Installation of Video Surveillance Systems in Public Areas - Essay Example

Video Surveillance in Public Places: The technique of video surveillance involves the use of a number of video cameras that are connected through closed circuit television (CCTV), where the videos get recorded and can be viewed later on. A central system monitors the entire process and keeps all records of the videos. However since recordings are conducted on public places, the rights of individuals are also considered. It can be realized in this context that an individual moving or performing any activity in a public area would not expect privacy since it is an open place and the activity can be viewed by any other individual present in the area, even if video recording does not take place.

The surveillance measure is thus not meant to impact the privacy of individuals (Opinion on Video Surveillance in Public Places by Public Authorities and the Protection of Human Rights, 5-6). Video Surveillance: Views in Support: The present study reflects the views in support of the system of video surveillance in public areas. In this regard the most important issue that can be discussed is the ability of the system to prevent crimes or get hold of criminals once a criminal act occurs. With the presence of CCTV cameras at different locations within a city, it can be understood that every individual would be aware of the surveillance that can be expected to create certain level of fear in the minds of any criminal of getting caught (Ratcliffe, 8).

Thus this fear might stop the person or the group of persons from performing any negative act. If this can be realized, the importance of such video surveillance can be well understood can supported by the citizens of every country and individual states. In the present times, where the rates of terrorist attacks and criminal activities have largely increased, several countries have issued laws in their states allowing the roles of video surveillance. Few of such countries include the Great Britain, Spain, France and others.

In these countries, not only the video cameras are used for recording the activities in public areas but utmost use of the video surveillance is made in these countries intended towards prevention of crimes and getting hold of criminals (Bernan, 119). The increasing use of the video surveillance measure in different countries and support from the respective governments and legal systems tend to signify the need and importance of the system in the prevention of crimes. The video surveillance system not only contributes in the reduction of criminal activities, but at the same time it has certain other benefits as well.

The presence of such systems can be expected to lessen the fear of crimes in the minds of the citizens, assist with proven information the police and other investigation departments in case of any crime, reflect any emergency need that viewed through the central monitor can lead to immediate actions, for example any medical emergency on road, and help in a complete management of gathered information (Ratcliffe, 11). The central monitoring system viewing and controlling the recordings of the different associated cameras are in constant watch of all the activities covered by the cameras.

Thus in case of any criminal act, or any emergency, as recorded through the