We at ADD Security Inc are looking for 1+ year contracts in the Vancouver area for on site static security services.

We have heard the good, bad, and ugly in relation to the sentinel or standalone camera services, and we know that they are not useful as a preventative measure against break-ins. Here are the points and you can judge for yourself why we are so adamant on having a live person on site rather than using these camera systems.

GOOD: They are cheap. The average cost of 1 unit per day is usually around $200 or so depending on the service. Some companies also offer them with ‘live monitoring’* to accompany the units.
GOOD: They keep visual record of activity on the site.

BAD: They are NOT a deterrence. They are visual, they have flashing lights that show they are there, they have a pre-recorded message saying you are being filmed, past that they do nothing in a preventative usage. The few that come with the ‘live monitoring’ simply have a microphone to tell the unauthorized individuals to vacate etc. Even if the ‘live monitor’ calls 311, the chances of a police intervention is les than 10% while POI’s are on site. Calling 911 from a call center is not advised as the camera viewer would not be able to give enough information to advise on course of action other than possible trespass, and to local authorities, that is a low priority response call leading to a less than 25% chance of them responding while POI’s are on site.

UGLY: Since these units are stand-alone units, they have a number of weaknesses that can be exploited. Here are a list of them that have been documented in recent insurance claims.
1. Units field of vision blocked or altered.
There have been several documented statements of POI’s covering the cameras with bags or other items to prevent usage. Nullifying their use in a high theft situation. There are also documented cases of the units having been flipped or tilted so that the cameras were made useless and unable to record events.
2. These units are powered by battery or other means, it is simple enough to cut their power. It has been documented that in the 2nd quarter this year, 2024, no less than 20 incidents have been reported where the sentinel or stand alone security camera power source was removed or otherwise rendered faulty. Leading to a total of over 1M in lost and damages products, tools, supplies, and lost time.

With an on site security officer or officers, depending on site size, here are the same G/B/U so you can make an informed decision.

GOOD: Live individuals maintaining visual and active presence to prevent and even stop POI’s from gaining access to site in the moment, not having to rely on 311 or 911 unless POI’s refuse to leave or vacate.
GOOD: Live reporting through digital tracking software, and redundant QR scan checkpoints. Client will have full knowledge of what officers are doing while on site if or when incidents occur.
GOOD: A camera does not takes breaks or get tired, but it is still no replacement for a person who is mobile and able to respond to noise or other activity unable to be seen outside the ‘view’ of a sentinel system.

BAD: Cost. In many cases, depending on the company and/or service the cost is a burden. You are paying for a person to be physically there and mentally present at all times in the agreed shift.

UGLY: Humans are humans. We make mistakes and can only be at one place at a time. We do get tired, and we do get distracted. But we are still there to do our jobs.