Security Cameras at Vehicle Entry Gate

Our HOA has a gated vehicle entry with an entry keypad. All the monuments around the entry are low in height and shaped in a non conducive way to apply cameras to. The only practical and theft deterrent method to apply cameras would be atop a tall metal pole, perhaps one at the entry and one at the exit. Does this make the most sense?

At this point, I have zero knowledge of security camera systems. We don't need active monitoring, just full time recording and the ability to rewind the footage to investigate.

Does this type of system require a monthly contract with a security company to store video footage? What are the one time equipment and installation costs and monthly costs for such a system?

The crime rate in my neighborhood is extremely low thankfully, but I think cameras would be a deterrent to crime. In addition, since residents grumble when there is a gate code change, a camera would be a deterrent or would provide a good lead if someone with the old gate code did something nefarious.

A consultation with a good security firm in your area that both installs camera equipment, and monitors or stores the footage, will answer all your questions. Also consider power source to the cameras and placement of the equipment, possible need for wi-fi to transmit recorded video to hard drive or cloud storage, etc.

I am curious which Board member will spend hours of free time providing video footage to homeowners and/or police anytime something suspicious happens inside the gates. Suspicious behavior might include actual crimes, suspected crimes, junveniles being juveniles, stay at home wives cheating on husband, etc.

The president, of course.

I don't think it's a time-effective use of Board members time.

Our gate vendor provides our security cameras. He's an overall security expert. We have entry/exit cameras and license plate cameras. We're in the process of upgrading to cameras that have a clear picture even at night.

Our property manager pulls footage if necessary - for example if someone knocks down the bar or runs into the actual gate. It happens more than you think. We can also pull footage if there's a crime reported so we can see who may have come in or gone out.

I agree - don't go cheap on the cameras. If your board has made the decision to add cameras, then spend the money so you can review the footage easily and you can actually see details at night.