CCTV Planning Guide

A CCTV system worth having starts with clear priorities.

This guide covers the planning decisions that make CCTV genuinely useful — placement, coverage, identification, image quality, storage, remote viewing, network and privacy considerations.

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Purpose of this guide

What this guide will help you think through.

Help you prepare for a CCTV discussion or site assessment so the resulting system matches what you actually want it to achieve.

Key considerations

What to consider when planning.

The following notes are general guidance. Final suitability depends on the property, opening, existing hardware, intended use and site conditions, and is confirmed at the on-site measure.

What you want CCTV to achieve

  • Awareness at key entries and boundaries
  • Recording of activity for after-the-fact review
  • Live viewing from a phone or workstation
  • Support for insurance or workplace processes
  • Coverage of specific vulnerable areas

Camera placement

  • Front and rear entries
  • Driveways and vehicle access points
  • Perimeter and side pathways
  • High-value or high-risk areas
  • Reception and points of sale in commercial settings

Coverage vs identification

  • Wide-angle for general awareness
  • Narrower field for identification
  • Facial identification requires closer, better-framed shots
  • Number-plate cameras have specific placement rules
  • Balance coverage with useable detail

Day/night performance

  • Available ambient light matters
  • Infra-red vs low-light imaging
  • External lighting supports camera performance
  • Direct light sources can wash out images
  • Consider seasonal light changes

Storage & retention

  • Local network video recorder
  • Cloud recording where suitable
  • Retention duration based on use case
  • Motion vs continuous recording
  • Backup and redundancy for commercial sites

Network & remote viewing

  • Internet connection reliability
  • Wired vs wireless cameras
  • Mobile app access
  • User accounts and permissions
  • Cyber-hygiene of connected devices

Comparing options

Coverage vs identification — plan for both.

Overview cameras

  • Wide field of view
  • Good general awareness
  • Less useful for detail alone
  • Common on driveways and open areas

Identification cameras

  • Positioned closer to entries
  • Framing for face-height detail
  • Rely on adequate light
  • Common at doorways and gates

Specialised cameras

  • Number-plate cameras with tight framing
  • Low-light or thermal for specific sites
  • PTZ for large commercial areas
  • Not usually the right choice for every location

Residential & commercial

Different priorities for different properties.

Residential considerations

  • Front and rear entries
  • Driveways and garages
  • Side gates and pathways
  • Alfresco and pool areas where appropriate
  • Property boundaries where suitable

Commercial considerations

  • Reception and public-facing areas
  • Cash-handling or valuable-stock areas
  • Loading docks and rear yards
  • Car parks and vehicle access points
  • After-hours coverage of unattended premises

Common planning mistakes

What we see catch customers out.

  • Assuming more cameras equals better security.
  • Placing cameras for view coverage without considering identification needs.
  • Overlooking lighting — a great camera in a dark spot still produces poor images.
  • Choosing storage duration without matching it to how the footage will be used.
  • Ignoring internet reliability and network security.
  • Not planning for future expansion when installing infrastructure.
  • Recording areas that raise avoidable privacy concerns for neighbours or staff.

Questions to consider before requesting a quote

Useful things to think about beforehand.

  • What do you want the system to help you do?
  • Which locations matter most, and why?
  • Is identification of people or vehicles a priority anywhere?
  • How long should recordings be retained?
  • Will you need remote viewing from a phone?
  • Is there an existing system, cabling or network to work with?
  • Are there privacy considerations for neighbours, staff or customers?
  • Is future expansion likely (more cameras, windows, doors)?

Responsible expectations

What this guide does not claim.

  • CCTV supports awareness and evidence — it does not prevent all incidents or guarantee identification.
  • Camera quantity alone does not determine system effectiveness.
  • Privacy considerations always apply, particularly at boundaries and in shared or workplace settings.

Related Halo services

CCTV SystemsLock & Hardware UpgradesEmergency Escape ScreensCommercial SecurityRepairs & Maintenance

Related guides

Roller Shutters GuideSecurity Screens GuideChoosing a Security DoorCCTV Installation RockinghamCCTV Installation Mandurah

Also useful

How We WorkWhy HaloFAQRequest a Quote

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Plan a CCTV system around your property and priorities.

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