Home Security

CCTV systems

the best tool for detecting crime

Closed circuit television surveillance equipment, also called a CCTV camera system, is a visual area control tool that is used for watching various locations and activities. Many businesses profit from installing CCTV in their stores and offices.

Modern CCTV systems have CCD (charge coupled device) video cameras, cable or wireless transmitters/receivers, and monitors. This equipment does not send TV signals to the public, but transmits them to limited monitors. Video cameras are remote controlled from a control room.

CCTV's up-to-date technology offers clear picture, night vision, computer-assisted operation, and motion recognition features, by which the operator can "tell" the system to go on red alert when anything moves in front of the cameras. A CCTV camera system mostly uses bullet-proof casing and automated self-defense mechanisms, that is, a camera that is assaulted has other cameras linked together with it for cover.

CCTV systems are very important crime control tools. Studies show that crime is less likely to happen if CCTV cameras are used. Once a burglar finds that an area is being watched, they are less willing to commit a criminal action. CCTV equipment is also used to fight 'anti-social behavior', such as littering, urinating in public, traffic violations, obstruction, drunkenness, and many similar activities. This technology is also a good solution for handling such problems as vandalism, drug use, drunkenness, racist attacks, sexual harassment and other types of criminal behavior.

Police officers think very well about CCTV systems and use it regularly in their everyday routine, for example in town centers, to detect various offences, theft and assault. They can use images taken by CCTV cameras for identifying offenders. This system also makes it possible for police to act quickly and stop incidents from becoming more violent. Some police officers, however, don't really believe that CCTV can fend off potential offenders, especially if they are under the influence of alcohol.

Police believe that a CCTV system is a cost-effective tool that speeds up investigations, saving time for both police and court, even if more time has to be spent on searching through footage. Still, the advantages of CCTV cameras were worth it. Many felt that the CCTV operators and other staff could help a lot in gathering evidence.

Some drawbacks of CCTV systems are that police officers have to spend more time on searching data, and that the public often expects that such systems alone will help fight crime. However, there is no doubt that CCTV can also be used for its best advantage in local management, staffing or solving technical issues.