CCTV (closed-circuit television) is used as a security measure, whereby a number of small cameras are place around a home or business (any venue really) to record the activity at a specific place and time. These cameras all send signal back to a central control room where all the CCTV cameras systems are being monitored and observed by the employed security company. The visuals are recorded onto a tape so sorts so that at a later stage you can go back and look at footage from previous days if needed.
The biggest use for CCTV is in crime prevention. Homes and businesses use CCTV to monitor the external and internal activity of the property, so that if there is a circumstance of theft or criminal activity, the recorded images provide evidence of the crime. Video footage from which CCTV can be used as evidence in court against offenders which often leads to convictions. Lots of research has proved that the presence of CCTV has reduced crime in areas, therefore proving that CCTV does work in terms preventing criminal activity.
One of the problems with which CCTV is that more and more criminals are becoming familiar with where the cameras are placed and how to interfere with their operation. This means there is the chance that cameras are damaged or tampered with before a crime takes place so the evidence is lost. Criminals are also using CCTV to their advantage – for example at an ATM, criminals are using the cameras to get people’s pins without their knowledge. So although people believe in the good of CCTV, it can work negatively against them without even knowing it. CCTV also makes an allowance for crime to take place at another site instead of eliminating the possibility completely.
People may have an issue with privacy when it comes to CCTV, feeling like they are constantly being watched. They feel it is almost like an invasion of privacy; however, Which CCTV only monitors public places and does not monitor private sections, and this should not be abused by the venue as there may legal action should there be video monitoring in an incorrect manner.
