Everything You Need to Know About Monitored CCTV Security (2025)

When it comes to securing your business or construction site, you might think traditional CCTV systems are the way to go. After all, these technologies are marketed as a robust solution to protect you from theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities.

But here’s the truth: traditional CCTV isn’t just outdated - it’s ineffective. These systems promise the world but deliver little more than a false sense of security. 

CCTV is only valuable for operational purposes. It’s great for watching your employees and ensuring productivity while you’re not on-site, but when it comes to preventing crime it’s useless. Traditional CCTV simply records criminal activity so that you can have the pleasure of watching the theft or vandalism after the fact.

CCTV does not stop a thief, they don’t care if they are recorded and the police will not be able to identify them even if they do not cover their faces… which they will. When seconds matter, traditional CCTV fails to deliver the swift, verified response your business or construction site needs.

At Sonitrol, we know security isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about real results. That’s why we’re here to explain why our verified and integrated solutions are the superior choice.

What is Sonitrol Monitored CCTV Security?

Monitored Sonitrol Video “Sonavision” systems consist of cameras that immediately detect a thief and our monitoring staff can verify and dispatch police with real-time updates. Unlike standalone CCTV cameras that simply record video, monitored systems rely on humans to respond to alerts.

Monitored Sonavison is a powerful deterrent to criminal activity.

Standalone CCTV Vs. Sonavision Monitored Systems

Standalone CCTV systems are self-managed, leaving you to sift through hours of footage post-incident. When you find the image of the thief after the fact, provide it to the police or post it on social media to identify them…. The answer will always be… “Who are they? We have no idea.”

Monitored Sonavision systems provide real-time live images of the thief to our monitoring staff who immediately dispatch police to your site, who respond on average in 3.5 minutes and can apprehend the thief in the act.

Without verification, unverified recorded CCTV systems fall short of preventing crime… because the thief knows no one is watching.

In fact, most police forces now only respond to alarms that are verified.

The Cons of Traditional CCTV Systems

1. CCTV Real-Time Alerts and Notifications

CCTV cameras can trigger alerts to your cell phone but are you going to answer your phone in the middle of the night? Even if you see criminal activity, what are you going to do? You won't know how to contact a police dispatcher (these numbers are not published), especially if you live in a community that is different from the community in which the CCTV is installed. Are you going to drive to the location so you can sort out the issue on your own? That’s not only incredibly dangerous, but 90% of the time these alerts sent to your cell phone are false alarms such as tarps blowing in the wind or wildlife wandering the site.

All these things wake you up two, three or four times per night ruining your sleep and, because you are tired, makes your daytime so much less productive. Let’s be real, you’re just going to turn these alerts off to get a good night's sleep.

2. Insurance Compliance

CCTV does not satisfy your insurance provider. You need either a night watchman (who are also useless and incredibly expensive by the way) or a verified security solution from Sonitrol. If you ever experience a break-in or vandalism, say goodbye to being reimbursed by your insurer. Monitored Sonavision is required for construction site insurance.

3. Cloud Storage and Video Access

Many systems store footage off-site, making it easier to access and review. However, if a system can’t prevent the crime in the first place, stored footage is merely evidence of your losses. As a business owner, it should be your goal to prevent those losses from ever occurring. Sonavision-monitored video will ensure you achieve that.

4. It’s Not Verified

Verification is the gold standard for security. Without it, the police do not respond. CCTV is a liability, not an asset. Your business can’t afford to take that risk.

5. Lack of Integration

Most traditional CCTV systems aren’t designed to work seamlessly with other technologies like access control or audio detection. This piecemeal approach leaves significant security gaps for your construction site or facility.

6. False Sense of Security

Businesses often install traditional CCTV believing they’re covered, only to discover the hard way that CCTV systems do not deter criminals or are only useful in identifying the thief or vandal after the fact. By that time, the damage to your business has already been done.

