How Mobile Surveillance Trailers Ensure Safety: Features and Operation

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September 25, 2024

Last updated: September 25, 2024

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Businesses of all sizes, locations, and industries are vulnerable to the rising presence of property crime. 

Although the most common property crime is theft, other criminal activities, including vandalism, burglary, trespassing, arson, and property damage, can also significantly disrupt daily operations, put customers at risk, and negatively impact a business’s reputation. 

While various types of security services and equipment can be deployed to protect assets, customers, and employees against these threats, one option emerges as a highly versatile and effective solution. Mobile security trailers can fill gaps in a premise’s defense systems, providing comprehensive surveillance to detect and deter crimes. 

Discover the key features, uses, and benefits of mobile surveillance trailers to determine if your business can benefit from this security solution. 

What Are Mobile Surveillance Trailers? 

A mobile surveillance trailer, also known as a mobile surveillance unit (MSU) or a security trailer, is a vehicle equipped with surveillance equipment, among other components, to monitor its surroundings. 

These units are designed as a flexible solution to temporary and long-term security needs by offering round-the-clock surveillance, deterring criminal activity, and providing high-quality video evidence when necessary. The trailers are available in a range of sizes and come equipped with various features.

Top Features of Mobile Surveillance Trailers 

Although the specific components of mobile surveillance trailers can vary, they typically share several key features, including:

Trailer 

As the unit’s base, the trailer provides mobility through wheels and a tow bar designed to securely connect the trailer to the towing vehicle, ensuring safe transport from one location to another. The highly durable trailer is mounted with all other components necessary for surveillance operations. Adjustable legs are also attached to the trailer to level it on uneven terrain.  

Mast

The trailer’s mast holds vital equipment, such as security cameras and speakers, enabling an unobscured view of its surroundings. The height of masts can be adjusted to allow cameras to overlook obstacles such as fences, walls, and vegetation and ensure a clear line of sight. Many surveillance trailer masts can also be customized to accommodate additional surveillance equipment through mounting brackets, adapters, and similar accessories. 

Cameras

All security trailers have multiple high-resolution cameras to monitor the surrounding areas from different angles. Depending on the trailer’s model, manufacturer, and intended use, its cameras have different features, such as night vision, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ), thermal imaging, and license plate recognition. Typically, the selection of camera features is tailored to suit the specific surveillance needs of each business. 

Alarms & Sensors 

A surveillance trailer’s alarms can be triggered automatically to inform on-premise personnel of any detected security incidents or suspicious activities. These alarms are often integrated with specialized sensors, such as motion detectors, that detect unauthorized entry or movement. Once a sensor is triggered, it may activate the alarm’s sound or automatically send notifications to designated personnel. 

Speakers 

Speakers facilitate communication among security personnel. Mounted speakers may also be used as a form of warning, and they can be set to broadcast a pre-recorded message instructing trespassers to vacate the area or cautioning them that their actions are being monitored. 

Lights

Mobile trailers can be mounted with lighting, such as floodlights, spotlights, or LEDs, to illuminate the surrounding areas during nighttime and low-light conditions. Some trailers are equipped with lighting as a form of deterrence, with flashing lights activating to draw attention to the trailer’s presence. Lighting may also be used alongside alarm systems to notify nearby personnel of security incidents. 

Control panel 

The control panel of surveillance trailers is the unit’s central interface and allows all features to be controlled and managed, usually remotely. Through control panels, authorized personnel can adjust camera settings, view power usage, set recording perimeters, and manage notifications. 

Power

Mobile surveillance trailers can have several forms of power generation, including generators, solar panels, and rechargeable batteries. These power sources provide the necessary electricity to operate the trailer’s surveillance equipment, communication systems, and other integrated devices. This enables trailers to be deployed in remote locations and ensures they are not restricted by the availability of external power sources.

An infographic showing the main features of a mobile surveillance trailer.

How Do Mobile Surveillance Trailers Work? 

Mobile surveillance trailers can be leased or bought from security service companies. After terms are outlined and an order is placed, the service will typically deliver the trailer to the client’s location.

Once a mobile security trailer is transported to its destination, it’s detached from the towing vehicle, and its stabilizing legs are lowered to the ground to provide support and prevent it from tipping over during operation. 

All systems, including cameras, sensors, and alarms, are activated and configured through the control panel. Security personnel may perform a test to ensure that all surveillance equipment is functioning properly and positioned correctly. Any adjustments to equipment can be promptly made during this process.

After all systems are operational and properly configured, the surveillance trailer is ready to commence surveillance activities. Security personnel can then monitor live feeds from the surveillance cameras, analyze data from integrated sensors, and quickly respond to any detected security threats or incidents. 

