CCTV has become an increasingly important factor in security and surveillance for governments, law enforcement, schools, businesses, and even homeowners. Let’s take a closer look at the many ways in which CCTV is used today.
Monitoring Traffic
Ever
opened the mailbox to find a ticket for running a red light or
speeding, even though you were never actually pulled over by police?
That’s all thanks to closed circuit traffic monitoring systems. But
while we all hear about the growing number of “red light cameras”
popping up at busy and dangerous intersections, videosurveillance isn’t
just for issuing traffic tickets.
With ever-increasing traffic volumes in metro areas, interstates and
local roads have become far more congested, and reckless driving and
accidents happen more frequently than ever. Many cities now mount
surveillance cameras above busy roadways to monitor traffic flow, watch
for aggressive or reckless driving, and examine the details of crashes
and vehicle wrecks.Home Security
Nowadays, it’s not unusual for homeowners to install security cameras around their homes and property to protect against trespassing, burglaries and vandalism. While the cameras themselves can’t do anything to physically prevent crimes from occurring in an around the home, they’ve become very effective deterrents – a well-monitored home is far less appealing to criminals than one with no security measures in place.
Public Transportation
From trains and buses to subways and taxis, public transit is becoming ever more protected by CCTV, with surveillance cameras being installed not only in vehicles, but in stations and depots as well. Video monitoring helps to deter crimes against passengers, drivers and conductors, but also provides visual evidence for prosecution in the event that an individual is victimized or property is destroyed.
Business Surveillance
CCTV
is one of the easiest ways for business owners to monitor employees and
deter crimes in their establishments. Whether the place of business is a
restaurant, office, bank or retail store, cameras placed in
money-handling areas, back offices, storage rooms and sales floors can
not only monitor employee access to these areas, but also help prevent
theft, vandalism, and other forms of misconduct.
School Protection
Schools are experiencing an increased need for security surveillance, especially at the Junior High and High School levels. Many school systems have taken to using CCTV as a way monitor student flow in hallways, classroom conduct, and potential incidents in cafeterias, gymnasiums, auditoriums and parking lots. Security cameras have become a tool to curb offenses like graffiti, fights, vandalism and drug use on school grounds, as well as protect students by monitoring individuals entering and leaving the campus.