Arguments for Video Surveillance

December 31, 2009 by cbartell
Filed under: CCTV Articles 

According to a recent survey by the Harris Poll, 96 percent of Americans support the use of video surveillance in public places by the government and law enforcement agencies to prevent terrorism. Of course, we all know that video surveillance is used for more than just preventing terrorism, but also to keep watch over our homes and businesses, on streets, in parks and in several other public and private places.

So, what are some of the arguments for the use of CCTV surveillance systems across the country? Here’s a few of the more common reasons people back up the use of security cameras and other surveillance equipment.

  1. Peace of Mind – A security camera system can provide peace of mind for you, your family, employees and customers. Because they always watch, you don’t have to worry about your loved ones or property while away. They help people feel secure in their surroundings and to know, if something did happen, help can arrive quickly.
  2. Loss Prevention – CCTV cameras can help keep personal belongings, merchandise and money where it belongs. The systems can monitor employees and customers to make sure nothing is out of place and reduce theft.
  3. Crime Deterrent – Security cameras can make a target less attractive. If would-be criminals spot a camera, they may reconsider their plans. It can prevent your family, customers and employees from being victims of a crime.
  4. Solving Cases – Of course, if the cameras don’t prevent the crime, the footage video surveillance systems capture can be used as evidence and help ensure that the proper arrests and prosecutions take place.

These arguments are among the most common ones made for CCTV surveillance. In a follow up post, we will cover four arguments against video surveillance. In the meantime, do you have any additional reasons and benefits of using security cameras? Let us know!

Source:
Harris Poll – http://www.brslabs.com/files/Harris_Poll_survey_release_FINAL.doc

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Comments

7 Comments on Arguments for Video Surveillance

  1. AJ on Thu, 31st Dec 2009 4:34 pm

    2. To me the benefits are far more positive than negative. Not that I like being recored, espically when I am unaware of it, but I feel in some cases it has to be done. Another positive is all the great laughes we get from some of the videos you post here!!! Keep up the great work!!

  2. Charlie on Thu, 31st Dec 2009 4:36 pm

    3. I would agree that peace of mind is the main reason for my purchase of a surveillance system for my home. It’s nice knowing you’re property is being monitored while you’re away.

  3. Brownstone Security on Mon, 11th Jan 2010 12:46 pm

    4. Performance monitoring is a popular use for video surveillance systems in the workplace. With the use of video surveillance cameras, companies can keep an eye on employees’ on-the-job performance and their use of company time. In addition, video surveillance helps management identify customer patterns. This enables management to identify peak hours in the hospitality and healthcare industries to best maximize scheduling arrangements.

  4. joeltjen on Mon, 11th Jan 2010 8:14 pm

    5. Performance monitoring is a popular use for video surveillance systems in the workplace. With the use of video surveillance cameras, companies can keep an eye on employees’ on-the-job performance and their use of company time. In addition, video surveillance helps management identify customer patterns. This enables management to identify peak hours in the hospitality and healthcare industries to best maximize scheduling arrangements.

    Valid points!

    I, personally (and this represents my opinion only), prefer to trust those working with and below me, and be trusted myself, rather than monitored constantly. I believe there is a certain level of animosity/hostility that builds between untrusted and over-monitored workers and their employers. There are definitely situations where it is called for, that’s for sure, but people are there to do a job, and as long as it is done satisfactorily, in most cases, I don’t see a huge reason for it.

    Thanks for contributing!

    - Jason

  5. video doorbell on Wed, 8th Sep 2010 11:28 pm

    6. i agree these arguments and i have another reason, if sombody to find me but i was out, the video doorbell could record who ring the bell.

  6. Investigation Services on Sat, 5th Mar 2011 1:22 am

    7. Evidence has shown that CCTV system mostly deter property crimes and robberies, but not more violent crimes such as rapes and aggravated assaults.

  7. TYS on Tue, 20th Sep 2011 2:05 pm

    8. I think CCTV is just plain brilliant – it’s always there when you need it. It’s brill as a deterrent and probably deters about 5 times the amount of people than it actually catches, if not more!

    I’m in full support of it.

    In fact, I came on here to help me with some work I’ve got and it’s been quite useful…

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