How to Select CCTV Systems That Meet Abu Dhabi Security Regulations?

Owning the right CCTV system is critical to the overall security of your business premises. This is particularly important to safeguard your commercial and business properties including office and residential buildings. Just choosing the right camera model is not the only consideration in selecting a security camera system. Other factors such as the security requirements, equipment specifications, camera coverage, video storage and retention and the installation standards, need to be taken into consideration.

In selecting CCTV security systems, businesses in Abu Dhabi have to take into account requirements of the Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Centre (MCC). The Centre is responsible for developing the standards and procedures for monitoring and control systems for different types of public and private entities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Knowing and understanding the requirements of the Centre, provides the framework to design a CCTV surveillance system that meets the specific security needs of businesses to safeguard their properties. This guide takes you through the various considerations to make when choosing the right CCTV surveillance system for your business to adequately meet the security requirements of Abu Dhabi.

1. Identify the Type of CCTV Security Systems Required by Your Business

Different business types are subject to different security requirements. For instance, the security requirements for grocery stores are not the same as those for jewelry stores or convenience stores. Before purchasing a CCTV security system, be sure to understand the security framework that applies to your business and be guided accordingly.

The Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Centre (MCC) makes these security frameworks. Once these requirements are understood, they can be used as a base to design a CCTV surveillance system for a business to meet its specific needs.

Depending on a property’s use and classification, different requirements may apply. An example of differing requirements is with retail versus education versus healthcare versus residential buildings.

Businesses should assess the relevant MCC requirements prior to purchasing or installing CCTV cameras. Working with a security solutions provider with an understanding of the Abu Dhabi regulatory framework would assist in defining the required CCTV cameras and the type of installation.

2. Select the Right CCTV Camera Type

Surveillance coverage can be enhanced with the appropriate camera type for the environment and purpose. Cameras can be designed for different viewing distances.

Different camera types include:

• Dome Cameras are generally used for discreet monitoring in indoor environments.
• Bullet Cameras are used for monitoring in outdoor environments.
• PTZ Cameras can be used to monitor large environments and provide zoom capabilities.

In Abu Dhabi, the conditions of the environment and required viewing distance must be assessed when selecting CCTV cameras. The chosen camera type must also meet applicable regulatory requirements.

3. Check Camera Resolution and Image Quality

CCTV cameras are only as good as their resolution. Poor image quality may make it difficult to recognize individuals and review incidents.

Full HD and higher resolutions improve image clarity and are beneficial for security monitoring. Other factors to be taken into account include:

• WDR (in challenging lighting conditions, particularly near entrances and windows);
• Low-light performance (for surveillance in dark environments);
• Night vision;
• Appropriate lens selection (for the viewing angle and identification distance).

The selected resolution and image quality should correspond with the coverage level and the minimum camera controls (MCC) requirements.

4. Assess Video Storage and Recording Capacity

Besides video recording, storage is a critical element of a functional CCTV security system. Therefore, recording equipment should be purchased to store the required footage, and allow authorized personnel to retrieve recordings when necessary.

Some of the recording and storage technologies available include, among others:

• NVR (used to record IP camera video feeds, and manage them centrally)
• DVR (used in analogue CCTV camera systems)
• HDD (used to store recorded video feeds)
• VMS (used to manage multiple cameras and recording devices, and monitor them centrally)

Depending on the number of cameras, video resolution, frame rate, recording schedule, retention period, etc., storage capacity has to be determined.

Businesses in Abu Dhabi must confirm the footage retention period relevant to their establishment as per the MCCs. Capacity should be determined accordingly, as opposed to taking a standard approach for all properties.

5. Camera Placement and Surveillance Coverage

While placing a CCTV camera in a given location may appear to provide surveillance coverage for that location, the camera still may not be of much use in providing an overall security coverage for the area. Therefore, the placement of CCTV cameras should be planned, based on the lay-out of the building, and in consideration of the overall security of the premises.

