Surveillance Cameras?

We recently had our local police chief attend a meeting and recommend cameras as an alternative to personal confrontation. He had many suggestions and, as such, I think it might be a good place for someone to begin -- with asking the local police or at a security store. One of my concerns is who would be watching the videos, especially of young girls in the pool. I am still waiting to see how that will be managed, as we do not background check our board or residents (unfortunately).

I have cameras at my front entrance only. We can see both exit and entry and license plates at entry. A month or so ago, a roofing company truck hit our keypad and we had to spend money to repair it (weld it back upright). On the video you can see the entire incident very well including the name and phone number of the roofing company on the back of the truck. I called and emailed them numerous times and they have not responded. Now we will fill out a police report and give them the video. In Florida its illegal to leave the scene of an accident with property damage. Although they may not have known they damaged the keypad (I will give them the benefit of the doubt), they know now from all my calls and emails.

The initial reason we got the camera system is because there had been a rash of car breakins and for those here that live in Florida, the pillowcase burglars were nearby as well. This is not a prevention method but its here to help the police solve crimes. The police in my town are fabulous but they can't be everywhere all the time.

We had to have internet hooked up at the front gate. That was our only other expense and continues monthly, besides the actual camera installation. I can view the entrance anytime I want from my computer or tablet, but its pretty boring unless I am looking for something specific.

If you are going to have the camera by the pool or some other place people normally congregate, it might be a good idea to have a policy about who is allowed to view the video and when and why. There is no need to watch people at the pool while they are there. That would creep me out. If you have security staff, they might only view the cameras during the time the pool is closed or if someone notifies them about an incident occurring. I would even go so far as to change the password occasionally for security staff. And I would definitely post signs that say the area is under camera surveillance.

I would look online for good security cameras and then let the website tell you who are installers in your area. Many of the warranties are only good if you use their approved installers. I would also get an extended warranty and also, please ask about static IP addresses because you do not want the IP address to change if their are power problems, then your viewing app wont work. Our installer did not tell us that, I had to get the internet company to do that after our installation was complete. Test the system in different conditions before you decide its been installed properly (rain, snow, night). Also, let your local police know you have the system installed and they can give you some advice specific for your area.

If you're localized to one area (like your community center), then try getting an NVR (network Video Recorder)with digital IP camersa... and NOT a DVR (Digital Video recorder)with analog cameras. The difference in quality is huge and everything is going digital now. The problem with getting a community wide system is related how do you connect everything? You would need a secure, stable internet connection at all the camera locations.

Actually, you dont need internet access at all. They can all work on their own network without access to the outside internet world. But you would need to have access to the computer to view the cameras.

Not to mention IP based cameras are so easily hacked. All it takes is one flaw in the code and an attacker has control of the camera. And there is always flaws in code. And because it's hard programmed into the camera, it's not always fixable. And if it is fixable, companies don't always issue an update, people don't update or the new firmware has new issues. Unless you have a IT people on staff or can afford to hire someone to work on your camera network, stick with analog.

How would you know if you don't know what you're looking for? A virus could or already have easily compromised your internet connected machine, and now you need someone to fix it. Analog systems have no such issues.

And why would you need live access from a smart phone unless you're stalking someone. CCTV should only be for security problems, not spying.

We agree to disagree - We did confirmed and verified the specs on the old analog cameras. After the new installation, we can all say that they results speak louder than words. We're very happy with the NVR and digital cams. Everything is going to digital now. It's just a sign of the times.

I just caught this thread. I am in the minority- I have found cameras to be worthless in most if not all instances. We have cameras all over our common area so if someone damages something or causes a problem, it is recorded. However, the trouble then becomes identifying people. In a large community, it is usually impossible to identify someone who is recorded doing something. It is 100% impossible if the person doesn't even live here. We have also had people use these cameras to watch others in live feed, from afar, and without the knowledge of their "subjects". Let's just say that if you have Wi-Fi and some software, somebody can do this. All they need is the access code. From a legal standpoint, our HOA is still at risk for being sued for this (it was all due to the action of a rogue Board member). Save your money and your time. Cameras solve very few issues and it has become increasingly creepy to know that I am being filmed whether I am walking to the bathroom, swimming in the pool, playing on the playground, etc.

I agree wholeheartedly. It is one thing for a homeowner to have cameras on their own property (although I think that it is bordering on paranoia to need cameras in front of one's home with live feed to monitors). It is also another thing for a business to have cameras to catch shoplifters or because it is necessary for their business (theme parks, storage/warehouses, pharmacies, military bases, etc). Does an HOA truly need cameras to monitor the neighborhood residents and their visitors, everyone's comings and goings, who is using the facilities (even the bathrooms)??? I will also say that for the repair expenses we had a few years ago for some petty vandalism pales in comparison to what our HOA has spent on cameras- thousands have been wasted all in the name of "trying to catch people in the act"--- the same people who pay their HOA fees and abide by the rules.

It's a sign of the times. In other countries, like U.K. and Europe, there are cameras everywhere and it's rapidly changing here in the U.S.
Previously, our pool house and the surrounding area was severally vandalized numerous times and we used to have folks partying in the pool during the night after it's closed. We have a lot of money invested in our community club house, pool, and tennis courts. We certainly want to mitigate the damages to our property which is somewhat secluded and also don't wish to be sued when someone is injured or drowns in our pool after hours. The pool parking lot was previously also an area where they parked after closing and dealt drugs. The Digital camera system has been an excellent deterrent and it's worked great. We have none of the problems that we used to have. Yes, we initially installed an analog system, we were promised good quality where we could recognize faces, and the security company did not deliver what they promised. The cameras were high end 640 TVL analog cameras which are on their way out. Everything is going digital and the prices for digital continue to drop. The first security company refunded the entire package and we went with another digital solution with an NVR (Network Video Recorder). The system is very secure and keeps good quality images (when triggered) for over a month. Our PM is the only one with credentials to log into the system remotely or locally. The cameras are all on the outside of the building and we are very pleased with the results. I also have a small digital video recorder installed by my rear view mirror which not only is a deterrent against vandals, but it might save me a deductible or other problems in an accident situation, when the other party decides to lie or develop discretionary memory. Video cameras in cars are more prevalent in other countries, but you're going to see them more and more as prices come down. In terms of facial recognition, we have had not problem with the new system. It's sharp and crisp. These two links will clearly demonstrate the difference in quality.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apuO4j5toOI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzcO4Z-Kp5k

Unless the thief steals a car in your HOA. And it's so easy to steal a license plate. Two screws, 30 seconds and its yours.