameras take super sharp images focusing and zooming in on targets hundreds of feet away. All these systems joined anywhere anytime with Wi-Fi and broadband networks give law enforcement an incredible crime fighting advantage.

How does this technology work? Security cameras first observe a scene determine the presence and locations of faces. Programs analyze pixels looking for two eyes a nose and a mouth. Individual faces can then be isolated from the background and the program determines the orientation of the face. The system works best when the target is directly in front of observing cameras, but most systems can acquire a match at angles up to 35 degrees; beyond that facial features are difficult to analyze. Unique facial characteristics are compared such as the peaks and valleys, distance between the eyes, nose shape, cheekbones, and jaw line and checked against known terrorists and criminals already on file.

No system is without flaws. Facial expressions will reduce the chances of acquiring a match. Other methods being incorporated, such as 3D modeling and texture analysis would greatly increase accuracy. With 3D modeling the program would create a virtual relief of the person. Looking at three dimensional contours of the face a match can be made even at a 90 degree angle. Texture analysis takes a close look at features of the skin, such as pores, lines, and textures. This technology is so good it can even sort out identical twins.

Police departments are relying on biometric technologies such as these more now than ever. Hidden cameras are far superior to human observers. People make mistakes, get bored, and are prone to distraction. These cameras networks can analyze 1000’s of passerby’s everyday and compare them to a much larger database of suspected terrorist and criminals than humanly possible. The fact that most systems utilize wireless security cameras makes them highly adaptable and scalable. Police can reposition, add, and remove cameras to acquire any angle in any location on a daily basis.


About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of wireless security cameras and hidden cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit www.security-cams.com.

Newest Members of the Police Force

Well it is not RoboCop, at least not yet. Today’s police forces are getting the edge on illicit activity in major cities across the nation using none other than wireless security cameras. Police and federal law enforcement have long used unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with cameras and special sensors to patrol borders and national forests, but these new tools are helping reduce crime and increase public safety among the most crime ridden inner cities.

California’s Los Angeles County Police Department is one of the first to incorporate wireless networked cameras to fight crime. These high quality digital camera networks produce clear crisp evidence grade recordings 24 hours a day and rely on Wi-Fi signals instead of a video server. Dispatchers monitoring cameras in high crime regions are able to deliver critical information about situations to responding deputies while en route. Response times have been significantly reduced as much as ten times enabling police to interrupt crimes in progress, such as gang fights and drug deals. Other departments who have adopted the system, such as Santa Monica PD and Redlands PD, are having similar success. Wireless networks are much less expensive to implement and can be easily reconfigured or expanded

Eventually departments would like to connect their wireless systems with the ALPR, automatic license plate recognition database. This would allow immediate and automatic checks against stolen or marked vehicles. Once a vehicle is located wireless security cameras in the area would track activity around the vehicle recording any criminal activity for police to use in investigations. Future uses might also include facial recognition tied in to government and law enforcement databases.

Another tool law enforcement officials are testing out are tiny unmanned drones. These units are outfitted with wireless security cameras and would provide an extra set of eyes for SWAT teams during tactical operations. These small drones weigh 14lbs and can be easily carried in a backpack and deployed covertly to observe target sites. This spy-in-the-sky technology functions during the day or night using infrared sensors and would be deployed during hostage situations or against barricaded forces. This technology is currently in testing phases and awaiting FAA approval.

Despite the successes, privacy advocates fear abuses of these networks and are calling for increased rules and regulations for how these new technologies can be implemented. Once guidelines are laid out it is likely police departments across the nation will follow suit.


About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and wireless security cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Security Cameras Catch Criminals

Many advocates claim security cameras are ineffective weapons against crime. Despite the multitude of research studies that show reduced crime rates in regions under surveillance these few people are still not convinced. One study of car parking garages showed a 51% reduction of criminal acts. Security cameras are an integral part of police investigation and special police units are dedicated to their use. Often officers with special training are monitoring 50-60 cameras at a time in a single room, which can be a monotonous ordeal, as camera feeds rotate through monitors every 5 – 10 seconds. However, anti surveillance activists frequently point to situations and circumstances where these units failed to respond when a crime was being committed.

In one such example a woman was assaulted at knife point while inside her apartment building monitored by approximately 200 security cameras. She was forced into a stairwell where there were no cameras and raped. To use the horrendous nature of events like these to lobby against security cameras is unfounded. Cameras did not record the crime itself, but did observe the struggle in the hallways.

What are the alternatives? What would be fool proof? Greater physical presence of police and security guards? What are the chances security personel patrolling the grounds would have stumbled upon the crime in progress, especially since none of the residents heard or reported anything? If guards had missed the crime what options would police have to follow up with other than slowly taking the victims description of the suspect and developing a sketch.

