Video Surveillance Cameras

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States, video surveillance has become commonplace. Video surveillance cameras are being used by people in all walks of life, by businesses, by law enforcement, and by governments. The goal of all this surveillance is to catch that person who is breaking the law and the terrorist who is trying to sneak into a crowded arena.

Surveillance cameras and closed circuit television (CCTV) have been used in much of the world for decades, but now they are being used to alert homeowners to the identity of the person ringing the front door bell. They are being used to monitor warehouses and sensitive inventory, minimizing employee theft. They're even being used to catch drunk drivers on the highways.

Pros and Cons of Video Surveillance

Some people argue that video surveillance cameras are an invasion of privacy and that they impinge on the average person's rights. While there may be some validity to those opinions, there are numerous venues in which cameras can increase safety, aid in the apprehension of thieves, and deter criminal activities just by being visible.

Hidden cameras can also be effective, especially in the workplace where employee theft can be a real problem, costing the company and its customers money. Heightened awareness of potential dangers can lead to either paranoia or sensible solutions. For many businesses, law enforcement agencies, and even individuals, the answer may well be video surveillance.