What is the significance of surveillance systems in physical security?

Surveillance systems play a crucial role in physical security by providing the ability to monitor environments in real-time. This active monitoring helps deter unauthorized activities and detect any suspicious actions before they escalate into security breaches. The presence of surveillance can discourage potential intruders, as they know they are being observed. Furthermore, in the event of an incident, the footage recorded can be invaluable for investigations and can aid law enforcement in understanding the sequence of events.

While recording activities can be a secondary function, the primary goal of surveillance is to offer constant monitoring that contributes to a proactive security strategy. It is less about merely capturing footage and more about utilizing that information to prevent unauthorized access or unlawful acts. Therefore, the effectiveness of surveillance systems in detecting and deterring threats is what underlines their significance in maintaining a secure environment.