The unit may also be relocated to address a business’s evolving security needs or removed completely when it is no longer required. 

Why Use Mobile Surveillance Trailers? 

The primary benefits of utilizing mobile surveillance trailers include: 

  • 24/7 surveillance – Unlike security guards, who take regular breaks and can become distracted, mobile security trailers offer uninterrupted 24/7 monitoring of a wide area. 
  • Remote monitoring – Surveillance trailers allow security personnel to access live camera feeds and data from anywhere, providing business owners with peace of mind at all times. 
  • Fast set-up – Since trailers are designed to be towed, they do not require permanent installation procedures such as wiring or groundwork and can be quickly set up or relocated as needed. 
  • Durability – Trailers are sturdy and designed to withstand various weather conditions, impacts, and vandalism, guaranteeing continuous operations under any circumstances. 
  • Self-sufficiency – Through multiple power sources, including solar panels, mobile security trailers can provide surveillance coverage even in remote or off-grid locations.
  • Reduced expenses – Mobile trailers offer reduced security expenses for businesses by eliminating the need for round-the-clock security guards or expensive equipment installations.  

Which Businesses Can Benefit From Mobile Surveillance Trailers? 

Mobile surveillance trailers prove to be a valuable security solution for many businesses. For instance, companies that operate in remote or rural locations, such as agricultural facilities and construction sites, will benefit from a solar surveillance trailer, as they do not require a connection to a power source. 

Other businesses that need to monitor large areas to protect valuable inventory, such as car dealerships and storage facilities, can rely on mobile trailers’ extended heights and wide surveillance coverage. 

Businesses with limited security budgets may also opt to use surveillance trailers over traditional forms of security. Although security guards are effective at their duties, they can incur substantial costs. Companies may need to hire multiple guards to adequately cover their premises and must extend their budgets to account for salaries, uniforms, and training expenses. 

Mobile security trailers provide comparable surveillance capabilities to security guards and do not require ongoing expenses except occasional maintenance, making them a suitable alternative for businesses facing financial constraints. 

Similarly, businesses that seek short-term security solutions, such as event venues and temporary job sites, can choose to employ mobile surveillance trailers instead of investing in permanent solutions such as traditional CCTV cameras. 

Overall, here are businesses that can benefit the most from choosing mobile surveillance trailers for their security needs:

  • Construction sites
  • Storage facilities
  • Agricultural facilities
  • Car dealerships
  • Logistics centers
  • Event organizers  
  • Educational institutions
  • Residential establishments 

Understanding Your Business’s Needs

It’s important to note that while mobile surveillance trailers, among other security solutions, can be beneficial for certain businesses, they may not be suitable for every situation. While larger locations, remote operations, or those with limited budgets may find value in surveillance trailers, various factors can impact their suitability.

Before deciding on a security solution, business owners should consider their risk levels, specific security needs, long-term objectives, and preferences. Fortunately, as previously mentioned, surveillance trailers can be deployed temporarily, allowing businesses to test them on a short-term basis before committing.

With a reliable security service, businesses can assess their needs and make an informed decision that meets their expectations and keeps their premises secured while remaining within budget. 

Enhance Your Premise’s Safety With American Security Force’s Mobile Surveillance Trailers

Interested in mobile security trailers for your business? At American Security Force, we’ll assess your business’s risk level to find the optimal surveillance unit for your needs. 

We prioritize our clients to ensure they get the best service and experience from our security solutions, including mobile surveillance trailers. Our trailers are equipped with sophisticated technology to effectively deter criminals, manage threats, and provide high-quality footage of your premises. 

Contact us today to begin your journey to a safer business environment with advanced mobile surveillance trailers!

Article by

Albert Williams is the founder, president, and CEO of American Security Force, overseeing management teams and leading successful marketing, sales, and technology projects locally and nationwide. Albert is an expert in the full range of security services, from security consulting and risk assessment to guard and patrol services to mobile security trailers and camera systems. His 32 years of experience in the security industry have developed exceptional expertise in addressing the unique security challenges and needs of businesses of multiple sectors, including construction, healthcare, residential and commercial real estate, distribution, logistics, and much more.

About the writer

Albert Williams is the founder, president, and CEO of American Security Force, overseeing management teams and leading successful marketing, sales, and technology projects locally and nationwide. Albert is an expert in the full range of security services, from security consulting and risk assessment to guard and patrol services to mobile security trailers and camera systems. His 32 years of experience in the security industry have developed exceptional expertise in addressing the unique security challenges and needs of businesses of multiple sectors, including construction, healthcare, residential and commercial real estate, distribution, logistics, and much more.

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