Author: djays

Construction sites frequently experience theft by knowledgeable criminals, who are after tools as well as major construction equipment. These sites also attract less sophisticated burglars who are just looking to find something they can quickly sell. They now realize that with many police departments experiencing “defundingâ€, the likelihood of being caught is very slim. Even if they are caught, they will probably never be prosecuted.

Professional guards are absolutely required to secure most construction sites, but is that enough? Often the best solution involves the use of video cameras along with at least one guard to view as much of the facility as can be reasonably covered by cameras. It is always best to deter, rather than to catch criminals. Deterrence will only occur when a guard is present to scare off the thief or vandal.

In large sites, it is best to employ at least two guards with a means of communicating, so that while one or more guards are patrolling, they can be in touch by radio or cell phones with another who is monitoring the video cameras. This system can work during the day and at night. Covert cameras can be used where employee theft is involved, so the thief believes he (or she) is in a less protected area, but will actually be recorded.

Barry Levine Founder & CEO
Sperry West A 30 year old manufacturer of covert video security cameras, body worn cameras, body temperature warning & facial recognition cameras.

Mr. Levine has served on the board of directors of the NYC Police Reserve Association, was president of two ASIS chapters and has held many volunteer positions supporting people in our military.

[email protected].

A world famous cosmetic company’s headquarters, had a special locked security room where they kept high value incentive prizes for their top sales producers.  The room was always kept locked and the keys were held by trusted management people. But, quantities of gifts kept “disappearingâ€.   

Covert cameras were installed inside the “special†room.  Within a week, more items were missing and several employees were identified on the video.  None of the perpetrators were issued keys, so it was important to establish how they obtained entry.  A covert camera was then installed outside the room, to see exactly who opened the door. Late one night, the video showed another intrusion.  The thieves did not possess a key, they simply removed the pins on the door hinges as they were on the outside of the door! Sperry West Video Commander Kits make it easy to set up surveillance & succeed.  See them on our website. 

New from Sperry West————Spyder Doorbell.  Two models available, 760 resolution and 1080 resolution, both with 5 year warranty.  These units transmit to smart phones, using free Apps and Include inside “bell†(chime).  No wiring needed, rechargeable batteries included. Sets up with QR code & voice prompts.

Barry Levine is CEO of San Diego-based Sperry West, maker of
Spyder® video cameras and Video Commander® surveillance
kits. Levine has been leading video security companies for 40
years. He can be contacted at (858) 551-2000 or
[email protected].

Typically, a problem occurs, such as theft, illegal entry, harassment, or vandalism and when it happens again, one or more covert cameras are employed to record a perpetrator. Often it works, but it may take time as well as even the relocation of covert cameras.

Most employee thieves know exactly where overt, normal cameras are and will avoid those areas when planning crimes. But what if hidden cameras are permanently installed, along with normal video cameras? Why wait until crimes occur, when many vulnerable areas are already known.

If covert cameras are installed, mixed with regular cameras in non-private areas, when a theft or other crime occurs, most likely the criminal has already been recorded and solid evidence has been obtained. This method can save thousands of dollars, as well as
bringing quick results.

Adding a few covert cameras, along with video systems, will increase the overall value of your video investment using this novel and smart approach. Recording may be best with a separate NVR, DVR or even SD-DVR.

Barry Levine is CEO of San Diego-based Sperry West, maker of
Spyder® video cameras and Video Commander® surveillance
kits. Levine has been leading video security companies for 40
years. He can be contacted at (858) 551-2000 or
[email protected].
“Normal video camera”

Sperry West covert camera”

You learn of an employee or a vendor, claiming harassment by another
employee, in your organization. What can you do? So far, it is just
one persons word and perhaps a witness, if you are lucky. Harassment
of course, is often unwanted sexual advances or attempts at
intimidation. It can take many forms, including “requests†for
payments or favors, acting unprofessionally, or saying cruel things to a
fellow employee.

