Introduction to Remote Guarding
In a recent post on CCTV monitoring and emergency response, we discussed how advances in technology have given security contractors the ability to monitor premises in real-time and respond to suspicious activity using security guards, emergency response teams, and statutory services.
In this post, we are going a step further and looking at the concept of remote guarding, which eliminates the need for on-site security personnel and emergency response teams. This is proactive and cost-cutting crime prevention that stops the crime from occurring in the first place.
We will be covering:
- What is remote guarding?
- The benefits of remote guarding
- Expanding the capability of remote guarding
- Advanced CCTV technology
- How to get started with remote guarding
What is remote guarding?
In today’s rapidly evolving security landscape, businesses are seeking innovative solutions to protect their premises while at the same time saving on costs. Remote guarding has emerged as a game-changing solution, revolutionising the way we approach security.
Remote guarding is a security service that uses video surveillance and monitoring technology to protect people and property from a remote location. Remote guards can monitor multiple sites simultaneously and provide a real-time response to security threats.
Remote guarding systems typically consist of a network of cameras that are installed at the site being monitored. The cameras are connected to a remote monitoring centre, where trained guards monitor the footage during contracted hours.
If the guards see any suspicious activity, they can use built-in two-way audio and perhaps strobe or flood lights to give a real-time warning to potential intruders and then, if necessary, alert the local emergency services.
Camera footage can be used as evidence to identify the people involved.
Who is it for?
Remote guarding is a substantial cost-cutting measure that can be of benefit to most businesses needing security cover or currently using traditional security measures. Some of the main sectors include:
- Shopping malls and retail chains
- Industrial businesses
- Multi-site businesses
- Construction companies
- Logistics and transport
- Green energy installations like solar parks and wind farms
The Benefits of Remote Guarding
Once introduced to its impressive crime prevention capabilities, remote guarding is fast becoming a popular choice for commercial businesses across all sectors to secure and protect their investments, and here’s why:
| Cutting Costs | By becoming proactive in eliminating security breaches, minimising installation, replacing static security guards and emergency response teams, and drastically reducing callout charges as a result of false alarms, case studies have demonstrated a reduction of up to 60% in security expenditure for many businesses. |
| Proactive Crime Prevention | Unlike traditional security methods, remote guarding leads to proactive crime prevention. In real-time, security monitoring services can activate warning lights and/or use two-way audio to issue verbal warnings commonly known as voice-downs that effectively deter potential criminals and prevent crimes from happening in the first place. |
| Results Driven | Remote guarding is providing remarkable results for businesses and local authorities. Not only does it drastically reduce security risk, but it also virtually eliminates false alarms. |
| Cutting Edge | This cutting-edge security solution involves digital monitoring of premises using advanced cameras and algorithmic software. These highly sophisticated cameras and monitoring devices are strategically installed in key areas or vulnerable spots on-site. AI, algorithmic analysis and machine learning provide a major step forward in security surveillance technology |
| Minimal Installation | With wireless connectivity to IP and cellular networks and the ability to employ solar power and sophisticated battery backup technology for independence from the grid, miles of onsite cabling, banks of security monitors and computers taking up energy and space are all things of the past. |
| Flexible | Remote guarding can be customised to meet the specific needs of each client. For example, the number of cameras installed and the monitoring hours can be adjusted to fit the times when the premises are most vulnerable and take into account the budget and security requirements of the client. |
| Location Independent | Intruders have no way of knowing if the warnings are coming from security guards on the site and will normally flee the scene. In reality, the monitoring station and therefore the warning could be issued from anywhere in the world. |
| Future Proof | Remote guarding systems can be easily scaled up or down as needed. This makes them ideal for businesses that are growing or that have seasonal fluctuations in their security needs. Controlled using sophisticated online platforms, this is a future-proof solution that can be continuously upgraded |
A Cost-Effective Alternative to On-site Security Guards or Patrols
Traditional security measures often involve the presence of on-site security guards or regular patrols. While these methods can be effective, they can also be costly, especially for businesses with larger or multi-site premises.
Remote guarding offers a cost-effective alternative. By utilising digital monitoring and remote security monitoring services, businesses can achieve the same level of security without the need for on-site security personnel. This eliminates the expenses associated with hiring, training, and managing security guards.
By shifting to remote guarding, businesses can redirect their resources towards other areas of their operations while still maintaining a high level of security.
Reducing Incidents and Costs of False Alarms
One of the significant advantages of remote guarding is its ability to minimise false alarms. Studies have shown that approximately 90% of security-related calls are false alarms. Traditional security systems, such as motion sensors or alarm systems, can often generate false alerts, leading to wasted time and resources for both security personnel and emergency services.
“False alarms are a major problem for the police and other emergency services. They waste time and resources and can also put people’s lives at risk.” Former Chief Constable—Avon and Somerset—Andy Marsh
With remote guarding, the use of human-operated central monitoring stations, advanced video analytics, and artificial intelligence-driven camera capabilities significantly reduces the risk of false alarms.
