The number of video cameras in city roads and other public locations is increasing with an eye to reduce the number of illegal acts like robberies. Personally I, think that advantages like increased safety and real-time monitoring can outweigh the disadvantages such as cost and limited effectiveness.
Undoubtedly, there are some advantages of using such cameras. Firstly, it is increased safety. In other words, people, especially women can feel themselves safe during being in public areas. Recent studies show that after installing video cameras in public areas the number of crimes reduced to 46 percent. Another benefit of this technology is real-time monitoring. Because of real-time monitoring law enforcement can respond quickly to any kind of incidents. To cite an example, starting from 2018 preventing incidents in city roads and other crowded places accelerated twice, which caused reduced traffic and decency between people.
Despite the advantages, there are some disadvantages of webcameras. First main drawback is cost. Every new development, including video cameras can be expensive, that not every country will be able to afford it. In the city of Los-Angeles, one PTZ-camera can cost around twenty thousand US dollars, which include not only camera but also foundation and heavy pole. Another drawback is limited effectiveness. Webcameras may not prevent all types of crimes, especially which occur in less visible areas or during the time when monitoring is not active. For example, last year in my city a group of robbers stole jewelry shop, when the was no electricity In whole city. Some journalists said that jewelry they stole can cost around eighteen thousand US dollars.
In conclusion, I would say that despite the disadvantages above, benefits of video cameras can outweigh as because of them people can feel themselves safe in crowded areas.