Solution Topics

Courtroom and Courthouse Video Surveillance

Topic: Courtroom and Courthouse

In a nation of laws, few places are as fundamental to the proper functioning of society as the courthouse. Unfortunately, courthouses can also be the scenes of crimes themselves. Vandalism, violent outbursts, even shootings can occur within the halls of the court. Violent activity in courthouses is not usual but it is always important to be prepared. Proper security is vital, and a video surveillance system is an integral part of any security system.

Benefits of Video Surveillance

Carefully mounted security cameras can keep a video record of everything that occurs within a courtoom and the courthouse at large. Having cameras placed in visible locations can often deter malcontents who might wish to cause mischief. No would-be criminal wishes to be caught.

Should criminal activity occur within the court, carefully monitored video surveillance can alert security forces to the threat immediately. This gives them the time to move into action quickly and promptly. Swift action can be vital in protecting employees and visitors to the court should something occur.

Video surveillance also provides a clear video record of all doings in the courthouse. Thus, when it comes time to bring perpetrators to justice, a video recording of the crime can be powerful evidence in proving the case against them.

IP Video Surveillance

There are currently two primary forms of camera used in video surveillance. The more traditional is the CCTV (Closed Circuit TeleVision) camera. This is a simple video camera which captures analog video and transmits it signals via coaxial cable.

The newer and more technologically advanced video camera used in video surveillance is the IP (Internet Protocol) Camera. This is a digital video camera with a built in web server, allowing its video feeds to be broadcast over a Local Area Network or via the Internet.

IP video cameras offer many benefits over their CCTV counterparts. Apart from their built-in web servers, making remote monitoring simpler than ever, these cameras offer a host of other features. Digital picture is far clearer and can transmit far more information than its analog brethren. Advanced security software has also been developed for use in conjunction with IP cameras, making them even more powerful tools and more able to assist with your security needs.

Placement of Cameras for your Video Surveillance System

As with installing a video surveillance system in any building, it is important to ensure that all entrances and exits to the courthouse are covered. This gives you images of every person entering or exiting a building, allowing you to know who is in the building at all times. This is very important in keeping security tight.

All public areas, such as hallways, courtrooms, etc. should also be covered by the surveillance system. In the courtoom especially tempers can often become heated during the course of the trial, and giving your security personnel information on exactly what is going on and where could make a big difference in keeping down violent incidents.

Cameras should be located in high and/or difficult to reach areas within the courthouse. Should some malcontent come with intent to perform criminal activities, they might seek to damage or otherwise disable your security cameras. Keeping them out of reach is one step in keeping your video surveillance system secure as it performs the task of securing the courthouse.

Other Considerations

Depending on where you wish to place your cameras, you may want to look into wireless IP security cameras. These cameras require no physical Ethernet cable to link them to a network to transmit video. Their video is transmitted wirelessly to a receiver. Wireless cameras offer a flexibility of placement which can often be useful, especially in older buildings where finding a network connection for your cameras might be more difficult.