Nowadays CCTV cameras are becoming increasingly popular among police forces around the world. It is believed that they are crucial in protecting citizens against unlawful activity. However, there are both pros and cons to using these devices in public areas. In this essay both sides will be analyzed and a conclusion will be drawn.
One obvious benefit of having surveillance cameras is that they would reduce the number of crimes committed both in public areas and households. In other words, if security cameras with face recognition were installed almost everywhere, the streets would become much safer and police forces would need fewer resources for identifying criminals. Another reason that CCTV would be advantageous is that it would help track and find elderly people with mental problems, for instance, dementia, and small children who have gotten lost on the streets. Take Moscow as an example. According to the volunteer rescue team, Liza Alert, surveillance cameras installed in the underground and on public transport have already helped to reduce the search time by 50%.
On the other hand, human privacy can be violated by the illegal usage of data. For instance, the materials could be sold on a so-called black market and used afterward for blackmailing or preparing a crime. Another drawback of surveillance cameras is their cost. Furthermore, after the installation of the system, it must be maintained, controlled, and checked by qualified professionals. For example, European countries who have had to cut costs on social programs, such as schools and hospitals, in order to finance special security forces.
In conclusion, there are clearly pros and cons to installing CCTV cameras in cities. While surveillance devices can help to cope with crime, for many people, privacy concerns remain significant. Therefore, it is crucial to have a dialogue between the government and society.