4 important Tips to get the most out of your Security Camera System

Having a modern surveillance camera system can help you when it comes to solving break-ins, robberies and a range of different crimes, but how can you improve the odds even more?

With the help of an expert audio/video forensics investigator, you can boost those odds even further in your favor - contact the TCG Digital Forensics Division on 021 110 0422 or email contact@tcgforensics.co.za for digital forensics services including CCTV image enhancement.

To get the most out of your security camera system, your cameras should be placed where they can capture the best possible footage…

Place at eye level – A camera that is close to a ceiling will cover a wider area, but that isn’t the best angle when it comes to capturing footage of a suspects face.

Don’t aim towards lights – Lighting from a window or a lamp, etc. can create silhouettes, this in turn makes it difficult to recognize a possible suspect.

Avoid it being too far away – A camera that is placed too far away is not likely to capture a high quality image of a suspects face, making it hard to identify someone.

Use multiple cameras – The more angles you have covered by cameras, the better your odds are of capturing a suspects face or any other evidence.

We hope you never need video evidence to investigate, but the tips above will improve your chances in the even that you do! 

At The Computer Guyz we offer a range of different services as well as products, we are currently offering a state-of-the-art Uniview 4 Camera CCTV System. Order yours today - Give us a call on 021 110 0422 or email contact@tcgcape.co.za

Why you should use professional forensic image enhancement services

Imagine a crime happens and your CCTV cameras catch the entire scenario, the only problem is that the video or images are not of high enough quality to show the criminals face or the vehicle registration number.

If there are no good frames available that means that case will go unsolved.

However, digital forensic experts often have the means and the correct specialized software to digitally enhance an image and aid in solving the case.

Our TCG digital forensics team are able to provide static image enhancement as well as digital video enhancements. Please bear in mind that results are most often dependant on the quality of the original image and we will require the highest resolution output that you are able to deliver before we can assess what the enhancement potential will be.

While we would dearly love to provide a “CSI” type service where the smallest reflection in someone’s sunglasses reveals a crystal clear image of a suspect – this is limited to what we term “the elusive Hollywood” computer system.

We will gladly review your image(s) at our Cape Town or Pretoria offices and offer you a no-charge assessment of how much adaptive work can be done with the images you have available. From that point we will be able to offer an estimate of costs. Contact TCG Forensics on 087 001 0523 or email contact@tcgforensics.co.za

Enhancing Videos for Forensic Purposes - How do we do it?

The objective of Forensic Video Enhancement is to clarify or enhance the events as they occurred. This is done using non destructive techniques to preserve the video evidence integrity, and pixel quality.

At the TCG Forensic Division, the digital forensics experts are often asked to enhance CCTV Surveillance video recordings for court. Often times they are asked to provide video image enhancement as well for identification purposes.

A variety of video enhancement techniques can be applied in different arrangements on CCTV Surveillance video evidence. The most important ingredient to this forensic process is maintaining the highest quality of the video evidence. This provides the highest success possible throughout the investigation.

Did you know that the TCG Forensic Division will now be an Africa exclusive agent for Ikena Forensic Software? Not only does Ikena offer some of the best software programs available today, but full enhancement of your videos and images will always be possible!

- Scaling/Pixel Interpolation: Re-size, or scale an image or video to a larger resolution to further identify suspects.

- Sharpening: Enhances the edge contrast of an image or video.

- Stabilization: This is most common today with smart phone video evidence. It reduces the amount of movement from the user that created the video evidence.

- Frame Averaging: Increase the quality of the image by combining data from surrounding frames as well as a better signal to noise ratio in your images or videos.

- Speed Reduction: Decrease the original playback of video evidence to view the events as they occurred in more detail.

If you have a video that you question or need help understanding, please give us a call on 087 001 0512 or email info@cellularforensics.co.za

Take a look at the Ikena software at work:

http://cellularforensics.co.za/component/allvideoshare/video/01-enhancing-security-camera-video-evidence-of-a-license-plate

Where should you Install Security Cameras at your Business?

Your business is an important part of your life and in order for it to function properly you need to make sure the correct security measures are in place.

It’s not possible for you to go around monitoring your entire company grounds, but it is possible to use the power of technology to do so.

Many businesses have taken to installing security cameras to keep an eye on what is going on when no one is watching. Here’s why it is vital to install security cameras:

     1.       Safety and security in the office

     2.       Preventing theft, crimes and violence

     3.       Ensuring employees are performing their jobs properly

     4.       Settling disputes

     5.       Keeping an eye on unknown visitors

The most popular reasons why companies turn to using security cameras is crime prevention and investigation. Why? Because cameras record and save everything that goes on, meaning as a business owner you can go back and view an incident and find out what really happened. This footage can be used as evidence to sort out legal issues.

However, to get the maximum results from your camera you need to install them in the appropriate locations…

      -          Entrances / Exits

      -          Reception Area

      -          Office Area

      -          Store Rooms

      -          Customer Interaction Points

      -          Warehouses

      -          Loading Docks

      -          Any Secluded Locations (alleys, parking lots, dumpsters)

To have complete peace of mind you need to know that your business is protected and secure. Don’t be a victim, keep yourself and your business safe by installing security cameras!

The TCG Digital Forensics Division offers a range of services around analysis and the enhancement of CCTV footage, providing you with the footage and evidence that you need.

Our experts use a wide variety of forensic imaging technology to help to improve the quality and clarity of any images, allowing you to pick out certain important things such as vehicle registration numbers and facial features.

Your video may prove guilt to you, but not in court

Because of the constant flood of easily accessible technology, security cameras seem to be more plentiful than ever before…

- Many private residences now install security cameras around the exterior of their property.

- Business owners install cameras in work areas and entrances.

- Parents with children often install surveillance equipment to keep tabs on the safety of their children with caregivers.

Those constantly rolling cameras can often hold people accountable for bad behaviour. In the event of videotaping a suspected criminal, people have a false security about their video skills. You might assume that you don’t need the services of professionals like DLA digital and cellular forensic investigators, after all, you can do it yourself, right? You will change your mind after you read what goes into providing video evidence for court…

- When you review a video to make sure you have clearly caught a crime on tape, don’t just immediately decide that dark footage is useless. Actually, dark footage is easier to enhance than overexposed footage.

- Immediately confiscate the equipment used for the video. If the event was recorded through the use of a camera phone, home camcorder or a security camera, immediately turn this equipment and video over to the proper authorities.

- Quickly make a decision about how you wish to allow the footage to be rewound and repeated. In a court trial, jurors may not be as shocked by a crime caught on video if they repeatedly view it.

- If at all possible, involve a video expert experience in evidence handling to be involved with the set-up and operation of the equipment. This person is not only easily accessible for computer glitches. But also, the presence of a legal video expert gives you credibility.

In order for video evidence to be admissible in court, it must comply with the proper recording and preservation guidelines. You might know you have evidence, but you might not be able to use it like you think.

If these important tips have made you question whether you are capable of producing the required evidence of wrongdoing or to prove innocence, it’s time to call the professionals at DLA!