Abstract: A surveillance system operable to capture images and sounds concerning events for storage in a random access data store. A data management functionality is provided to dynamically manage storage of information in the data store and thus emphasize retention in storage of information concerning those events identified as events of interest. No longer wanted information is deleted to make room in storage for subsequently captured information. The identification of an event as being "of interest" is made by a mode control functionality in response to the processing of signals received from an environment sensor monitoring conditions related to the events. The mode control functionality further controls the operation of the imaging and audio device used to capture images and sounds. The captured information is encrypted prior to storage to insure its integrity.