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NEW BRITAIN -- Before you spend thousands of dollars on security
surveillance equipment for your business, you may want to speak to the
New Britain Police Department’s Forensic Video Analysis Unit first.
They may be able to save you money, as well as make nabbing a criminal
much easier.
The New Britain Chamber of Commerce held its first membership
breakfast of the year Tuesday. It focused on security for businesses,
and officers of the police department provided a presentation titled,
"How Secure is Your Business?"
Acting Police Chief William Gagliardi said there are things the
police department can do -- like patrolling -- but there are also steps
businesses can take to protect themselves.
Sgt. Michael Baden of the Forensic Video Analysis Unit described the
ways video surveillance systems can deter crime, including internal
theft. But he said that the choosing the right system and knowing where
to place it inside of the business is key.
"We are trying to get out to the public how they can protect themselves
and how they can help us down the road during an investigation," Baden
said. "If a camera is placed too high or too low, or has items in the
way -- those are the problems that get in the way (of the
investigation). A good video helps in prosecution."
He also described various audio and video equipment options and other
security measures to help business owners make educated decisions when
purchasing surveillance equipment.
Baden said that the biggest challenge for business owners getting into
video surveillance is financial. "The equipment can be expensive, from
one thousand to tens of thousands of dollars," Baden said. "Some people
may not be able to afford a really good system and if the quality is not
good, there are times when you can’t do anything with the video."
Baden showed examples of bad video surveillance, techniques used by the
department to enhance video and explained proper lighting techniques.
Bill Millerick, chamber president, was pleased with the turnout.
Millerick said he wanted people to gain a sense of how they can make
their businesses more secure.
"People will begin to see how forward-thinking the police department has
been. I think people will also think about security before-hand, which
will help the police department solve crimes more quickly."
Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey can be contacted at ffraser@newbritainherald.com
or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext. 221.
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