From left, Kguard CSN-3622-3 and ECL-555

Payton H. Wilmott and Sonia Mitchell, Gleaner Writers

Regardless of the efforts of law enforcement agencies, crime in Jamaica has proven to be an intractable problem.

Security cameras are an important deterrent to criminals. Their use has grown significantly in law enforcement and they can be found in many business places in Jamaica. Today, many homeowners have also started installing security cameras.

Monitoring crime

People generally use security cameras to monitor or record crime. Cameras are often placed outdoors to maintain 24-hour surveillance of properties. One can even go on vacation and check up on the house from a computer. Others use cameras to catch in-home violators, such as untrustworthy housekeepers or governesses.

"It is important for persons to consider their location and how volatile it is, especially those living alone and are senior citizens, should consider buying a home-security camera," Semone Boudiere, sales representative at Quest Security, told Saturday Life yesterday.

She said cameras were useful as videos may be taken to the police to assist in catching criminals.

Unlike the static-riddled, blurry views obtained from cameras of the past, modern cams have exceptional resolution with focused imaging and allow you to record the images instantly into digital video recorders. Today's home-security cameras have become tinier and harder to detect.

What to buy

But what should homebuyers consider when buying a home-security camera?

Stephen Rhoomes, marketing manager at Hawkeye Security, said individuals searching for a good buy should consider whether the the camera has super-high resolution that can pick up details.

The night-vision camera is highly recommended as many crimes occur after dark.

The cost varies depending on the features, such as placement, applications, the recording camera system, and other qualities.

"Individuals must ensure that the shrubbery around their homes is kept at a manageable height so that they maximise the full use of the security camera," Rhoomes advised.

There are hundreds of security cameras on the market and they all have a common feature: They don't come cheap. However, cams' ability to deter criminals makes the decision to install, cost effective in the long run. The majority of these cameras can be self-installed and connected to either a computer or a digital recorder.

Browsing through the cam brands on the market, Saturday Life found that ECL was the cheapest and most dependable brand.

The two most common types of surveillance cameras on the market are the ECL-555 and the Kguard CSN-3622-3. The ECL-555 is ideal for business places and indoor use because of its unique dome-shape design. On the other hand, the Kguard CSN-3622-3 is well suited for outdoors.

Products courtesy of Royale Computers and Accessories; telephone 906-1067, 906-1068 or 754-5048.