Most often, the perpetrator repeats and increases the activity.
Rarely does such a person stop with a simple “noâ€. Generally the
harasser is careful to avoid witnesses and even security cameras.
Implementing one or more covert cameras and recording the activity, may
be enough to enable you to charge the perpetrator. Sometimes, audio,
along with the video, is needed for evidence. Today, due to the proliferation
of audio within many IP cameras, the rules on the use of audio
have relaxed, but you should clear it with your attorney.

If the reported incidents occur within a private office, you must have
the permission of the normal and approved occupant of that office,
including for the use of audio. It is most important to test the
viewing area of the camera or cameras and test to make sure the audio
is clear at the distance involved, in normal speaking volume. This
may require an amplified microphone. Recording can take place in
adjacent areas or directly within the cameras.

Barry Levine is CEO of San Diego-based Sperry West, maker of
Spyder® video cameras and Video Commander® surveillance
kits. Levine has been leading video security companies for 40
years. He can be contacted at (858) 551-2000 or
[email protected].

Alarms, CCTV & Access Control, are three of the most popular systems used to deter crime and even occasionally to assist in capturing crime.  Along with several other devices, they can be very helpful, particularly as aids to situational awareness. If you are utilizing these technologies, why should you also consider being prepared to employ covert video cameras and systems?

Inevitably, crimes will occur, despite all efforts at deterrence.  The most costly and often damaging of crimes may be committed by employees of the facility.  Reason (excuses) are varied, but often the perpetrators have rationalizations that they believe gives them real reason to commit theft, vandalisim, harassment or other crime.  The use of covert video can very often lead to recording the actual crime and even conviction in court, when necessary. 

Being prepared and ready to set up a covert surveillance quickly when needed is an important key in clearing cases promptly.  Complete surveillance kits like Sperry Wests “Video Commander Kit†is one of the most trusted, reasonable and successful “tools†to have ready to set up, catch the criminal, take down and be ready for the next set up as needed.  These kits provide huge benefits, often paying for themselves with the first use. The ROI is exceptional. It also beneficial that your security department is able to show real positive results.

Barry Levine is CEO of San Diego-based Sperry West, maker of
Spyder® video cameras and Video Commander® surveillance
kits. Levine has been leading video security companies for 40
years. He can be contacted at (858) 551-2000 or
[email protected].

We all know that covert cameras and systems can help catch criminals, but with what results? If you plan to use covert technology, are you prepared for the consequences of your success? That’s right, “success†not failure.

What if you record a crime taking place and recognize the perpetrator? What next? What policy does your organization have for dealing with such evidence?

A large multi branch bank’s Security Director once told me of his frustration that anytime his team caught a Vice President committing a crime, the bank would refuse to prosecute. Sometimes, they would do nothing at all.

Lets say that you hope to get restitution from employee thieves, which is common for some businesses and institutions. They accept the return of stolen merchandise and the resignation, or firing, of the employee who signs a confession and agrees to the arrangement. So far so good. But if your facility has a record of not prosecuting criminal employees or others, why would they agree to confess and return merchandise and lose their job?

It is obviously worth having a policy in place and following it, or setting up covert surveillance may not be worth the time and expense. Covert video is often the most cost effective and quickest way to aid in catching persistent criminal activity and a way to prove more value for your department. When accomplished with a specific purpose and follow up goal, it becomes a great winner.

Barry Levine is CEO of San Diego-based Sperry West, maker of
Spyder® video cameras and Video Commander® surveillance
kits. Levine has been leading video security companies for 40
years. He can be contacted at (858) 551-2000 or
[email protected].

While I have testified before a senate subcommittee about privacy, I really do not consider myself to be an expert. This is a subject often best left to competent attorneys. There are however, some basic rules regarding privacy and the use of covert cameras.

