Abstract: An apparatus and method for an improved security system employing a video camera and video recorder is disclosed. Recordation of the video signals from the video camera by the video recorder is controlled by activation of a remotely mounted switch that monitors the status of a controlled access area. When an activation switch is placed adjacent an access door to a retail display cabinet, recordation of the video signals depicting that area will occur only when the access door is opened, generating a signal from the door switch as to the status of the access door ("open"). Upon closing the access door, a second signal is generated by the switch, terminating the recording of the video signals. In this manner video signals are only recorded during such time as access restrictions are compromised.