Fight crime by wiping away grime!

The Edmonton Police Service would like to remind businesses and homeowners to clean their security camera lenses regularly to get a clear picture of crime.

Video surveillance is everywhere and has become vital for public safety, documenting activities, reducing risk, identifying suspects in criminal investigations, and for providing evidence in court proceedings. Approximately 80 per cent of police investigations have video evidence, and the EPS Technological Crimes Unit processes as many as 1,600 video requests annually for specialized files separate from day-to-day divisional investigations.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but if the camera is dirty or not functioning, it has no value. Many organizations have suffered financial losses, legal issues, and even embarrassment when they found out their surveillance systems were not working properly.

Security cameras are an investment and should be maintained so they continue to operate effectively.

Tips for maintaining your system:

• Perform semi-annual inspections on your security cameras.
• Clean all camera lenses and domes, and blow out dust from hardware at least twice a year for optimal performance.
• Check your camera focus and direction. Remove barriers and trim landscaping that impede the field of view, and avoid pointing the camera in the direction of the sun.
• Ensure your camera is securely in position and free of vibration.
• Inspect your camera housing and weatherproof.
• Make sure your cables are securely connected and not corroded. Check your power supplies.
• Replace cameras with poor image quality or frequent breakdowns. Opt for digital cameras and recording systems with higher resolution appropriate for your lighting conditions.
• Keep your system manuals and passwords handy. Know how to download recorded video.
• Consult with a security professional when installing a new system or setting up regular maintenance.