Security is essential for both dental clinics and non-profit organizations. When it comes to running your own dental practice or non-profit organization, you want to make sure that your staff members and patients feel safe when they come through your doors.
We came up with an overview of the best practices for placing security cameras in any building and some specific insights tailored to dental clinics and non-profit organizations.
Types of Security Cameras
No doubt, you’re familiar with security cameras that have local storage. These cameras use memory cards or transfer footage to a network video recorder (NVR) via cables or Wi-Fi. With the recent advancements in technology, cloud cameras are transforming the field of security surveillance. These devices depend on the internet connection to transfer footage to cloud-based storage accessible from anywhere. Cisco Meraki security cameras are one of the leading solutions in the market.
You can opt for indoor or outdoor cameras. If you have a dental clinic in a mall or a multi-unit apartment, you probably do not need outdoor cameras. However, if you own a building and a parking lot, outdoor cameras would come in handy.
If you’re in doubt about which types of security cameras to choose, we are here to help. Multiple factors come into the equation, such as your budget, the size of your building, and the reliability of your network connection.
Optimal On-Site Security Camera Placement
If you are looking for a professional to help you with on-site CCTV surveillance, make sure they are well aware of the rules that we’ll review below. At Capital Techies Managed IT Services, our experts don’t settle for anything less than personalized solutions that address your organization’s unique needs.
Rule #1: Cover All Perimeter
What this comes down to is that it’s essential to make sure cameras cover all entrances, high traffic, and secluded areas. Keeping track of everyone who enters or exits the building is essential to being able to contact eyewitnesses or pinpoint suspects in the event of a crime.
High-traffic areas should be monitored in all directions as, in the event of an unsuspected emergency, it’s essential to have a holistic view of the scene to determine what’s happening promptly.
Secluded areas, such as parking lots or narrow alleys, should be monitored as these are often areas where harassment or illegal drug use happens.
Rule #2: Choosing Optimal Height
It’s important to place cameras in areas that are hard to reach as this would help protect them from vandalism. Yet, installing them too high above the ground might turn out counterproductive as they wouldn’t be able to provide an optimal view of the surrounding area. That’s where camera installation experts come in, ready to take the burden off of your shoulders.
Rule #3: Reveal and Hide
A rule of thumb is to have both visible and hidden cameras. The former serve as guard dogs, deterring potential criminals. Unfortunately, rule #2 isn’t a bulletproof solution against vandals, so making sure secret cameras are hiding in the trenches is of paramount importance.
Rule #4: Equip Your Cameras with Night Vision
While some security cameras for outdoors come with day/night functionality, cheaper versions may be lacking this essential feature. Strategically adding street lights to the premises or motion sensor lights is the key to ensuring your building stays safe when unoccupied.
Rule #5: Keep Your Cameras on Mute
Unauthorized privacy invasion by using electronic devices to eavesdrop on confidential conversations is illegal. Therefore if your brand new cameras come with audio, make sure to have them on mute.
Rule #6: Camera-free Areas
It should be no surprise that cameras are not allowed in areas where people expect privacy, such as toilets, changing rooms, and break rooms.
On-Site Surveillance for Dental Clinics and Non-profits
While the aforementioned guidelines are applicable to all buildings, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when installing cameras in a dental clinic.
While it is legal to record on security cameras in Washington state, patient information is guarded by HIPAA and privacy rules. If you decide to install cameras in your operatory, you should have your patients sign an acknowledgment and release form. Cameras should never point at the computer screen where patients’ private information pops up occasionally during the appointment. Also, if your patient is uncomfortable with surveillance, you need to be prepared to turn the recording off for them.
Both dental clinics and non-profits are obliged to inform their employees about the use of cameras and get a written acknowledgment to tuck away into employee files. Another requirement is to educate your visitors about cameras by having explicit signs letting them know that they’re being recorded.
Tips on Handling Objections from Your Employees
While security cameras play an important role in keeping your dental clinic or non-profit organization safe, it’s important to ensure your employees don’t feel like their privacy is being compromised. Consider walking your employees through the following guidelines that you comply with when using cameras. Keep the footage confidential and accessible only to authorized staff members.
Encourage open dialogue about any concerns they may have regarding using security cameras, and be responsive to their feedback. It’s crucial to strike a balance between maintaining a secure environment and respecting the privacy and comfort of your employees.
If you are ready to start taking the on-site security of your dental clinic or non-profit to the next level, Capital Techies Managed IT Services is here to help. Contact us today for a consultation.