Gbolahan Samuel Moronfolu
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) as commonly called, is a security system that use analog cameras and have been around for years. They are still the most common type of camera installed in the field, experts say.
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) is a security system in which signals are not publicly transmitted instead they are monitored and archived for security purposes. It relies on cameras placed in strategic positions and monitoring of the camera’s foot.
ADVANTAGES FOR CCTV
Crime deterrence: Most criminals may have a rethink and decide not to perpetrate intended criminal activity after sighting security cameras installed in places their planned criminal activities are to be carried out for fear of being caught committing such crimes with later consequences.
Increased safety: Having a camera on hand helps to ensure that if a crime does take place, you’ll have evidence of what occurred for proper investigation. This is especially helpful as the crime may happen at a time there might be nobody to witness and testify.
Remote monitoring: You’ll still be able to keep an eye on your office or house through a camera to check if everything is alright even you are away.
Cost-Effective: Once you purchase and set up your CCTV system, it doesn’t need much maintenance and requires very little reparations. Additionally, if you take care of your cameras, they can last for years, making them a long term solution.
Gathering Evidence: Having cameras installed in strategic places comes in handy when you need to monitor actions and words of people or during an event. Modern security cameras are not only equipped with high-quality video capabilities, but audio as well. The clear images coupled with flawless sound makes them more efficient than ever at recording a series of happenings.
Proper Decisions making: Footage from security cameras can help you make correct and fair decisions when settling disputes, both in domestic as well as professional scenarios. Whether it is dealing with a situation involving disagreements within your family, among your employees, or between a customer and your service staff, your doubts can be laid to rest with the help of your camera.
DISADVANTAGES OF CCTV
Privacy issues: Some people may object to being filmed 24/7 and it may damage the trust you have between family members or employees as they feel there’s existence of distrust on them.
Double edge sword: Technology is a double-edged sword. While innovation and upgrades can have several benefits for us, they can also be used to cause trouble. The majority of us reap its advantages, but a few with vested interests continue to abuse it and make the lives of others miserable. The security camera is one of the wonders of modern technology, which is used at homes as well as in offices. It has gained immense popularity as an effective security measure.
May spark up legal Issues: There have been a few instances in the past where security cameras have stirred up controversies, especially in professional setups. There have been cases where employees have objected to being under constant surveillance without their permission and citing the ‘invasion of privacy’ as the reason. A few have also resorted to taking legal action against their employers in relation to this.
Critics of security camera systems have taken offense to them being placed in offices and argued that doing so implies that the employer has either already assumed or is convinced that his employees are up to no good and will do something wrong which is why their activities need to be monitored and recorded.
It Can be a Costly Affair: While dummy cameras may not be expensive, the real ones cost quite a fortune, depending on the features and the number of cameras and monitoring systems one buys. Getting them installed and their maintenance means additional costs. If you’re thinking of installing them yourself, lay that idea to rest unless you have good knowledge of wiring systems or you may end up damaging the cameras.
They Can be Vulnerable: When we, as users of security cameras, try to keep ourselves updated on the latest in security systems, we should not forget that intruders and criminals are doing the same too. A smart intruder may be conscious of them and adopt strategies to get in or out undetected.
Further, tech-savvy criminals might have understood the technology and worked out ways to disable/disconnect them from their power source. If your cameras are detected as fake/dummies, they can be utterly useless in any crime prevention.
In worst cases, hackers can play havoc with your security camera system by using the Internet and use them to spy on you instead.
This makes security cameras vulnerable to damage and/or misuse.
Inability to Stop Theft: Cameras enable users to record footage for later viewing, and to help nab criminals, and receive justice from the law. They cannot, however, stop a crime when it is in progress. They do not alert neighbors or the police like an alarm system would. This means that you will incur losses even as you run to the court, make insurance claims and reorder stolen inventory, which may no longer make you feel absolutely safe and even cause you to lose faith in them.
*Moronfolu is a seasoned security consultant with many years of security and policing experience. FELLOW, Fourth Estate Professional Society (FFPS), he has also partaken in peace keeping operations within and outside the country and has flair for general security education.
