| They are everywhere, in banks, casinos, airports, | | | | be prevented. On the other hand, if the theft has |
| train stations and even shopping malls. Closed Circuit | | | | already taken place, the images can unveil the |
| Televisions are an effective means of surveillance | | | | identity of a suspect. |
| that have become a necessity for both security and | | | | At airports or train and tube stations, these |
| evidence. | | | | surveillance cameras can also be of great help. The |
| Closed Circuit Television, otherwise known as CCTV | | | | images from CCTV cameras have helped in finding |
| refers to the usage of video surveillance cameras to | | | | the persons who planned the bombings in London |
| monitor public and private areas. Surveillance cameras | | | | 2005, and have also been central to solving many |
| send a signal to a restricted number of monitors | | | | other crimes. |
| where security personnel can keep track of them. | | | | Closed Circuit Televisions are also being used to |
| In comparison with broadcast TVs, Closed Circuit | | | | monitor traffic on highways and motorways. The |
| Television systems are not directly sent out. | | | | CCTVs can point out the places where there is a |
| However, CCTV does make use of point to point | | | | traffic jam or an accident, allowing measures to be |
| wireless links. | | | | taken within minutes. |
| Ever since the first appearance of CCTV back in | | | | The latest trend for CCTV usage is on private |
| 1942, when it was used to observe the launch of | | | | properties and housing areas. The aim of the Closed |
| rockets, Closed Circuit Television systems have come | | | | Circuit Televisions is that of social control. People are |
| a long way and become more and more widespread. | | | | becoming more and more concerned in keeping their |
| They were also used and developed after the IRA | | | | property safe and so they choose CCTVs to help do |
| bombings as a silent reaction to these aggressive | | | | it. |
| acts. | | | | CCTVs have proven to be a great help in crime |
| Currently, CCTV is part of the security systems of | | | | prevention and detection and are being successfully |
| banks, public spaces and is also becoming increasingly | | | | used in many circumstances and places. Conversely, |
| popular among home owners looking to protect their | | | | Closed Circuit Televisions being in many public places |
| assets. However, the presence of Closed Circuit | | | | is a threatening fact to people's privacy. Just imagine |
| Television has given way to a controversial debate, | | | | that everywhere you go, there's a big chance that a |
| mainly as it relates to privacy issues. | | | | CCTV system has been installed there. For many this |
| CCTV offers a truthful broadcast of what is | | | | feels like they are being watched at almost all times; |
| happening in a public space, rendering footage that | | | | that's not a pleasant thought. However, the thought |
| might prevent crime or identify illegal activities or | | | | that Closed Circuit Televisions can bring more safety |
| criminals. For example, in a bank, CCTV images can | | | | can act as a comfort that undoubtedly outweighs |
| monitor the presence of a break-in during the night | | | | any negatives. |
| and the police can be notified allowing the robbery to | | | | |