While these are terribly unfortunate events, just because a crime is committed under surveillance does not mean there is a problem with cameras themselves. The presence of cameras and readily accessible digital footage frequently leads to a speedy arrest of the perpetrator. Since there are so many cameras on the streets and in buildings, many times police can retrace a criminal’s steps providing them with an excellent profile of the suspect or his identity. In the example above police were able to locate footage of the criminal approaching the building from a gas station across the street. Other cameras in the gas station spotted the assailant purchasing cigarettes with his credit card and obtained his identity. He was apprehended immediately. Video footage is excellent evidence of the crime and will likely lend for a speedy trial and conviction.

People are people and sadly they make mistakes. Improvements in security technology are vastly closing the human error gap with image recognition. These high tech surveillance cameras can recognize items such as a gun or knife, as well as suspicious behaviors and criminal acts such as vandalism and assault. Absolutely nothing should replace personal common sense. One should always be aware of their surroundings and never take personal safety for granted.

Advances in technology have brought about much higher quality cameras at reduced prices making it a viable option for almost any homeowner to have indoor and outdoor video surveillance. Wireless surveillance cameras are quickly becoming the popular choice since they are so easy to install. These cameras can be quickly installed since there are no holes to drill and wires to run. Monitored security systems will dispatch security agents and notify police immediately.



About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and wireless security cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Protect Your Home on Vacation

You are finally taking a well deserved vacation. While it seems like common sense with the busyness of life and a rapidly approaching departure date it is easy to forget something. Put together a checklist to be completed before you leave. All it takes is a few hours to secure your home, ensuring it is in the same condition on your return as when you left. By making your home appear lived in and using a home security system you can greatly decrease the chances burglars will target your house.

Although it would seem obvious many people forget to lock all doors and windows. Check every door and window twice, or have a spouse or your travel companion do a separate check. Place a metal or wooden bar to prevent windows from being jimmied and slid open. Unplug or turnoff your garage door opener. If there is a hidden spare key on the property put it away. Put inside lights on timers and outside lights on motion sensors. You may also consider putting the television on a timer.

A great way to deter thieves is to create the illusion that someone still lives there. Have a trusted friend of family member check on the house regularly. You can hire a house sitter for between $50 and $100 dollars per night. This is great if you have plants that need to be watered and pets that require feeding. Having this person collect your mail and newspaper is better than a calling for a stop mail/paper order, since burglars sometimes have access to this information. If you will be gone for several weeks or months it is a good idea to hire someone to mow the lawn.

A monitored home security system is a good deterrent and may even reduce your insurance rates. Wireless security cameras can be easily installed since there are no wires to run. All it takes is mounting the camera and plugging them into a transmitter. Data can be recorded at home using a digital video recorder (DVR), or you can view footage over the internet using a surveillance camera video server. This device has everything you need to access images over the internet from any web browser anywhere in the world. Simply plug the cameras into it and your ready to go. Visual verification is the best way for police to follow up on suspicious activity or a break in on your property.

One final note of importance, SHUT OFF THE WATER! This is especially important during winter months. If a water pipe springs a leak or toilet bowl cracks thousands of dollars of damage will be done to your home potentially making it unlivable. Following these simple steps will give you some piece of mind while you are away. Relax and have a great trip!


About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of wireless security cameras and digital video recorders. For more information, please visit The Protection Depot.

What Are CCD Image Sensors?

You don’t need to be an electrical engineer to understand why CCD image sensors are better than CMOS when it comes to digital cameras, camcorders, and security cameras. The image sensor is a special component that converts light into electronic impulses. For traditional cameras it would be the equivalent component of the film used. The film used in a camera is a major factor on how the photographs will turn out. These days imaging equipment, such as security cameras and digital cameras, rely on CCD or CMOS image sensors. Both chips are about the size of a dime. CCD stands for Charged coupled device and are widely used in digital cameras, and surveillance cameras. CMOS, complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor, rely on a different manufacturing process and are substantially less expensive to make.

Image sensors function similar to a photovoltaic (PV) cell and are found in many other types of hardware in addition to cameras. As light hits a silicon matrix where each tiny point represents a single pixel it is converted into electrons. For CMOS chips a transistor next to each pixel reads the data. The problem here is that sometimes the light hits the transistor instead of the photodiode. On the other hand CCD sensors carry the data across the chip to a single point in a way that there is very little signal distortion. Another component then assigns a digital value to each pixel. It is not hard to see why a CCD sensor would be preferable for security cameras which may be focusing in on moving targets hundreds of feet away. Although there are a few trade-offs. CCD sensors require up to 100 times more power, which effects battery life in wireless security cameras. This makes CMOS great for camera phones with small batteries, but is also the reason most phone cams have quite low resolution. It keeps costs down as well.

