How to set up a CCTV control room for enhanced security

What is a CCTV control room?

A CCTV control room is a central location in a commercial property where security personnel view live camera feeds. 

Footage recorded by CCTV cameras, often alongside additional building management and security systems data, will be sent to this location to be analyzed and processed by on-site security professionals. Surveillance control rooms provide security teams with a secure hub from which live data analysis and threat response operations can be planned and performed.

What are CCTV rooms used for?

The primary purpose of a CCTV monitoring room is to provide security teams with an ideal environment for analyzing surveillance footage. CCTV room layouts are designed to simplify the process of reviewing captured footage while also ensuring operators have access to the technologies required to identify potential threats and warn on-site staff of suspicious activity.

Surveillance monitoring

Depending on the size and scope of an organization’s commercial surveillance systems, security teams may oversee 10s to 100s of live CCTV feeds. CCTV control rooms enable operators to centralize this information, with monitoring stations designed to improve visibility across multiple locations and automatically highlight suspicious activity for further analysis.

Threat detection

A well-planned CCTV room layout will ensure live feeds covering key locations remain easily viewable at all times, helping operators spot anomalous events with optimal efficiency. Many modern security solutions will utilize automated threat detection tools like AI video analytics software and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to instantly highlight potential threats.

Live communication

CCTV control rooms act as a conduit for information sharing between on-site security patrols and surveillance analysts. This enables operators to convey live updates to on-site teams as events unfold, enhancing incident responses and protecting staff from dangerous situations.

Security system management 

Modern CCTV monitoring stations effectively function as security control rooms, with multiple connected security technologies used to enhance surveillance operations. Operators often have access to an integrated ecosystem of security solutions, including video management systems, IoT sensors, access control systems and alarms, offering additional security information to inform CCTV analysis.

What does a CCTV control room operator do?

While modern security technologies can help simplify the operation of IP CCTV systems, operators still have a number of important responsibilities. Below are a few examples of the roles a modern CCTV control room operator performs while on duty.

Analyzing CCTV footage

Operators observe live video security feeds for suspicious activity and anomalous events. While AI analytics software and IoT sensors can help staff identify potential threats, the operator analyzes events and plans responses.

Professionals will need a keen eye and great analytical skills, as they’ll often need to monitor multiple security feeds simultaneously. CCTV control room operators are also in charge of storing, organizing, and reviewing previously recorded footage to support later investigations.

Adjusting camera settings

Operators can adjust IP security camera system settings from CCTV control rooms to help ensure systems run smoothly. Some cameras can be switched between different modes to make sure clear footage is recorded in different light conditions. Others can be controlled remotely, providing live pan, tilt and zoom functionality to help teams track suspects from security control rooms.

CCTV control room operators may also need to adjust cameras manually and perform basic maintenance like cleaning camera lenses and inspecting casings for signs of damage. Ultimately, operators are responsible for making sure cameras function optimally at all times.

Operating security software

Control room operators must be able to quickly and effectively navigate multiple software solutions to efficiently manage integrated security systems. This often includes AI video analytics, access control, alarm system and building management system software tools.

Alerting relevant authorities

CCTV control room operators typically have the most information regarding security incidents, so they’re usually in charge of alerting relevant authorities to provide an appropriate response. Some security control rooms have a direct line to local law enforcement through a panic button or emergency alert system, while others use telecommunications.

Operators must also communicate security information to on-site personnel to warn them of unfolding incidents. Depending on the size and scope of the organization, this may be performed using internal messaging solutions or secure telephone lines.

Recording incident logs

Keeping detailed incident logs and audit trails is important for all organizations that operate security systems, as events may need to be investigated later to apprehend suspects and action uncovered vulnerabilities. CCTV control room operators will often be in charge of this process, filing and organizing security data in relevant storage systems for future reference.

Required CCTV room equipment

CCTV surveillance rooms are equipped with various tools and technologies designed to aid security teams in detecting and addressing threats. While spatial and budgetary restrictions may impact the scope of a CCTV control room setup, some tools are considered necessary. 

Common CCTV control room requirements include:

• Video recorders - CCTV cameras installed around the property will all be connected to a video recorder in the control room. This device stores video footage and enables CCTV control room operators to view live feeds and replay previously recorded clips.

• Display screens - An effective CCTV control room setup will include multiple display screens configured to play footage from all camera sources in unison. These screens must be capable of continuously displaying high-quality feeds from multiple cameras.

• Control consoles - Control consoles enable monitoring room operators to adjust CCTV systems in real time. Teams can swap between video feeds, bring up saved footage from previous dates, and adjust active camera settings when required.

• Alarm solutions - CCTV control rooms typically contain alarm systems configured to warn operators of suspicious activity. Alarms may be triggered by integrated security devices like motion, sound and pressure sensors, or if AI video analytics software is in operation, cameras may be able to detect specific stimuli like contraband items.