The following areas, among others, should be taken into account:

• Main entry/exit points
• Reception/waiting area
• Corridors and common areas
• Parking and vehicle entry/exit points
• Loading/unloading areas
• Store rooms and other restricted areas
• Building perimeters and external access points

Surveillance coverage should be planned to eliminate blind spots as much as possible. In addition, to avoid legal and regulatory issues, locations where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy should not be covered by CCTV cameras.

A professional CCTV site assessment may be useful to commercial entities in Abu Dhabi to assist in determining the number of CCTV cameras needed, the field of view of each camera and the recording requirements.

6. Check the Security Provider's Licensing and Experience

Establishing a compliant surveillance system requires engagement with a competent CCTV installation service provider.

Surveillance systems, including design, installation, operation and maintenance, must be in accordance with the relevant regulatory requirements.

Before hiring a CCTV security company in Abu Dhabi, clients should make sure that the company:

• Holds the required MCC license for the related activities.
• Has a competent technical team.
• Has done commercial CCTV installations.
• Is able to prepare the required technical drawings and related documents.
• Provides CCTV maintenance and troubleshooting services.
• Assists with the related approval and compliance processes.
• Working with a qualified security solutions provider will assist in resolving installation problems and ensure the long-term performance of the surveillance system.

7. Check Network Security and Remote Monitoring Features

Modern CCTV systems use IP networks to transport, record and manage video. Therefore, network security is an important consideration when choosing a surveillance system.

Customers should consider if the CCTV system:

• Provides for the use of strong and appropriately managed user accounts and passwords.
• Employs, where possible, encrypted communication.
• Employs a secured and appropriately configured network.
• Supports and utilizes firmware and software updates.
• Allows for controlled remote access by authorized personnel.

Remote monitoring allows authorized personnel to view video from approved devices. However, remote access, Internet connectivity, and cloud services must be configured in accordance with the MCC approvals and security requirements.

A secured CCTV network helps protect the video from unauthorized access and serves to mitigate potential cyber security risks.

8. Plan for Maintenance and Support of CCTV Systems

Factors that can impact recording and operation of CCTV systems include: dust, damaged cables, issues with the network, storage failure, outdated firmware, etc.

In addition to maintenance of CCTV equipment, ancillary systems, such as storage, network, power and software systems also require maintenance.

Examples of maintenance activities may include:

• Cleaning of lenses and checking the image quality of cameras.
• Verification of recordings and storage.
• Testing and checks on network connectivity and power supply.
• Updates of firmware and software.
• Repair of faults.

As required under applicable laws and regulations, businesses should maintain appropriate annual maintenance agreements with a security systems provider.

Continuous maintenance of CCTV equipment helps in ensuring equipment operational readiness and continuing the security of the premises.

9. Choose the Right CCTV System for your Business

Different businesses have different surveillance requirements. The CCTV system should be chosen based on the nature of the business, size of the business premises, operational activities, nature of security risks, and requirements of applicable laws and regulations.

Depending on the business, examples of surveillance needs may include:

Offices: Surveillance of entrances and reception areas and other common areas, if permitted.

Retail Stores: Surveillance of customer areas, entrances and exits and cash-handling areas.

Warehouses: Surveillance of storage areas and loading bays.

Commercial Buildings: Surveillance of common areas including parking and entrances and other designated areas.

Educational Institutions: Surveillance in line with the requirements of the education sector and MCC.

The nature of the equipment and the capacity of the recording system need to be assessed on a case by case basis.

There are many legal and technical aspects of incorporating a CCTV system that may challenge the resources of many organizations. Professional assistance is usually the fastest and most efficient way to find appropriate surveillance solutions for an organization.

Online IT Solutions is an Abu Dhabi based company that offers a wide range of professional security services including CCTV consultancy and installation.

From technical planning and equipment selection to legal considerations and after-sales service, utilizing the right service facilitates achieving organization’s surveillance objectives.

Contact Online IT Solutions for a free consultation on the best security systems for your business in Abu Dhabi.