Arkansas Security Guard Practical Practice Exam

What is the main role of surveillance cameras in security?

1. To provide entertainment for staff

2. To deter crime and record activities for investigation purposes

3. To allow remote access to personal videos

4. To assess employee productivity

The correct answer is: To deter crime and record activities for investigation purposes

The primary function of surveillance cameras in security systems is to deter crime and record activities for investigation purposes. By being visibly installed in various locations, these cameras act as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers, as the likelihood of being recorded can discourage criminal behavior. Additionally, surveillance footage can be invaluable for investigations following an incident, providing law enforcement and security personnel with crucial evidence to understand what occurred, identify suspects, and build a case if necessary. This function is at the heart of a security system's operation, enhancing the overall safety of a location by monitoring actions and events as they unfold. The other options point to uses that are not central to the primary role of surveillance cameras in a security context. For instance, while assessing employee productivity may be an incidental benefit in some environments, it is not a primary purpose of the cameras. Allowing remote access to personal videos is also not aligned with security functions, as surveillance systems should focus on security and monitoring rather than personal video access. Providing entertainment for staff is unrelated to the intent behind having surveillance cameras.