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The Important Role Closed Circuit TV Plays In Ensuring Security

By Sandra Jackson


Despite technological advances the world seems to become and ever more dangerous place. The increase in crime rates seems to be a universal problem and the law enforcement authorities struggle to cope with the many demands made upon them. This is one of the reasons why private security firms have experienced such an explosion in growth during the past few decades. Today, closed circuit TV is commonplace as far and wide as Chattanooga.

Oleon, New York was the first city to employ CCTV in order to prevent and solve crimes. This was as far back as 1926. Soon after, Times Square was also fitted with numerous surveillance cameras. Nowadays CCTV is used almost everywhere but most authorities concentrate upon locations known for its high crime rate. Today, these cameras are highly sophisticated and can even be controlled remotely.

Studies conducted during the nineteen nineties show conclusively that CCTV systems are effective in preventing crime. The very fact that there are visible cameras in the vicinity seems to act as a deterrent. The very best results were obtained in parking lots, where a decrease in crime of up to fifty per cent was reported. Today, authorities deploy these systems in localities known for their high crime rates, at intersections and at public facilities.

It is not only local authorities that use CCTV systems. Even private home owners and high security housing estates now install such systems outside and even inside their homes as part of their security systems. They use these systems to identify visitors, to monitor their homes, the movements of contractors and servants and grounds and to identify perpetrators if unauthorized trespassing occur.

Businesses have become one of the biggest users of CCTV systems. They use these systems to monitor trade, to track the activities of employees, to deter theft and to keep tract of stock. Manufacturers use the systems to monitor the entire assembly line process and in certain cases this is the only way in which to monitor dangerous manufacturing processes. Even marketing departments use CCTV to study consumer behaviour in stores.

CCTV has also proven very effective in monitoring traffic patterns and to identify offenders. Congestion can be avoided, for example, by issuing information on congested areas and by suggesting alternative routes. The system is also highly effective in the identification of stolen vehicles. When serious crimes, such as road rage incidents or hijacking is detected it is possible to direct the police there immediately.

Human rights activists complain that CCTV infringes upon the privacy rights of individuals. Other critics say that CCTV is used as an excuse for not employing and deploying enough policemen. There are also those that warn that CCTV is but the first stage towards a society where there will be no privacy, just as described in the George Orwell novel Big Brother.

Despite the criticism, there is no doubt that CCTV makes an important contribution towards the prevention of crimes and the identification of those committing crimes. The majority of people are in favour of these systems that keep them safer in their homes and in public spaces. It is, after all, the duty of the authorities to protect all citizens.




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