Every step you take is watched, quite literally, and it is estimated that the average UK citizen is caught on CCTV up to three-hundred times a day. British Security Industry Authority (BSIA) estimated there are up to 5.9 million closed-circuit television cameras in the country. That includes 750,000 “sensitive locations” such as hospitals and schools.
So do we really need this high number of CCTV cameras and are they being used correctly? According to a recent YouGov survey, 67% of people believe CCTV poses a problem and this may be because some of the cameras in place are not in the most suitable locations or being used properly.
Of course, for the places where the cameras are being used properly, it’s worth noting that they have helped police solve a wide range of cases. Without them, would that murder suspect have been caught? Or would suspected criminal activity have been able to be monitored? It’s easy to forget just how important CCTV really is in our modern society.
The positives appear to outrun the negatives. The main objective of CCTV is to improve community safety by detecting and deterring crime. Seeing a CCTV camera can reduce the threat of criminal activity, thus reducing the fear of crime.
As a society we need CCTV cameras to not only assist the local authorities in their enforcement but to provide information to the media and the public. Our society is naturally curious of the events going on around us, so video footage helps to give further insight that a news article couldn’t.
CCTV is commonly used as evidence in certain civil proceedings; similarly it may be used to assist with injury and insurance claims or even just bad customer service.
Closed-circuit television cameras can give a sense of protection over employees within a business, because it can keep track of an area whilst no one is there, once again reducing the fear of crime. Plus, there’s the added benefit of being able to keep an eye on a possible suspect from the computer, tablet and smartphone easing any anxiety. As part of our electrical services here at Robinsons, we can make suitable CCTV recommendations to ensure your business stays one step ahead. Take a look at our Vida Hall Project, where we installed CCTV in and amongst our heating, electrical, plumbing and air conditioning works.
CCTV does in fact play a huge part in today’s society, even without our realising it.