When Should You Delete Security Camera Footage? Leave a comment

Different companies require you to keep your footage for varying amounts of time. The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) requires video monitoring to protect against theft or loss. Part of this requirement is that the banks maintain a camera that records activity in the banking office. The ATM Safety Act in New York says that each ATM must have one surveillance camera to record anyone entering the building or, if outside, all activity happening 3 feet around the ATM. In addition, ATMs must keep their footage for at least 45 days. Also, in California, marijuana dispensaries must keep their footage for one year. If your company does not have a set rule on when to delete your footage, here are some tips to help.

Loss Prevention

Security cameras can help your companies loss prevention team keep an eye on cash registers and inventory. If you are frequently a victim of shoplifting and employee theft, security camera systems can help you track and identify incidents. When prosecuting shoplifters, security camera footage can provide proof of the crime and help deter future criminals. If you have many employees and are being internally robbed, security cameras can help pinpoint who is committing the crime quickly and effectively. It is suggested you keep your footage for 30-90 days to be sure you have all the footage you need.

Work Injuries

The average cost for worker’s compensation costs combined in 2016 and 2017 was $40,051. In addition, 5-10% of these claims were fraudulent claims. If you are in a company that experiences these claims often, it would be wise to invest in long term storage. Fraudulent claims can unnecessarily bring up your workers’ compensation premiums. False allegations have caused the workers’ comp bureaus in every state to put higher scrutiny on injury claims. These false claims negatively impact people who have genuine injuries. Setting up security systems can allow false claims to be disproved and protect your business. In these situations, you should keep your footage for up to 90 days.

Tracking Incidents

Your company should keep a log of all the significant incidents that occur, in case you need to revisit it later. If you think storage could become a problem, you can save footage to an external hard drive. If you keep a log, it will be easy to pull up the footage later when it is needed. Although finding footage from months back could still prove tedious. You can help with your everyday storage problems by buying an NVR (network video recorder). An NVR can record video onto a disk drive, SD memory card, USB flash drive, or any other mass storage device.

Wrap Up

2MCCTV offers a wide range of access control products as well as surveillance security cameras. Log on and give us a call at 1-877-926-2288 today. We have an experienced team of salesmen, technicians, and installers. In addition, they can help you design the perfect security system for your individual needs. 

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