Video Surveillance Systems
Video surveillance systems (VSS) capture and document security-relevant events and, combined with intrusion detection and access control systems, support alarm verification and evidence preservation.
Role within the security concept
Video surveillance systems primarily serve alarm verification – confirming an alarm raised by the intrusion detection system before intervention – and subsequent evidence preservation. Increasingly, video systems with analytics also take on independent detection tasks, such as video-based perimeter surveillance of outdoor areas.
Design and operating requirements
Camera resolution, lighting, recording duration and storage redundancy must match the protection objective; poorly lit or incorrectly aligned cameras provide no usable footage when it matters. Regular inspection and maintenance ensure continued functionality, while data protection requirements regarding recording scope, retention period and access rights must be observed.
Insurance relevance
Functioning video surveillance considerably eases claims investigation and offender identification following a burglary or theft, and is increasingly recognised by insurers as part of the required security concept for high-value risks. Unmaintained or non-functioning systems, however, fail to deliver this benefit when a loss occurs.
Standards and codes
- VdS 3134-5 – Technical Comments, Video Surveillance Systems
- VdS 6004 – Inspection and Maintenance Checklist for Video Security Systems
- EN 62676-1-1 – Video Surveillance Systems for Use in Security Applications, System Requirements