What is the difference between active and passive surveillance?

Active surveillance requires direct interaction or engagement with the environment being monitored. This approach may involve security personnel observing an area, interacting with individuals, or even participating in activities that allow for real-time assessment of situations. This direct engagement makes active surveillance more dynamic and responsive to immediate threats or incidents.

In contrast, passive surveillance involves monitoring without direct interaction. This can include using surveillance cameras, alarm systems, or other technologies that observe and record activities without human involvement at the time. While passive surveillance can effectively gather information over time, it lacks the immediacy and reactive capacity of active surveillance, which can lead to quicker responses to potential issues.

Understanding these differences is crucial for security professionals, as the choice between active and passive surveillance can significantly affect the overall security strategy and response capabilities at a given location.