Surveillance and Safety Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Surveillance and Safety Assignment - Essay Example However, CCTV surveillance in public places has more benefits than disadvantages because of its ability to deter and solve crime, create a feeling of safety while in public, and promote local economies. CCTV surveillance reduces the rate of crimes since people are less likely to commit crimes in full view of the camera. Crimes that are common in public places include muggings and selling drugs. These crimes tend to take place in dark alleys away from the view of existing CCT cameras. CCTV cameras at road junctions can deter drivers from running traffic lights thereby preventing road accidents from happening. The efficacy of CCTV cameras in reducing crimes is demonstrated by one of the first CCTV system installed in 1987 at King’s Lynn, UK which significantly reduced incidents of burglary and criminal damage (Fay 316). CCTV camera footage can help to identify criminals who commit crimes. For instance the terrorist behind the bombing during the Boston marathon were identified from CCTV cameras. The use of CCTV footage is widespread in solving crimes where police post footages of suspected criminals and the public can participate in their identification. Advancement in facial r ecognition software enable CCTV cameras to identify demographic information of a suspected criminal such as approximate age, height, race, and build giving police more data to help solve crimes. CCTV surveillance cameras create a feeling of safety in public places. This is because everyone knows there are being watched. The police monitor CCTV cameras at all time giving them real time information of conditions in various areas. While CCTV cameras cannot prevent determined criminals from committing crimes such as a street shooting, stabbing or a hit and run, the cameras can alert the necessary authorities such as police who monitor them. This allows for help to reach the victims sooner and may save lives when an ambulance is able to get to an injured person