Security Checklists That Start Real Jobs

Use it before buying cameras or after a break-in scare. Mark the weak spots, then open the Camera Planner or send photos to Hi-Tech.

• Front door captures faces before people are under the camera.
• Back door, side door, garage, or employee entrance is covered.
• Driveway, parking lot, alley, dumpster or loading area has a useful angle.
• Register, counter, lobby or stockroom is visible.
• Cameras aren't mounted so high faces become tops of heads.
• Night glare from lights, windows, headlights or signs is considered.
• Camera bodies and cables aren't easy to grab, cover or unplug.
• Neighbor privacy and private areas are respected.

A simple walkthrough sheet for shops, offices, warehouses, restaurants, churches, salons and small facilities.

• Main public entrance has face-level coverage and lighting.
• Employee entrance, back door and delivery path are controlled or recorded.
• Parking lot, dumpster and exterior storage are visible after dark.
• Registers, safe, inventory, server/network area and office doors covered.
• Keys, cards and codes are easy to revoke when staff changes.
• Recorder, modem and switch aren't sitting in an obvious public spot.
• Lighting supports the cameras instead of creating glare or dark pockets.
• Someone knows how to find footage fast after an incident.

A quick reality check for DIY systems and older installs. If two or more show up, the system needs a layout review.

1. Mounting cameras too high, leaving faces too small to identify.
2. Using a wide view where a narrow face or plate view is needed.
3. Pointing at bright doors, windows or headlights without a night test.
4. Trusting Wi-Fi cameras where walls, distance or interference are already a problem.
5. Underpowering PoE cameras so they reboot or drop when IR turns on.
6. Putting the recorder or switch where anyone can unplug or steal it.
7. Buying cameras before deciding what each must prove: face, plate, overview, register.
8. Never testing exported footage on a phone before an incident happens.