Page 46 - Security Today, May/June 2025

C O V E R S T O R Y
U
niversities invest in security camera systems, expecting
them to provide clear, reliable footage to help protect
students, faculty, and staff. These cameras are strategically
placed across campus—monitoring entryways,
dormitories, parking lots, stadiums, bookstores, and
common areas—as both a deterrent to crime and a
valuable tool in incident investigations.
However, security cameras are often left to collect dust, pollen,
webs, and debris. Even the most advanced security cameras cannot
function effectively if their lenses are covered in residue. High-
definition, infrared, or license plate recognition cameras become
useless if they can’t see clearly. Over time, dirt, water spots, and
environmental debris accumulate, degrading image quality and
creating security blind spots. Unfortunately, camera cleaning and
maintenance are often overlooked on college campuses, leading
to security failures, increased liability risks, and unnecessary costs.
T H E R O L E O F I T A N D F A C I L I T I E S I N C A M E R A M A I N T E N A N C E
At most universities, security cameras are the responsibility of mul-
tiple departments. The IT team ensures the cameras are integrated
with the network, configured properly, and store footage efficiently.
Facilities teams manage the physical upkeep, ensuring the cameras
are mounted securely, protected from the elements, and opera-
tional in all conditions. Campus security relies on these cameras to
monitor live activity, respond to threats, and review footage when
incidents occur.
Despite this shared responsibility, routine cleaning often falls
into a gray area, with no department taking ownership. Cameras
in high-traffic areas—such as parking lots, walkways, stadiums,
bookstores, and dormitory entrances—quickly accumulate dust
and debris. License plate recognition cameras used for parking
enforcement are particularly vulnerable to pollution and residue
buildup, which can obscure plate numbers and lead to citation errors.
Building-mounted cameras, often installed on rooftops for
an elevated security view, face unique challenges. These cameras
are constantly exposed to the elements, including wind-blown
debris, bird droppings, and extreme weather conditions. Without
routine cleaning, rooftop security cameras lose their effectiveness,
creating blind spots that compromise campus safety.
T H E C O S T O F P O O R C A M E R A M A I N T E N A N C E
Neglecting security camera maintenance can lead to both financial
and legal consequences. If an incident occurs and the available
footage is too blurry to be useful, the university may face lawsuits,
insurance disputes, and public criticism for failing to maintain
proper security.
Beyond legal exposure, poor maintenance also leads to
unnecessary equipment failures. Cameras that are not cleaned
regularly are more likely to experience lens scratches, internal water
damage, and overheating due to dust-clogged ventilation. These
issues shorten the lifespan of the cameras, forcing universities to
replace equipment more frequently.
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Given the investment universities make in security technology,
allowing cameras to deteriorate simply because they are not cleaned
is a preventable waste of resources. A simple, scheduled maintenance
plan can extend the life of security cameras, ensuring they function
effectively for years rather than requiring premature replacements.
T H E I M P A C T O N S E C U R I T Y O P E R AT I O N S
Campus security officers and emergency response teams rely heavily
on camera footage to assess situations in real time and investigate
past incidents. If a camera is dirty, its field of view may be obstructed,
limiting the ability to detect threats or identify individuals.
Night vision and infrared performance are particularly affected
by dirty lenses. Many security cameras use infrared technology to
capture images in low-light conditions, but dust and smudges on the
lens scatter IR light, creating glare that can make footage unusable.
False alarms are another issue caused by unmaintained
cameras. Many modern security cameras use motion detection
technology to trigger alerts, but when cameras are covered in
spider webs or dust, they can mistake small debris movements
for suspicious activity. This results in wasted security resources as
officers investigate non-existent threats instead of focusing on
actual security risks.
Bookstores and campus retail locations also rely on security
cameras for loss prevention. A camera monitoring transactions
and store aisles is only as effective as the visibility it provides. If
the footage is obstructed or blurry due to dust or webs, incidents
of theft, fraud, or misconduct may go undetected, impacting the
university’s revenue and asset protection efforts.
By keeping cameras clean, security teams reduce false alarms,
improve nighttime surveillance, and ensure officers have access to
reliable video evidence when they need it most.
T H E P O W E R O F I N N O V AT I O N
Traditional cleaning methods, such as wipers or paper towels, can
leave streaks, cause static buildup, or even scratch the delicate
lenses of security cameras. The most cost-effective method for
cleaning cameras is using shape-shifting microfiber cleaning head
tools, which outperform standard wipers without damaging lenses
or requiring fluid refills.
Microfiber cleaning heads not only remove pollution and salts
but also polish the lens surface, improving clarity and reducing
light distortion. New materials now have anti-static properties that
prevent dust and pollen from immediately resettling on the lens,
ensuring cameras stay clean for a longer period.
Unlike basic cloths or wipers that simply push debris around,
microfiber mitts trap and lift dirt without damaging sensitive
optics. This is especially important for high-end security camera
lenses that require pristine clarity for advanced analytics and
image processing.
E L I M I N AT I N G L A D D E R S A N D L I F T S F O R S A F E R C L E A N I N G
Another often overlooked factor in camera maintenance is workplace