- According to a study by the European Commission, false alarms account for up to 95% of all alarm triggers in Europe.
- A report by the UK Home Office found that false alarms cost the UK economy an estimated £1 billion per year.
- A study by the Dutch police found that false alarms accounted for 98% of all alarm triggers in the Netherlands.
The algorithmic software can differentiate between normal activities, such as wildlife or wind-blown objects, and genuine security threats. This ensures that monitoring services are only alerted to genuine incidents, allowing them to respond swiftly and effectively with a real-time warning.
Advanced Technological Features
Remote guarding leverages a powerful technology stack comprising advanced CCTV cameras, video analytics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity measures. The combination of these advanced technologies channelled through a sophisticated monitoring platform enhances the effectiveness of remote guarding in several ways:
a. Video Analytics: The algorithmic software used in remote guarding can analyse the video footage in real time, detecting and identifying potential threats or suspicious activities. This enables remote security agents to respond promptly and appropriately.
b. Artificial Intelligence: By incorporating artificial intelligence, remote guarding systems can continuously learn and adapt to evolving security threats. This allows for more accurate threat detection and proactive crime prevention.
c. Cybersecurity: As remote guarding relies on digital monitoring and data transmission, robust cybersecurity measures are easier to establish to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the captured footage. This ensures that sensitive information remains secure and protected from unauthorised access and that the requirements of data protection laws are met.
Expanding the capability of remote guarding
The sophistication of available remotely controlled technology means that the function of remote guarding can be expanded into related areas, particularly access control.
- Remote security barrier and door-opening systems
- ID verification and number plate recognition
- Facial recognition systems
- Remote monitoring and geo-tracking for the transport industry
How it works
A remote guarding software platform allows the remote guards to monitor security barrier door opening and ID verification systems and grant access after appropriate checks. Number plate details and facial recognition can be integrated into the platform.
With a cloud-based solution, all of the software management systems would be hosted in the cloud, and the remote guards would be able to access them from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
This approach can be more affordable and easier to implement than a traditional hardware-based solution. It is also more scalable, so it can be easily adapted to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.
The benefits of extended remote guarding services
- Reduced costs: Remote guarding services can be more affordable than traditional on-site security guards.
- Increased efficiency: Remote guards can manage multiple sites from a single location, which can help to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Improved customer service: Remote guards can provide real-time assistance to visitors and employees, which can help to improve the customer experience.
CCTV Camera Technology
The initial cost of a high-functioning CCTV camera has fallen in recent years, making it much more affordable for small businesses. Cost savings from switching to remote guarding will compensate for the initial startup cost, and most likely within a short time frame too.
Let’s now take a closer look at the features of an advanced CCTV camera
- High resolution: high-resolution video means that remote guards can clearly see what is happening on the premises. This is important for identifying potential threats and monitoring suspicious activity.
- Wide field of view: A wide field of view enables a single camera to cover a large area. This reduces the number of camera feeds that are needed and makes it easier for the remote guards to keep track of everything that is happening.
- Cellular connectivity. Cellular connectivity to 4G and 5G mobile networks ensures that the cameras still broadcast to the monitoring station when the internet is down
- Independently powered: Using a combination of solar charging and built-in battery backup, these cameras can continue to function for a number of hours during a power outage.
- 2-way audio: Allows remote guards to deliver a real-time verbal warning to let potential intruders know they are under surveillance
- Low-light performance: Capture clear video in low-light conditions. This is important for monitoring the premises at night and in other poorly lit areas.
- Motion detection: Motion detection capabilities can alert the remote guards when there is movement on the premises to quickly respond to potential threats.
- Night vision: The cameras should have night vision capabilities so that they can continue to monitor the premises even when it is dark. This is important for providing 24/7 security.
- Remote access: Offsite monitoring ensures that specially trained remote guards can view the video footage and receive alerts from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Durability: CCTV cameras should be durable and weatherproof to withstand the elements and continue to operate reliably.
Getting started with remote guarding
1. Security consultation and site survey
Your chosen remote guarding service will carry out a survey of your site to determine the number, type, and placement of cameras to offer full coverage.
2. Targeting services to meet your needs
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the remote guarding service will work with you to determine the hours you need covered and the type of remote services that will give you the level of handover you need. Remote guarding contracts are normally offered on an annual basis.
3. Installation and connection
In many cases, only one or two of these high-performance cameras are needed. Wireless and cable-free installation means things can happen quickly and your premises can be connected to the remote guard monitoring platform without delay.
3 key takeaways from this post
- Remote guarding has emerged as a cost-effective and technologically advanced solution for businesses seeking effective security measures while lowering their outlay on security.
- By leveraging digital monitoring, advanced analytics, and proactive crime prevention features, remote guarding offers a reliable alternative to traditional security approaches.
- With substantial cost savings, reduced false alarms, and enhanced security measures, businesses can direct extra resources and attention to other aspects of their business, knowing that remote guards are protecting their assets at vulnerable times.
