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Are you curious about CCTV monitoring and how it can improve your ability to detect and deter security threats?

This article covers an in-depth list of CCTV monitoring FAQs. You’ll learn about what it is, its benefits, how much it costs, and how it works.

After reading this selection of remote CCTV monitoring FAQs, you’ll also understand how monitored surveillance camera systems protect businesses and reduce security costs.

Understanding CCTV monitoring can be complex, so let’s get started with our comprehensive glossary of terms to help you navigate this topic.

Table of contents

A quick introduction to remote CCTV monitoring

CCTV monitoring is an advanced security solution.

It helps businesses reduce the cost of employing guards and provides security and peace of mind.

Additionally, CCTV monitoring is a highly efficient solution that deters crime and protects assets and personnel by offering continuous surveillance and prompt responses to security breaches.

These systems significantly lower operational costs while maintaining high-security levels by reducing the need for physical guards.

Furthermore, it offers 24/7 surveillance for businesses of all sizes, using security cameras and sensors to detect and deter threats in and around a property or site.

Lastly, CCTV monitoring is often referred to as:

  • Remote CCTV monitoring
  • CCTV remote monitoring
  • Security camera monitoring
  • Surveillance camera monitoring
  • Monitored CCTV

Now, let’s see how these systems work

How does CCTV remote monitoring work?

Here’s a concise overview of how CCTV monitoring works:

  • Your cameras are fitted with motion detection sensors to detect intruders
  • Other detection devices, such as infra-red beams, are deployed to detect intruders
  • Your system is connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC)
  • Operators respond to alerts by contacting keyholders or alerting the authorities

Typically, these solutions improve site security and reduce the reliance on employing guards.

Related reading: What is CCTV monitoring?

What are keyholders, and what do they do?

Regarding CCTV monitoring, the keyholder is a person or business responsible for responding to a security threat.

If your sensors trigger an alert and, upon reviewing the footage, your offsite operatives see a threat unfolding, they contact the ‘keyholder’ to attend the site and deal with the issue.

Please note, in most cases, the ‘keyholder’ is a trained security company that assigns experienced individuals to deal with threats.

On the other hand, ‘audio challenge’ (communicating with the intruder via Tannoy) is used to warn off intruders before contacting the keyholder. More about this later in this article.

What are the benefits?

CCTV monitoring offers a multitude of benefits to businesses, large and small.

These include:

  • An active deterrent to intrusion & vandalism
  • Low cost 24/7 security
  • Reduces security costs & the reliance on guards
  • 24/7 continuous monitored surveillance
  • Real-time threat detection
  • Fast response to incidents
  • Improved situational awareness
  • Better overall site security
  • Minimising false alarms
  • Advanced, affordable security for SMEs
  • Peace of mind for business owners

As you can see, the benefits of CCTV monitoring are vast and offer clear reasons for a business to invest in these services.

What are the costs of CCTV monitoring?

The cost of a remote CCTV monitoring system is split into three parts:

  • System installation
  • Ongoing monitoring
  • Maintenance

Regarding the CCTV installation, you’ll pay for the number of cameras, the time it takes to install them and any other hardware and threat detection equipment.

There is no fixed fee, as the cost depends on the type, quantity, and brand of cameras you have installed. 

The monitoring costs are billed on a per-camera basis – either monthly or yearly.

Related reading: CCTV monitoring costs – what are they?

Can CCTV monitoring reduce the cost of security?

Yes, these systems reduce a business’s security costs if they currently rely on guards.

Security guards’ pay ranges between £12 and £15 per hour.

Some businesses need their security cameras monitored 24/7, and some only after working hours.

Let’s do some simple maths:

  • 24 hours at £12 – £15 = £288 – £360
  • 12 hours at £12 – £15 = £144 – £180

So, that’s £144 – £360 per day based on the guards covering the premises over 12 or 24 hours.

Based on  a 30-day month, this equates to:

  • £4,320  – £5,400 per month based on 12 hours per day
  • £8,640 – £10,800 per month based on 24 hours per day

The cost of a CCTV monitoring system would be a fraction of these figures.

What if you don’t employ guards?

So far, we have focused on the cost savings for businesses that employ guards.

However, not all businesses can afford to employ a guard, but would like to improve and optimise security where possible.

This is the perfect reason for a business to invest in a camera monitoring system.

For a fraction – and we mean a fraction – of the cost of employing guards, you could have your camera system monitored 24/7, just after hours, and at weekends.

Is it right for your business?

The answer is yes if you want to prevent crime and catch criminals!

As mentioned above, many businesses lack on-site security and rely on CCTV footage to catch and prosecute criminals after the event.

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than the cure.

CCTV monitoring is about helping to prevent crimes from taking place and catching criminals in the act.