• Intercom systems - CCTV control room operators must be able to communicate freely with on-site staff like security guards and managers. Teams often use commercial intercoms and headsets to quickly relay security information to relevant on-site personnel.

• Network equipment - Most modern CCTV systems can send real-time footage to remote monitoring and storage systems over the internet. This means routers, network switches and servers are often found in CCTV control rooms.

How to set up and design a CCTV control room

CCTV control rooms must be carefully planned and designed to ensure security teams and control room operators get the most out of the installation. Monitoring rooms must be easy to navigate to help operators remain productive and suitably secured to prevent intruders from accessing confidential data. Below are some best practices for security control room design. 

1. Assess available space 

CCTV control rooms are best situated in a central location to ensure active security devices can be easily connected to proposed monitoring stations. Once a suitable space has been located, design teams must assess the room to plan where various systems will be installed.

Analyze the floor space and mark areas where consoles, monitors, servers and storage units will be located. Move through the room with these markings to see how easily the final installation might be navigated. Consider how many operators will work in the CCTV control room, and make sure moving between consoles is simple and unobstructed.

2. Avoid physical obstructions

Where possible, try to avoid installing CCTV monitoring stations in locations with immovable physical barriers like structural pillars, counters or sub walls. Any physical obstructions blocking an operator’s line of sight as they move through the room could impact their ability to perform important tasks. As a general rule, try to ensure display screens can be viewed without obstructions from most vantage points across the entirety of the CCTV control room.

3. Prioritize good lighting 

Balanced lighting is a key consideration when designing an effective security control room. CCTV control room operators will need to monitor live security feeds for long periods of time, meaning any ways to reduce eye fatigue and improve visibility should be explored.

Bright fluorescent lighting can cause discomfort and issues concerning monitor glare, while dim lighting can lead to problems with eye strain. Where possible, try to balance overhead lighting with natural light that can be adjusted using blinds or shutters. If the space has no access to natural light, installing a dimmer switch will help staff adjust light levels manually.

4. Consider noise management 

Concentration is imperative for CCTV control room operators, especially when overseeing large installations featuring multiple security feeds. Noise distractions could impact their ability to identify unfolding security threats, leaving on-site teams at risk of harm.

Consider whether external factors like busy walkways, nearby roads or machinery might be audible from inside the CCTV control room. If this is the case, additional insulation may need to be installed around the room to reduce noise pollution and create a distraction-free space.

5. Utilize smart access control

CCTV surveillance rooms contain important security equipment and sensitive security data, making these spaces a prime target for criminals and intruders. CCTV control rooms must be secured behind intelligent access control solutions, with authorized security personnel issued personalized credentials that leaders can track to create reliable audit trails.

Access control systems featuring multiple credentials may be appropriate for adding multi-factor authentication to existing security protocols. Additionally, cloud management systems should be prioritized so permissions can be adjusted remotely if credentials become lost or stolen.

Best practices for operating a CCTV control room

To help CCTV control room operators perform essential tasks reliably, management teams must establish clear and repeatable operating procedures. By ensuring all personnel know how to react to common scenarios, and which processes should be prioritized, operators can reduce the risk of security threats being overlooked and improve the efficiency of operations.

1. Supervisory considerations

CCTV control room supervisors should be appointed and tasked with dividing responsibilities among security personnel. Surveillance operations should be split into several monitoring areas, with each operator given a specific section to oversee. Assigning each operator their surveillance areas to monitor helps to reduce the risk of confusion impacting operations.

2. Access control solutions 

Access control solutions ensure that only authorized personnel can access CCTV control rooms and associated security equipment. Operators must be given personalized credentials that can be monitored and adjusted remotely by appointed supervisors. This provides teams with an audit trail to aid later investigations and helps to reduce the risk of credential misuse. 

3. System monitoring protocols 

Active CCTV and security systems should be configured to be monitored remotely by CCTV control room operators. Remote monitoring and real-time alerts help teams view their designated areas at all times and respond to potential threats with optimal efficiency.

4. Reporting and communication

Security control room operators must be asked to record daily security logs to make sure all detected incidents are reliably reported. Even small anomalies could prove instrumental in later investigations, so it’s essential that CCTV control room staff make a habit of recording daily activity and sending reports to supervisors to be organized and filed for later reference.

Summary

Well-designed CCTV control rooms help security teams monitor property security systems reliably and efficiently. However, developing and operating an effective security control room requires dedicated planning both in terms of spatial design and operational considerations.

CCTV control rooms must be fitted with appropriate equipment, designed with productivity in mind and operations must be overseen by supervisors following considered protocols. When designing a suitable space, leaders must avoid physical obstructions, prioritize good lighting, account for potential distractions and ensure smart access control solutions are in operation.

Surveillance activities should be divided into multiple key sections, with a trained operator in charge of each division. Daily events logs must be recorded, and considerations regarding remote monitoring must be made to ensure the efficacy of surveillance operations.