1. Cover Every Entry Point
Doors, windows, loading docks, and emergency exits are your first priority. Place cameras to capture faces as people enter and exit. Angle cameras so they get a clear head-on view, not the back of someone head.
For retail stores, make sure registers and point-of-sale areas have dedicated camera coverage. For warehouses, cover loading docks and overhead doors.
2. Eliminate Blind Spots
Walk your property and look for areas where a person could hide or move without being seen. Corners, stairwells, and behind shelving are common blind spots. Overlap camera coverage so there are no gaps in your security net.
A common mistake is leaving the area directly below a camera uncovered. Use two cameras facing opposite directions to cover the full field of view.
3. Mount Cameras at the Right Height
Cameras should be mounted 8 to 10 feet high. This is high enough to prevent tampering but low enough to capture facial detail. If cameras are too high, you will see the tops of heads. Too low, and they can be reached and vandalized.
For outdoor cameras, angle them slightly downward to avoid direct sunlight and rain on the lens.
4. Consider Lighting Conditions
Test camera views at different times of day. A camera that looks great at noon might be useless at dusk if it is pointed into the setting sun. Use cameras with infrared night vision for areas that get dark.
For outdoor areas, add motion-activated lighting near cameras. This improves image quality and acts as an additional deterrent.
5. Know the Legal Considerations in Michigan
In Michigan, you can record video in public areas and places where people do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes store floors, parking lots, hallways, and building exteriors.
You cannot place cameras in restrooms, locker rooms, or break rooms. If you record audio, you need to comply with Michigan consent laws. Always post signage notifying people that cameras are in use.
Get Professional Camera Placement
ClearCam Security designs custom camera layouts for commercial properties across Metro Detroit. We identify blind spots, plan optimal angles, and install cameras where they provide maximum coverage. Contact us for a free site assessment.