How Long Does CCTV Footage Stay?

Wondering how long does CCTV footage stay? Security cameras are a great tool that almost all business owners tend to use to monitor their commercial spaces. Being so indispensable, people want to use CCTV without interruption which leads to some problems.

Recording non-stop makes camera storage full, leaving no space for other footage. This is why, customers have to buy a video surveillance system that corresponds to the requirements of their business.

Otherwise, making the footage stay for the needed amount of time will be hard.

How long do security cameras hold footage?

Security cameras are not only the personal ambitions of business owners but also a law enforcement tool. It is a security element that businesses have to implement by law.

The footage can later help solve criminal offenses that happen in supermarkets, bars, hotels, or retail stores. This is why there is a law that regulates how long footage should stay. According to the Media Development Authority of Singapore, CCTV footage must stay at least 30 days. Of course, business owners can keep the footage much longer, if they want.

When it comes to banks, the law is tougher. They have to keep the tape for 6 months, provided the higher security requirements.

Every business owner should ensure that their CCTV system is capable of meeting the legal standards of footage storing. Most of the times, it means having a powerful security camera. Though, it is not always the case.

To understand why low storage is also acceptable, you need to take a look at the types of video surveillance.

1. Non-stop surveillance

Non-stop recording is mostly typical of businesses open 24/7. Here, there is a huge burden on the CCTV system. Its storage space must be large enough to keep everything recorded in 24 hours for 30 days.

2. Scheduled surveillance

Some businesses activate the security camera only in a specific time of the day. That is, if a restaurant is open for guests 10 hours a day, the camera will also work only 10 hours. This takes off the burden from the CCTV system.

In this way, a system with smaller storage is pretty much acceptable for this type of surveillance.

3. Motion detection

Camera with motion detection reacts only when something is moving in the given perimeter. It is the most efficient surveillance system as it records only important events. This helps save bandwidth on recording nothing hours in a row.

Such cameras can keep the footage a lot as they record very little. However, these CCTV systems are expensive, so you have to think well before making your choice.

You need to understand the value of the motion detection technology for your business. For example, how high the risk of robbery or break-in is. Or how often random movements occur. It is not reasonable to install this CCTV system in a crowded place, close to a store or a bar.

It will react to every person’s movement so it loses its value. Motion detection is good for empty places, like a crop field or a warehouse, where motion is rare.

What to look for when choosing a CCTV?

Sometimes it is hard to understand whether the security camera can keep the needed footage for 30 days. Here are some factors to look for before buying a video surveillance camera.

1. Resolution

If the camera has a higher resolution, it will use more bandwidth. This wil make you store less information and record less hours. In this way, it may be a bad idea for 24/7 stores or other facilities operating non-stop.

2. Compression

It is important to check whether the camera has the compression technology installed. Compression helps reduce the size of the video. As a result, you will get longer footages and save storage space. CCTV systems with compression feature are perfect for 24/7 businesses.

3. Number of cameras

The number of cameras influence the amount of data you can store. If you intend to install more cameras, you can choose a model with a higher resolution. In this way, you will be able to store footage on different cameras. At the same time, getting a high-quality video.

How Long Does CCTV Footage Stay? – Conclusion

All in all, in Singapore a CCTV footage has to stay 30 days. Things that may influence the storage capacity of your camera include surveillance type you use and resolution. You may also look for compression technology as it saves storage space by reducing footage size.