What is CCTV?

CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) is a visual surveillance technology designed for monitoring a variety of environments and activities. CCTV systems typically involve a fixed (or dedicated) communications link between cameras and monitors.

In the past decade, the use of CCTV has grown to unprecedented levels. In Britain between 150 and 300 million pounds (225 - 450 million dollars) per year is now spent on a surveillance industry involving an estimated 300,000 cameras. Most British towns and cities are gravitating to CCTV surveillance of public spaces, housing estates, car parks and public facilities.

Market growth is estimated at fifteen to twenty per cent annually.

Many Central Business Districts in Britain are now patrolled by surveillance camera systems involving a linked system of cameras with full pan, tilt, zoom and infrared capacity. Their use on private property is also becoming popular.

Increasingly, police and local councils are placing camera systems into housing estates and red light districts. Residents Associations are independently organizing their own surveillance initiatives. Tens of thousands of cameras operate in public places, in phone booths, vending machines, buses, trains, taxis, alongside motorways and inside Automatic Teller (Cash) Machines.

The video surveillance boom is likely to stretch even inside the home. Andrew May, Assistant Chief Constable of South Wales, has strongly advised victims of domestic violence to conceal video cameras in their homes to collect evidence. The technology is already being utilised in hospitals to enable covert surveillance of parents suspected of abusing their children.

The limits of CCTV are constantly extended. Originally fitted to deter burglary, assault and car theft, in practice most camera systems have been used to combat 'anti-social behaviour', including many such minor offenses as littering, urinating in public, traffic violations, obstruction, drunkenness, and evading meters in town parking lots.

They have also been used to intervene in other 'undesirable' behaviour such as underage smoking and a number of public order transgressions.

Other new and creative uses are constantly being discovered.

When combined with the observation of body language, the cameras are particularly effective in detecting people abusing marijuana and other substances.

These systems are exploited increasingly to police public morals and public order. According to a glossy UK Home Office promotional booklet - CCTV : Looking out for you - the technology can be used as a solution for problems such as vandalism, drug use, drunkenness, racial harassment, sexual harassment, loitering and disorderly behaviour.

CCTV is very quickly becoming an essential part of crime control policy, social control theory and 'Community consciousness'. It is promoted by police and politicians as the primary solution for urban dysfunction.

It is no overstatement to conclude that the technology has had more of an impact on the developmental process of law enforcement policy than almost any technological initiative in the past two decades.

CCTV is a seductive technology. In a public policy arena which is notoriously rubbery, CCTV has a solid, "Sexy" and powerful image. It has become an icon for security and - for politicians - its promotion is certain to create a feel-good response.

When people are frightened of crime and criminals, critics of CCTV are often depicted as enemies of the public interest.

While Britain is clearly the lead nation in implementing CCTV, other countries are quickly following. North America, Australia and some European countries are installing the cameras in urban environments which a few years ago would most likely have rejected the technology.

For further information, contact SAS Security Services on 021 556 3050.