Pre-Entry Video Observation (PEVO): A Fresh Approach to an Old Idea
Employing video surveillance that the public can see is not a new concept, but utilizing it for PEVO applications may be the next big breakthrough in security.
The best security is preventive security. This is what the security industry does; it looks to prevent unwanted and criminal behavior with preventive measures, awareness, training and technology. What if we placed some of these resources in the hands of everyday citizens so they could play a part in their security and safety? Much of modern security technology is designed to assist security professionals in their mission by providing tools to increase their awareness and observation efforts. A major help in this cause is security video, which provides the security industry with incredible tools to prevent, respond and investigate unwanted activities. The typical set-up consists of cameras mounted strategically around a facility, and a security officer sitting at a desk watching camera feeds on various monitors. In the event the officer sees an incident on the monitor, it is investigated. Surveillance systems can also record footage. Recording technologies have improved in such a way that recorded video now takes up much less physical space than before. Cameras are now integrated with intrusion detection systems to focus on alarm trigger, and they now have advanced analytics to provide users with additional valuable event information. Remote viewing is also an option with many VMS systems. Surveillance technology is indeed one of the biggest tools of the 21st century for the security industry.
These systems provide live footage and recorded video footage, and they rely on the security professional to respond to or investigate what the camera sees. While security technology advances to free the security professional from too many responsibilities, much of security and safety has been and will always be the responsibility of the individual. The security system or the security professional cannot always quickly respond to every breach. It may be easy to assume people can take simple steps to prevent unwanted behaviors against them, but it may be necessary to further equip the public to effectively avoid dangerous situations. People can lock doors and can be observant, they can report suspicious behaviors and can look out for one another; however, this may be the extent of the responsibility they can assume. Most people do not have access to such powerful technology as the security industry does, such as surveillance systems, in their everyday life. Could the industry give people better tools to prevent dangerous situations?