Lastly, as discussed, if you employ a guard, you will be able to reduce the cost of security and reduce your reliance on employing on-site operatives.

We work with many different types of businesses, including:

  • Industrial
  • Construction
  • Renewable energy site
  • Schools
  • Gyms
  • Offices
  • Farms
  • Car Parks
  • Hospitality

Each of these businesses would benefit from a monitored CCTV system.

What is a false alarm?

A false alarm occurs when a CCTV system interprets harmless activity as a possible threat.

This can lead to significant consequences, such as delayed response to real threats or unnecessary deployment of security resources.

Dealing with false alarms wastes time and valuable resources. Animals, weather, or fallen debris are common reasons.

For example, an alert may sound if a bird flies by the sensor on a CCTV camera.

Advanced surveillance systems, particularly those powered by AI, address the issue of false alarms.

These systems distinguish between actual threats and harmless activities, offering a more accurate and reliable monitoring and response mechanism.

What are the different parts of a CCTV monitoring system?

A CCTV monitoring system comprises several key components.

Firstly, cameras capture video footage, while sensors detect movement or breaches.

Secondly, the footage is sent to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) for monitoring.

Other parts include storage devices for recording footage, monitors for live viewing, and software for managing and analysing data.

For example, PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras provide dynamic coverage, and video analytics software helps identify potential threats.

How are intruders detected?

Monitored CCTV systems use a combination of cameras and sensors to detect intruders,

CCTV cameras capture real-time footage, and motion sensors trigger alerts when movement is detected.

Advanced security camera monitoring systems use AI and video analytics to identify unusual activities and detect threats accurately.

For instance, an alert is sent to the monitoring centre if a sensor detects movement.

Skilled operators review the footage and take appropriate action, such as contacting authorities.

What is audio challenge?

An audio challenge involves using a Tannoy system to communicate with intruders detected by a monitored CCTV system.

When a sensor triggers an alert, operators can speak directly to the intruder through speakers.

For example, they might say, “You are being watched. Leave the premises immediately.”

This real-time interaction can deter intruders, preventing potential theft or damage.

It adds an extra layer of security by combining visual and audio deterrents.

What are the best cameras for remote CCTV monitoring?

The best remote security camera monitoring cameras include PTZ, thermal, and bullet cameras. That said, camera selection often depends on budget and the environment where they are deployed.

  • PTZ cameras offer flexible coverage by panning, tilting, and zooming
  • Thermal cameras detect heat signatures, making them effective in low light or adverse weather
  • Bullet cameras provide clear, long-range views.

For example, thermal cameras can spot intruders in complete darkness, while PTZ cameras can track moving targets across large areas.

How does remotely monitored CCTV improve security?

Remotely monitored CCTV takes a proactive approach to improving security.

Trained operators monitor live feeds 24/7, detecting and responding to threats in real-time.

For example, operators can alert authorities immediately if an intruder is detected.

This proactive approach prevents crime and minimizes damage, providing security and protection.

How effective is surveillance camera monitoring at preventing crime?

Surveillance camera monitoring is highly effective at preventing crime.

Visible cameras deter potential intruders, while real-time monitoring ensures quick incident response.

Studies have shown a significant reduction in theft and vandalism in areas with CCTV monitoring.

Operators can alert authorities promptly, preventing crimes before they escalate.

This proactive security measure protects property, assets, and people, making it a valuable crime prevention tool.

How does AI technology improve CCTV camera monitoring systems?

AI technology significantly improves CCTV monitoring by increasing accuracy and reducing false alarms.

AI algorithms analyse video feeds in real-time, identifying suspicious behaviour and potential threats.

For example, AI can distinguish between a person and an animal, reducing false alerts.
This advanced technology ensures more efficient and reliable security monitoring.

It instils confidence in the audience about the reliability of these systems.

What are the common challenges with remote CCTV monitoring?

Common challenges with remote CCTV monitoring include false alarms, network issues, and privacy concerns.

False alarms can waste resources, but AI can help reduce them.

Network reliability is crucial for continuous monitoring; disruptions can compromise security.

Privacy concerns arise from constant surveillance, requiring careful management and regulatory compliance.

Addressing these challenges ensures the effective and ethical use of CCTV monitoring systems.

Can CCTV monitoring systems integrate with other security solutions?

Yes, CCTV monitoring systems can integrate with other security measures for comprehensive protection.

They can connect with alarms, access control systems, and intercoms.

For example, if an alarm is triggered, the CCTV system can automatically focus cameras on the area and alert operators.

Are there any other types of monitored security systems?

In addition to CCTV monitoring, businesses can also monitor their intruder alarms in a similar way.

We have a dedicated page on remote alarm monitoring if you’re interested in this area of security.

Interested in CCTV monitoring for your business?

If you’re considering CCTV monitoring for your business, call us today on 0800 689 1835.