Just like with film types the use of different image sensors will impact the photographic quality and characteristics of picture and video images, and can dramatically affect the color and clarity. Because the data is converted at the same point CCD image sensors offer a higher quality image with better resolution and less noise. They also have greater sensitivity to light and therefore are better for low light situations. There are different kinds of image sensors for day and night imaging equipment. Cameras record in color during the day, but will switch to black and white at night. Infrared cameras also record in black and white.


About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of wireless security cameras. For more information about security cameras please visit The Protection Depot.

Security Cameras Controversy – Why Police Should Stop Carrying Guns?

Security camera technology is getting exponentially better every day. With automated smart cameras that can recognize faces, specific items, and behaviors security teams rely on them more now than ever. They are widely used to police big world events, such as the Olympics and. These days cameras are found almost anywhere both inside and outside. With improvements in wireless security cameras that can be placed just about anywhere you really cannot know for sure who is watching. There has never been more controversy over the continued installation of CCTV networks than now.

Many individuals are concerned that continued video surveillance poses a risk to their privacy. Some fear video footage will be accessed and shared with unauthorized users, voyeurs or individuals with malicious intent. Some radical groups promote attacks on installed CCTV networks and develop websites to teach techniques on how to destroy and vandalize cameras. These groups believe they do nothing to alleviate street crime and only divert limited police resource.

However, there are plenty of benefits and it may be the price that is necessary to pay for everyone’s safety. Footage from security cameras has aided police investigations of all kinds of criminal activity. Quick access to key video has allowed officials to recover stolen goods, and more importantly abducted children. The presence of cameras keeps children safe at schools, daycares, and at home with the nanny or while playing around the pool. It is an integral part of loss prevention and employee monitoring. They also assist with ensuring safe work practices at work sites.

Proponents against surveillance cameras argue they do not prevent or even reduce crime. They often cite the Brian Nichols incident at the Atlanta Fulton County where a female security guard was overpowered while under video surveillance. Nichols then went on a killing spree for 26 hours while police struggled to locate and apprehend him. This instance really points to human error and poor procedures. Had the security agents been focused on their job the incident may have been curbed or prevented altogether, furthermore if more advanced cameras utilizing imaging analysis been in place an alarm may have been sounded automatically. Other criticism might point to why a 51 year old female guard was left in charge of a male prisoner accused of rape. Consider an equally ridiculous argument. Perhaps if the deputy did not have a gun for Nichols to take the initial assault would never have occurred. In this case police should not carry guns at all.

From examples like this it seems clear that the problem is not the cameras themselves, but rather how they are used and regulated.


About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of wireless security cameras. For more information about security cameras please visit The Protection Depot.

Do You Need a Nanny Cam?

Your nanny has a great resume and interviewed well. You checked all their references and they gave solid reviews. Every day you come home and the house is in great shape, but are your kids really getting the care you are paying for? How can you be sure? Hidden security cameras inside your home are just one way to keep tabs on what goes on while you are away.

Hidden cameras are a great way to see what it is like at home while you are away, since people’s behavior is likely to change when they are aware they are being monitored. Everyday objects, such as alarm clocks, picture frames and smoke alarms, can contain these types of cameras and are virtually undetectable and some of these will even record audio. These may be wireless security cameras operating independently with their own power source and data storage compartments, while others can be setup for remote monitoring.

Setting up your monitoring system is simple and can be done using almost any type of wired or wireless security cameras. The only difference between the two is the need to drill holes in walls and run wires for wired cameras or provide a power source and transmitter for wireless security cameras. Once you have mounted the cameras you will need to setup internet broadcasting.

This can be done by connecting them to a computer and utilizing special software to broadcast data over the web. A better solution is to use a remote video server that contains all the necessary hardware and software to broadcast video. Here a computer is not required at all and video quality can be much better. All you need to do is plug any type of camera into the server and it does the rest. Camera feeds can be accessed through a secure password protected internet address from any web browser.

Other uses include monitoring elderly adults as well. An aging relative may have conditions or ailments that might make it difficult or impossible to call for help. Should a situation arise you can arrange for necessary help immediately where ever you are. If you are suspicions you may also want to see if your spouse remains faithful while you are off at work.

To be most effective at work you need a clear head. If there are issues at home that may be clouding your judgment and cutting into your productivity then hidden security cameras might be a valuable investment.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of wireless security cameras. For more information about hidden cameras please visit The Protection Depot.

Sunday School Safety Essentials

Sunday school should be a safe place where kids can enjoy learning and playing. Unfortunately over the years it has been found that bad things happen even in Sunday school classes. Injuries, physical or emotional child abuse, and abduction are just some of the dangers any Sunday school program must address. The good news is that with a properly trained staff, safe facilities, and consistent operating procedures these issues can be virtually eliminated.