1. Respect anticipated privacy. You have been asked to put a covert camera into an office. What do you do? You need to assume that the occupant of that office can close the door and then expects privacy. You, or the company you are working with, must get the approval of the person who occupies that office. Most of the time, that person is happy about it because they are the victim of past crimes. If the “office†is a general office where many people work or visit that particular place, privacy is generally not expected and concealed cameras should not be a problem.

2. A woman called us and asked what kind of camera might be best suited to her daughters bedroom. She explained that she suspected her daughter may be using illegal drugs. What would you do? It was explained to her, that it would be an invasion of her daughters privacy. So, while we sympathize with her dilemma, she would be wrong in using cameras as a method to uncover the truth.

Obviously, bathrooms can never have cameras, even just at the sink area. In business locations, sometimes covert or overt cameras are needed and are installed just outside of bathrooms.

While we seem to have little privacy today, we need to carefully consider any privacy issues, before using covert cameras and systems.

Barry Levine is CEO of San Diego-based Sperry West, maker of
Spyder® video cameras and Video Commander® surveillance
kits. Levine has been leading video security companies for 40
years. He can be contacted at (858) 551-2000 or
[email protected].

How to really mess up a covert video surveillance – #2 Now that you have selected the best camera for the surveillance, you need to position the camera for the best view. It is not always easy to find an ideal camera location for a disguised camera, so many times a compromise is needed.

Almost all covert cameras are supplied with 3.6 or 3.7mm lenses, which are considered to provide a wide angle picture. In reality we could call it a “mild wide angleâ€. You want to get as far back from the main subject as possible, so that you can get most of the room in the picture, right? Wrong.

One of the most common mistakes is to try and get everything in one picture. This will lead to a very small part of the picture showing the actual activity that is required for good evidence of a crime. Recognition of people and merchandise may be essential evidence and you need to consider this in placing the camera, rather than going for too much area. Try to concentrate the view on just what will be needed, based upon suspected past occurrences.

Barry Levine is CEO of San Diego-based Sperry West, maker of
Spyder® video cameras and Video Commander® surveillance
kits. Levine has been leading video security companies for 40
years. He can be contacted at (858) 551-2000 or
[email protected].

You just learned about a series of thefts and need to quickly arrange for a covert video surveillance. You don’t have time to go “shoppingâ€, so you agree to let your team use whatever camera they can find that will not be seen by perpetrators.

More thefts in the same area occur and you play back the video only to realize that you do not have good evidence. Why? Most older cameras have degraded from their original specifications, which were barely okay years ago. Today’s cameras have much higher resolution and better low light ability, so using an old one may no longer be prudent

Old cameras may experience problems that are not noticed with a quick test. Consider being prepared for possible needs, just like many other security items that you keep available.

Barry Levine is CEO of San Diego-based Sperry West, maker of
Spyder® video cameras and Video Commander® surveillance
kits. Levine has been leading video security companies for 40
years. He can be contacted at (858) 551-2000 or
[email protected].

Many things have become over complicated, where we may wonder if it is the product or is it us, who can’t seem to make it work.  Video security cameras were easy for most people to hook up and use. Not so easy for many of them today. What happened? TVI happened as well as CVI, AHD, POE and enough acronyms to confuse anyone.

Even worse is the fact that most of these initials are not compatible with other initials!  All of these have complicated what was once easy. This affects every camera security system today, sometimes even the covert ones.  Sperry West makes cameras in all of these and other formats to fit with what our customers need. Plain old NTSC format with BNC connectors is still in wide use as the resolution has vastly improved in recent time.

Setting up a covert surveillance can be made quicker and easier using our Video Commander Kits, which are designed for many uses, but always simplicity.  Please see www.sperrywest.com covert cameras and Video Commander Kits.  Our techs can assist you in choosing the right equipment for your need.  Thank you,

Barry Levine is CEO of San Diego-based Sperry West, maker of
Spyder® video cameras and Video Commander® surveillance
kits. Levine has been leading video security companies for 40
years. He can be contacted at (858) 551-2000 or
[email protected].