Installing CCTV as part of a complete security upgrade gives you far more than simple surveillance. When carefully selected and integrated with intruder alarms and access control, modern CCTV systems provide a powerful, layered defence that deters crime, improves visibility across your site, and enables faster, more effective responses – day and night.
Key Takeaways
- CCTV is most effective when integrated with alarms, access control, and remote monitoring as part of a joined-up security system.
- Different environments require different cameras, from fixed domes and bullet cameras to PTZ, fisheye, and thermal imaging solutions.
- Professional design and installation matter, ensuring correct camera placement, coverage, and long-term performance for your premises.
In any private or public sector work environment, having effective CCTV in place can really beef up a site’s protection – especially when used in conjunction with a broader security strategy, involving intruder alarms and access control systems.
The Benefits of Integrated CCTV
Integrating a commercial CCTV system as part of a comprehensive security portfolio or upgrade creates a coordinated shield of protection across multiple types and size of premises – office, industrial, retail, leisure, administrative, educational, etc.
Cameras spot movement, noise, people and faces. Movement, in turn, alerts alarms, call centres and remote monitoring apps. The net result: layered interconnection that creates a big deterrent and rapid response – 24/7 – should it ever be required.
Choosing the right CCTV cameras and the numbers required for your location is crucial, because they come in many different guises. Each camera has its own attributes, so it’s important to know which one or ones would be best suited to your requirements. Here’s a useful rundown of what CCTV security cameras are available.
Fixed Dome Cameras
One of the most popular styles is the distinctively shaped dome camera. They are suited to both internal and external use, although probably most effective when used inside buildings. Once positioned, they stay fixed on a specific view.
Fixed Turret Camera
Fixed turrets would be preferable as an external camera alternative. Their infra-red feature means they are particularly effective at detecting activity in extremely low or dark conditions. Another option is a varifocal turret camera.
Bullet Cameras
Bullet shaped cameras also have the infra-red feature and are great for zooming in on a specific area from a considerable distance away. Suitable for internal or external use, they work well in exceptionally cold conditions.
Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) Cameras
PTZ cameras are fully motorised units, which can be controlled locally via a joystick or remotely via an app. Trusted night-time cameras, they really come into their own where there is a manned security operation, like a shopping centre or a sporting facility. So, if you have a security control room in your premises or want to keep an eye on things remotely over the internet, they could be just the job.
These cameras can be programmed to scope out a particular area, like a yard or a car park, zooming in and out from considerable distances and angles.
Fisheye Cameras
Is there a CCTV camera that can perform all the above functions? Well, yes. It’s called the fisheye camera. A relatively new addition to the current stable of devices, fisheyes feature – in one compact unit - many of the plus-points of the cameras we’ve already mentioned.
They have a 360‐degree lens, which means they can be observing everything in any direction - all at the same time.
Optical or Motorised Zoom Cameras
How about a CCTV security camera with both a fixed and zoom facility? Optical or motorised zoom cameras offer either option – for static viewing or the choice of zooming in electronically or digitally on a specified area.
Thermal Imaging Cameras
Last but certainly not least, thermal imaging cameras are designed for specialist applications, to pick up heat sources, e.g., to help detect a person at night who is up to no good. Thermal imaging devices are also very useful where there is poor visibility, perhaps caused by smoke or foggy conditions.
Justice Fire & Security – Your Trusted Name in Commercial CCTV Systems and Wider Security Strategies
In an era where robust commercial property security has never been more essential, our competitively priced, industry-leading commercial CCTV installations can be tailored to suit every type of commercial premises – more often than not as part of a broader security package.
If you are just starting out on your CCTV journey, or you feel your current system is insufficient and needs upgrading, call our office today on 0345 468 0927 for a no-obligation chat, and we’ll arrange a free site survey for you.