The core of any program is people. Do not compromise on selecting individuals to lead and volunteer for classes even if it seems difficult to find people. Good leaders will put together a top notch program that others will want to be involved in. Churches are traditionally trusting environments, which makes them a prime target for child abuse. A child molester cannot simply be identified just by looking at someone. Today’s churches cannot afford to skip interviews and background checks on leaders as well as volunteers. A regular leader for each class will get to know parents and kids and become familiar with their varying needs. Provide introductory and ongoing teaching and training for staff. People are more likely to stick around if they feel they are growing personally. This will ensure your Sunday school team and program gets better and better.

Special attention should be given to your church facilities. Of course common child safety sense should be observed, such as child safe anti-tip brackets on shelves and furniture, and child proof doors and cabinets. Often church’s have placed classes and nurseries in out of the way rooms or a basement area. These areas commonly have other unused rooms, or storage and supply closets that could be a place for abuse to occur. Class rooms should have windows on doors or viewing windows. The best classes are in all glass rooms; this also provides a bright and cheery environment for children’s activities. Security cameras are a great way to attain accountability. If leaders know they are being watched it is less for an abuse to occur whether it is a verbal outburst or something more serious. Data stored on a digital video recorder (DVR) can easily be referred to should a question arise. Wireless security cameras are easy to setup in existing building, since there are no wires to run.

Class procedures that address safety and security concerns are the final piece to the puzzle. A two adult class policy and security staff that monitor hallways for suspicious activities or individuals are the best way to deal with abuse. Programs should also include a registration system where organizers take children’s and parent’s information including contact info, medical alerts, and any other pertinent care information. Large churches should consider a security checkpoint to get into the Sunday school wing. With so many divorced and single parents custody alerts are not uncommon. Even though a child acknowledges a parent leaders should still know whether or not that parent is authorized to remove the child from class. An effective method is to issue a pickup slip or pager to a parent or caregiver at the time of drop off, which they would present when classes are over. This way a leader can keep tabs on each child and scenarios where parents flood into class rooms and scoop up their child should be avoided.

The days are gone where children’s safety can be taken for granted. With proper planning and attention and some old fashioned elbow grease your kids programs can be a fun and safe place that promotes and grows the church, while fostering children’s development.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of wireless surveillance cameras. For more information about security cameras please visit The Protection Depot.

Security Cameras Data Storage Devices

Even if it is just for peace of mind some form of security system is critical whether at home or work. Almost all banks, casinos, and museums are hosts to wireless surveillance cameras. Of course there are companies who will install security systems and monitor alarms and the video footage notifying you of any suspicious activity. These companies generally charge hundreds of dollars per month for their services, which may not be in the budget of a small business owner or home owner. Online resources provide a plethora of information for the do it yourselfer to make an informed decision on what cameras to purchase based on their needs. Installing wireless surveillance cameras is as easy as mounting the cameras and transmitter. Once the cameras are setup all that is left is to determine how you will store security camera footage. The most common methods of storing security camera footage are a time-lapse VCR, writable CD or DVD, hard drive on a personal computer, or a digital video recorder (DVR.

The most common way to record and store footage from security cameras has been via a time-lapse VCR. This method of video storage requires the security camera or video transmitter to be connected to the VCR for recording. Most cameras now have a motion sensor that alerts the VCR to begin recording to eliminate hours of useless footage. The footage is then recorded onto VHS tapes and is available for viewing at a later time. The drawback of storing footage this way is that the whole tape has to be viewed in order to find relevant footage and VCR recordings tend to have low quality resolution and appear grainy when viewing.

With a PC video images are spooled on to the PC’s hard drive. For 24 hour surveillance the computer would need to be on at all times. The footage would be available for viewing from the PC and would be easily accessible as a search can be done of the recordings to find a specific time. This method of storage has the potential to take up a lot of hard drive space depending on camera resolution. The user would need to frequently dump old footage to keep storage space available or have a large backup drive to transfer data to. A few drawbacks of this method are the potential for a computer crash and important footage may be lost or critical recording times could be missed. If burglars do break into a home they would, in all likelihood, steal the computer.

Another way of storing footage onto a hard drive would be through a digital video recorder (DVR). Recording with a DVR provides a higher quality picture than VHS and would save recorded files onto an internal hard drive. For additional storage capacity the DVR can be connected to an external hard drive. DVRs are a more discreet method of recording footage, since they are about the size of an individual DVD player and can be stored in a closet or out of sight from prowling burglars. DVRs are not connected to the internet and cannot be hacked into and unlike a PC they will not crash.

Wireless surveillance cameras are an effective yet inexpensive way to attain video security during the day and night. Having readily available access to high quality recordings facilitates with authorities quick response to any criminal activity on or around your property.


About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of wireless surveillance cameras. For more information about security cameras please visit The Protection Depot.