How to Choose the Best Body Cam for Your Business

Safety and security are more important than ever, especially in a retail environment. In fact, violent incidents in retail settings have been on the rise over the past five years. Body-worn cameras, or body cams, have emerged as an incredibly useful tool for businesses looking to enhance their security measures, protect their employees, and provide indisputable evidence in case of incidents. This guide will help you navigate the process of choosing the best body cam for your specific needs.

Know Your Must-Haves

Before diving into the technical specifications, it's crucial to assess your business's specific needs:

1. Purpose: Are you primarily concerned with employee safety, customer interactions, or both?
2. Usage: Will the cameras be used continuously throughout shifts or only in specific situations?
3. Environment: Consider factors like lighting conditions and whether the cameras will be used indoors, outdoors, or both.

Key Features to Think About

The body cam market can be overwhelming at first glance. Some companies only sell hardware; others sell software add-ons, but for an additional cost. These are some of the most important features to keep in mind when you’re deciding what solution is best for you:

1. Video Quality

Look for cameras that offer at least 1080p resolution. Higher resolution means clearer footage, which can be crucial for identifying individuals or reading text in recordings.

2. Battery Life

For retail environments, a battery life of at least 8-10 hours is ideal to cover a full shift without recharging. Some models, like the ones we offer, can last up to 12 hours on a single charge.

3. Storage Capacity

Consider how much footage you need to store and for how long. Many body cams offer between 32GB to 128GB of internal storage. Some models also support expandable storage via SD cards. Our HALOS Nano has unlimited storage with the HALOS Vault.

4. Durability

Body cams are going to be jostled about and dropped, especially in a retail environment where employees are involved in a variety of activities, from handling transactions to restocking shelves. You’ll want to zero in on cameras with robust build quality, preferably with IP67 or higher water and dust resistance ratings.

5. Ease of Use

Your staff should be able to operate the cameras easily. Look for models with simple one-button recording and clear status indicators.

Other Things to Think About

Software and Data Management

The body cam is only part of the equation when it comes to fully protecting your business and your staff. Software that allows you to manage and analyze footage is another crucial component to making sure that all relevant parties have access to the data that they need. Look for features like:

• Easy footage retrieval and playback
• Secure storage, backup opt-ins, and sharing
• Cloud-based, so that you can view it on any device or browser
• A centralized database to access all relevant evidence, from video footage to documents

Integration with Existing Systems

If you already have security cameras or other surveillance systems in place, consider how well the body cams will integrate with your existing setup.

Training and Support

Don’t forget to take into consideration the level of training and ongoing support offered by the body cam provider. A good supplier should offer comprehensive training materials and responsive customer support.

Making the Right Choice

Selecting the right body cam involves balancing features, usability, and cost. At HALOS, we offer you a total security solution: body cams and evidence management software at a fixed cost, with no hidden fees or surprises. Our support team is available 24/7 to help you address any issues that you encounter, and we oversee all maintenance and replacement of your body cams. 

Remember, the best security solution is one that not only meets your current needs but can also adapt to your future requirements. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision that enhances your business's security and provides peace of mind for both your employees and customers. If you think HALOS might be right for you, reach out to us today.