Unfortunately, courthouses need to be tightly monitored, and security cameras play a huge role in monitoring disturbances and possible disruptions that can turn violent. Though these incidents may be rare, the threat of arguments, fights, and shootings at courthouses is very real, and unfortunately does occur. CCTV surveillance systems perform an essential role in sustaining an appropriate level of courthouse protection.

Courthouse CCTV Surveillance Benefits

Deterring Violence – Visible cameras present at a courthouse can help to prevent violent acts, especially when instigators know they are under surveillance.

Criminal Activity Monitoring – Well installed CCTV security cameras allow surveillance operators to keep a vigilant eye on live video feeds so incidents of possible criminal activity can be seen and quickly responded to.

Employee Protection – Courthouse employees have the difficult job of having to deal with the high tension within courthouses, and at times this results in suspect outbursts towards court employees. Security cameras can help to monitor these incidents, and stop them before things go too far

Visual Evidence – When a disturbance or incident does occur in or around the courthouse, CCTV cameras can provide visual recordings of what transpired, so one may further investigate the incident.

Advanced Search – With HD surveillance cameras, the video is stored digitally on hard drives inside network video recorders, instead of older analog video cassettes. This allows you to instantly go directly to a specific incident or time without having to search for them.

Remote Monitoring – NVR systems transmit digital video over a network, this enables authorized users to monitor security video feeds remotely via the local network or over the Internet. Users can even control cameras directly such as control pan, tilt, and zoom functions for even more detailed views.

Surveillance Camera Risks in Court Buildings

Vandals – Security cameras have been known to be tampered with. In the event a camera is vandalized or damaged, you could lose video signal. We suggest that you take additional security measures to make up for the possible loss of coverage.

The configuration of Courthouse and Courtroom Surveillance Cameras

We suggest that you use the following factors when determining the appropriate CCTV system at your courthouse:

• What physical security personnel do you have at the courthouse? Guards, Officers?
• What current type of security system do you have in place?
• Have there been instances of violent outbursts at the courthouse?
• Have there been instances of criminal activity within or around the courthouse?
• Consider your highest risk areas for possible incidents. Where are they?
• Have courthouse employees been attacked or faced dangerous situations in the past?

CCTV Surveillance Installation Advice for Courthouse

• Install security cameras at all exits and entrances so any visitors to court building are clearly captured on video.
• All public areas at the courthouse should be monitored such as lobbies and hallways for possible criminal activity or possible disruptive behavior.
• Courtrooms should security cameras installed to monitor all activity and properly collect video of all accounts within the facility.
• Supply extensive CCTV surveillance of areas both equally inside as well as outside the courthouse