1.0 The concept of CCTV and how is the CCTV work:
Closed Circuit Television, also known by the
acronym CCTV, is a private or closed video system where viewing of the video is
restricted to a specific group of individuals. Systems can range in size from
being within a single building, to a complex of buildings, to large campuses
and city centers, and can even span across a continent. Such monitoring of
areas and/or activities may be used for security, safety, industrial, or
private purposes. The visual images created by a CCTV system may be viewed
while an event is happening or recorded for ‘after-the-fact’ review either
on-site or off-site. Review is done via the use of VHS videotapes, CD, DVD,
and/or other such tape or computer based mediums. Such reviews of prerecorded
visual information may also be done ‘remotely’ through the use of telephone
lines, fiber optics, microwave, the internet, and/or a host of other such
transmission methods according to the design and complexity of the CCTV system.
CCTV is a visual surveillance technology designed for monitoring a variety of
environments and activities all at the same time. CCTV systems typically
involve a dedicated communications link between cameras in the field and
monitors at one or more control centers. Systems can be made up of technically
mature analog cameras and image storage devices, or newly developed digital
cameras and image storage devices, or a mix of the two technologies. CCTV
systems may provide real-time, time-lapse, event, or digitally recorded surveillance
information to help in detecting, responding to, investigating and providing
evidence for security, safety and related incidents. A CCTV system may also be
used to prevent security breaches by allowing security personnel to monitor
access control systems at entry points to secure areas. A CCTV system usually
involves a linked system of cameras able to be viewed and operated from a
series of control rooms and/or a central point of operation. Cameras come in
many configurations, but can be classified under two general categories;
stationary and moving. Stationary cameras are pointed at a specific scene of
interest, such as a hallway, and broadcast that one scene to the control site
100% of the time. Stationary cameras can be adjusted to compensate for the
specific lighting conditions of that scene. Stationary cameras can be fully
exposed, or contained within a large variety of enclosures designed to meet the
specific requirements of that site, such as discreteness or vandal resistance. Moving
cameras, commonly called PTZ (for pan, tilt, zoom) allow a system operator to
move the camera by remote control to follow an object of interest, such as a
person or a car, over a large area of interest. This is typically done by use
of a joystick in the control center that provides side to side (pan), up and
down (tilt) and zoom control. PTZ devices can also be programmed to move in
user-defined PTZ sequences to provide general surveillance of areas of
interest. PTZ devices can be further programmed to automatically move to areas
of interest, such as when a door or gate opens, or when motion is detected.
Because the camera can be aimed at scenes with different lighting conditions,
these cameras typically have many automated adjustments, such as auto focus and
auto iris to keep the image optimized for accurate viewing. Some systems may
involve sophisticated technologies or electronic interfaces such as; night
vision or low light cameras for operations at night; computer-assisted
operation; interfacing with electronic alarm systems; interfacing with
electronic access control systems; and much more. For example, a camera that is
integrated with a motion detection system would enable alerted security staff
to remotely investigate potential security incidents from a central control
center as the event is happening. Other sophisticated CCTV systems incorporate
technologies that make possible features such as the multiple recording of many
cameras, in different locations. CCTV is also sometimes used to capture images
for a facial recognition biometric system.
2.0 The impact of CCTV on society:
CCTV systems have proven to be essential tools
in most any surveillance and security application. Just a partial list of
applications includes banking, retail, hospital, traffic management, and city
centers. In all of these applications, video cameras are used as visual tools
of the security staff or security design. CCTV systems greatly increase the
geographic areas that can be covered by one security professional. No longer is
long, arduous guard tours needed, requiring an individual to walk or drive long
distances to provide security. And once an event has transpired, video can be
used for investigation and evidence in criminal and civil liability cases. The
installation of CCTV security systems thus provides a large deterrence to
unlawful activity, and provides a strong sense of security to patrons of
facilities that use CCTV. Due to great advances in the controlling or
manipulating interfacing systems, video systems can be automated to great degrees.
Another impact of CCTV is on monitoring and controlling traffic in the city, the
traffic control cameras are used for traffic monitoring only and help us to
assess the efficiency of the system and to make any necessary changes quickly. Also,
during unusual circumstances such as a traffic accident, a significant
breakdown on a busy road, or an event like the Grand National, the system
operators can take control of signals and operate them manually from the
control centre. This would be impossible
without the help of the cameras.
CCTV assistance in controlling the traffic
signals around any city during Grand National event. With the ability to see all approaches to the
various junctions we can manage the traffic more effectively than officers on
the ground because of their limited visibility. In other hand, to protect the
privacy of individuals, advanced CCTV systems are available with many features
designed specifically for this need. PTZ camera systems can be programmed so
that specific areas of the viewed scene are overlaid with opaque shapes to
prevent viewing of non-public areas, such as into homes through their windows.
In addition, control systems can be configured so that only specific security
professionals can view video from specific cameras that may be viewing
“sensitive” scenes. The net result or effectiveness of any/all CCTV systems is
determined by the sophistication of the interfacing modules and to the extent
that the system is designed as a visual tool for the security team.
3.0 Ethical stance of CCTV:
According to the rule of act utilitarianism
indicates that if the action done accepted in morality and gives benefits for
everyone, the action should be acceptable. So, the use of CCTV is an ethical
because the majority will be happy and will earn the benefit of using the CCTV.
Many have argued that the act of public video
surveillance itself is an invasion of the right to privacy. But most tolerate
it as a minor inconvenience they must deal with in order to experience the
benefits and assurance gained from the added security achieved. For this
reason, video surveillance in public spaces must ensure that:
- · It doesn’t not intrude to an unreasonable
extent the recording of an individual’s personal affairs;
- · Efforts should be taken not to include
monitoring and recording of private residences or at least seek consent from
owners of residence if it is within the camera view; and
- · Cameras are not placed at public facilities
such as inside public toilet facilities.
As a guide, consideration is given to allocate
video surveillance cameras at the following public spaces:
- · Identified crime hot spots;
- · ATMs and banking institutions;
- · Licensed premises;
- · Bus stops, taxi ranks, car parks and railway
stations; and
- · Places frequented by potentially at risk groups
such as elderly and young people.
