Video Surveillance for Cannabis Businesses

Video Surveillance for Cannabis Businesses

Regardless of license type, all cannabis businesses will need a video surveillance system. Like other industries, one of the main goals of the video surveillance system in a cannabis business is loss prevention. Individuals are less likely to steal when they know they are being recorded, and if they do attempt to steal, they are more likely to be caught. Businesses are more protected from potential theft, diversion, and losses when they implement proper video monitoring systems and other compliant security devices.

Though every cannabis business needs a video surveillance system, the needs of each business may differ. Based on the design, location, and function of the facility, the business may require increased storage capacity, specialty devices, or advanced monitoring services.

Surveillance Cameras

While security cameras differ greatly in their quality, price, and abilities, the goals of a basic video surveillance system remain the same: 

  • Reduce and prevent internal/external theft
  • Assist with inventory management
  • Track employee progress/optimize performance
  • Analyze customer shopping patterns/improve business operations
  • Investigate an incident after it has occurred

For cannabis businesses, basic video surveillance systems are composed of similar devices: cameras, video management systems, display monitors, and storage devices like an ENVR. Though these systems are primarily reactive in nature, video surveillance technology is advancing to become more proactive.

Most states/localities have required policies and laws for cannabis businesses. These laws typically mandate video surveillance systems, and may even require recording in a specific resolution or frames per second (FPS). Requirements regulating the length of time that a cannabis business must store video recordings is also common and the duration varies by state. 

Proactive Video Monitoring

Over the years, video surveillance products have undergone major transformations. What were once simple intrusion detection devices, are now completely evolved, intelligent security solutions. Since video analytics hit the market, artificial intelligence has emerged in the cannabis industry. Additional improvements to surveillance systems include facial recognition, metadata collection/statistics, people counting, image search, and traffic detection.

But even the most intelligent video surveillance systems cannot compete with the accuracy and reliability of video monitoring by a trained monitoring specialist. One of the best ways to ensure that the cannabis business is monitored by a trained specialist, is to enlist the services of a proactive video monitoring (PVM) service. PVM works by combining the use of intelligent video analytics software and purpose-driven technology built to identify potential threats and reduce false alarms. Once a potential threat is identified, trained monitoring specialists detect, respond, and deter threats on the premises. Live auditory interventions are used to let unauthorized individuals know that they are being recorded and monitored and that law enforcement is on the way.

Poor video monitoring systems and equipment can be a security threat for businesses and cause them to fall out of compliance. Businesses are more protected from potential theft, diversion, and losses when they implement proper video monitoring systems and other compliant security devices. Though there are many options for video monitoring, the chosen monitoring method can influence the effectiveness of the cannabis business’ security program. Regardless of cannabis business type, contracting a PVM company that utilizes smart analytics, highly-trained specialists, and live auditory interventions is the most effective and cost-efficient choice.

Learn More About Proactive Video Monitoring in the Cannabis Industry

How Can Sapphire Risk Help?

Tony Gallo and the team of application writers and consultants at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group have written hundreds of video surveillance plans that incorporate advanced video monitoring options for cannabis business applications. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with more security best practices and cannabis industry updates!