The Pros of CCTV With Monitored Sonavision

1. 24/7 Remote Monitoring

Monitored CCTV with Sonavison provides around-the-clock surveillance, with Sonitrol monitoring staff tasked with immediately analyzing live video when it is sent to them. This has two main benefits. First, when a crime is verified as real, your local police force is warned and dispatched and the thief or vandal is captured in the act on average in 3.5 minutes. Secondly, false alarms - which happen all the time because of things like tumbleweeds, raccoons or skunks - are simply reset. Sonavision verified alarms have a false alarm rate of just 3%.

2. Insurance Compliance

Sonavison monitored video satisfies equipment compound and construction site insurance policies. This means more cost-effective insurance policies, simply because your security solution actually works!

3. Deter Criminals Before They Even Target Your Business!

Since we’ve helped apprehend more than 187,000 criminals across North America, criminals know what Sonitrol does and how police respond in minutes to Sonitrol-protected sites. The result is they stay far away! They don’t want to go to jail and there are lots of sites not protected by Sonitrol that they can have zero risk of being caught. Sonitrol doesn’t just help catch criminals, we help deter crimes from ever happening.

Why Sonitrol's Verified and Integrated Solutions Stand Out

At Sonitrol, we don’t just claim to be the best - we prove it at hundreds of thousands of locations daily. Our verified alarms are the industry gold standard, with over 187,000 criminal apprehensions and a false alarm rate of just 3%. Our average police response time? A record-breaking 3.5 minutes.

Here’s why Sonitrol is Unmatched in the Security Industry

1. Verified Alarms

Unlike traditional monitored CCTV, our alarms are verified through audio and video technology and the experts in our 24/7 central monitoring station. This means law enforcement prioritizes Sonitrol calls, responding quickly and decisively.

2. Integrated Security Systems

We combine CCTV, Monitored Sonavision, access control, audio detection, and more into a single, seamless solution. No more juggling disparate technologies or leaving blind spots unaddressed.

3. Advanced Audio Verification

Technology Sonitrol’s audio detection covers areas traditional CCTV cameras can’t. Audio systems provide full-coverage intrusion detection, ensuring your buildings are secure from every angle.

4. Guaranteed Service

Our solutions come with ironclad guarantees. We don’t just promise results; we deliver. And we’re willing to put our money where our mouth is. Read the full details of our Guaranteed Commitment to Service.

Sonitrol’s Proven Results

• Apprehension Rate: Over 187,000 criminals caught in the act.
• False Alarm Reduction: A mere 3% false alarm rate compared to the industry average of 98%.
• Police Response Time: 3.5 minutes on average.

Why Choose Sonitrol to Secure Your Business

Business Owners

Traditional CCTV systems are valuable in recording operational activity but useless in deterring theft or vandalism.

Sonitrol’s verified audio and video solutions ensure comprehensive coverage inside and outside your facility. Audio intrusion detection covers areas that cameras simply can’t, providing 100% security coverage. This not only protects your assets, employees, and customers but also helps you maintain compliance with industry security and insurance regulations.

Why settle for a system that merely records a break-in when you can prevent it altogether with Sonitrol?

Construction Sites

Construction sites are sprawling, dynamic environments where traditional CCTV systems fall short. Covering every inch with cameras is not only expensive but also ineffective at addressing threats.

Sonitrol’s dual-layered approach revolutionizes construction security. We combine external video surveillance to monitor perimeters with internal audio intrusion detection to secure equipment and materials. This integrated solution ensures that vandals, thieves, and trespassers don’t stand a chance. With Sonitrol, your construction site is protected at every level, reducing downtime and safeguarding your investment.

If you think traditional monitored CCTV will protect your business or site, think again. CCTV is great for recording operational activity but it is completely useless in detecting or deterring criminal activity. At Sonitrol, we don’t just prevent crime - we eliminate it.

Ready to secure your site with the best in the business? Contact Sonitrol today to get your free security plan.