Manned Guarding vs. CCTV Monitoring: What’s Best for You?

When you want to keep your home or business safe, you can choose between having a guard or using security cameras. Both of them protect things, but they go about it differently. What follows will provide you with a flavor of what each one is, and which one is right for you.

What is Manned Guarding?

Manned guarding is a guarding system that involves having a security guard physically present at your site. The guards guard the site, patrol the grounds, and are available to respond to emergencies. They can respond instantly to any problem.

Advantages of Manned Guarding

1. Instant Response: A guard can respond instantly in the event of emergencies.
2. Human Contact: Guards can actually speak to individuals and assure them of security.
3. Visible Deterrent: Being noticed by a guard will frighten the burglars away from misbehaving.

Drawbacks of Manned Guarding

1. More Expensive: Guards cost money to employ, especially if you require them around-the-clock.
2. Narrow Scope: A guard only has eyes for one location at a time. If the property is huge, they could miss something.
3. Human Errors: Guards can err or be distracted.

What is CCTV Monitoring?

CCTV surveillance utilizes the utilization of cameras to watch over your premises. It is possible to watch the video in real-time or tape it. People can see the cameras either remotely or onsite.

Advantages of CCTV Surveillance

1. Budget-Friendly: CCTV is cheaper compared to having a guard 24/7.

2.24/7 Surveillance: Cameras can watch over your premises day and night.

3. Simple to Review: If there is a fault, you can review the footage later.

Disadvantages of CCTV Monitoring

1. Delayed Response: CCTV simply records what is happening. It can’t stop a problem straight away.
2. No People Assistance: CCTV can’t talk to people or offer any direct help.
3. Compliant to Be Vandalised: Criminals can vandalise or smash the cameras.

Key Differences Between Manned Guarding and CCTV Monitoring

1. Observation vs. Presence

• Manned guarding employs an individual who is actually present to monitor the zone and correct issues.
• CCTV monitoring entails tape viewing. There isn’t a human who is currently present patrolling the zone.

2. Cost

• Manned guarding is more expensive because you’re paying the guard for time.
• CCTV monitoring is less expensive because, once there’s an initial setup time, the cost decreases.

3. Coverage Area

• A man guarding can cover a small area, depending on how many guards you use.
• CCTV monitoring can cover large areas with fewer people. One camera can cover more ground than a guard.

4. Human Error

• A man guarding can make mistakes through distraction or missing something by the guards.
• CCTV monitoring is mostly accurate, but a person would have to look at the recording in order to act.

Which One is Right for You

It’s all about what you require. Here’s how to decide:

• If you need someone there all the time to act fast, manned guarding is a good choice. It’s best for places where a person is needed.
• If you want to spend less but still keep things safe, CCTV monitoring is a good option. It’s great for watching places like car parks, malls, or offices.

Most individuals use both. Use CCTV to watch big spaces and have a guard in places where someone needs to be there.

Conclusion

CCTV and manned guarding both help keep places safe.

Manned guarding means a person is there to act fast if something goes wrong. CCTV watches all the time and usually costs less.

The best choice depends on what you need and your budget.

If you’re unsure, Securycor Ltd can help you decide what’s best for you.

FAQs on Manned Guarding and CCTV Monitoring

1. What is the biggest difference between manned guarding and CCTV monitoring?

Manned guarding is actually a guard who monitors. CCTV monitoring is camera monitoring of your property without a real guard onsite.

2. Is manned guarding more expensive than CCTV watching?

Yes, since you are paying the guards, manned guarding is more expensive. CCTV watching is less expensive since all you need to do is install cameras.

3. Can CCTV watching replace manned guarding?

Depends. CCTV is good for keeping an eye on things. But if you need someone to help right away or talk to people, a security guard is better.

4. Is CCTV easy to install?

Yes, installing CCTV systems is very easy, especially with advanced technology. But you have to position cameras where they will get good cover.

5. How do I protect my CCTV system?

To secure your CCTV system, employ encrypted film, a back-up power supply, and make sure you mount cameras where they are hard to reach.

6. Which of the manned guarding or CCTV monitoring would be best for my small business?

For small businesses, CCTV is usually the best option because it costs less and can cover more areas. If your business is in a safe area, you can also think about adding a security guard for extra safety.