The role of CCTV in deterring crime vs privacy violation
Introduction
CCTV also known as closed circuit television, are automated cameras placed in public spaces like streets, squares, and parks. CCTV cameras has been used worldwide during a few decades and it has made a big impact on criminal legal investigations in many different settings especially in the US, UK, and Sweden.? Deep learning and AI is becoming more prevalent, as cameras are able to more accurately gather data and make predictions based on integrated analytical software manufacturers have developed which can facilitate the process of a criminal proceeding.
Benefits of CCTV
The purpose behind these cameras is to facilitate the process of identifying suspects and providing the necessary information about their movements for example the place they have been to during the exact time. In addition, to the major role CCTV plays in preventing crimes and helping to achieve an effective justice system that doesn’t require much effort and time to provide evidence for any criminal case. Visible cameras act as a powerful deterrent because potential intruders are less likely to target a property that is being monitored. The mere presence of security cameras can reduce the likelihood of crimes such as burglary, vandalism, and theft. The video evidence provided by the CCTV can help identify perpetrators, provide critical information to law enforcement, and support legal proceedings. The value of public surveillance technology was well demonstrated all the way back in April, 2013 when investigators identified the two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing after sifting through video images captured by the city’s cameras. Identifying criminals is hard when no one is aware of the crime until after it has been committed, so this is why the surveillance footage is always a crucial piece of evidence during a police investigation. Surveillance cameras have, and will provide a solution to many crimes. Criminals are less likely to commit crimes in the area if they know they’re going to be filmed the whole time. Unscrupulous activities like shoplifting hardly seem worth it when pitted against the possibility of going to jail. CCTV provide safety to people and tranquility that the perpetrator will not get away without punishment. Cameras, through video analytics, now have the ability to zoom in to reveal someone’s identity which can be beneficial to crime prevention when used in the correct way. Especially in abduction cases a video would be a great way of tracking down a person quickly. The growth of facial recognition and analytical software enables much greater predictive insights into criminal behaviour and more accurate reporting.
Negative impact
But unfortunately, the downside of using CCTV is the violation of the integrity and interest of the individual and above all the right to privacy of the individual which is highlighted in the US Constitution which states that the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable. Not to mention the high cost that a country must afford to cover the expense of purchasing, installing, and maintenance of security cameras. The most impressing problem is the vulnerability of CCTV to cyberattacks that compromise the privacy and security of sensitive information that are related to individuals. In addition to the risk of uncertainty when it comes to Ethnicity and Gender in the interpretation of information about identification. American research shows that the most advanced AI facial recognition tools make mistakes much more often in cases of black women than in cases of white men. Lastly, CCTV are being used for unnecessary supervision in China where they are covering public places that record details like clothing, gender, age, and even ethnicity which is an infringement to civil liberties. Although these cameras are powered by facial recognition technology to identify individuals on police blacklists but every Citizen movements are monitored, dissidents are easily tracked, and protests and strikes are snuffed out before they can gain momentum. Privacy would be easily violated if CCTV weren’t properly controlled because any person could peer inside of windows with the full protection of the law on their side. If a person was standing watching outside a window it could be a crime, yet the same person could place a surveillance camera then remotely view a person within the privacy of their home which is not against the penal code. There is still much public debate over the usage of automated facial recognition particularly in relation to data capture and GDPR for example if a face has been captured and identified as a ‘non-threat’, how long should this image be held for? And whose responsibility is it to delete this from the system? Sometimes CCTV don’t work in New York a man got stabbed and was left to die in front of three surveillance cameras. It took the ambulances 2 hours to get to the injured man, and he died before getting to the hospital. The surveillance cameras did nothing to help the man.
Conclusion
To conclude, the implementation of CCTV should not be made without some consideration such as giving permission to install these devices when the interest of camera surveillance is more important than the interest of the individual. The law enforcing agencies must formulate on how surveillance cameras can be used and what are the disciplinary consequences for misuse. Likewise, officers should be thoroughly trained on these policies and held accountable for abiding by them. Currently in the UK, the Information Commissioner’s Office regulates much of the data privacy angle of the use of CCTV, while the Surveillance Camera Commissioner also has a role to play in how operators are using systems particularly in relation to new technology such as automated facial recognition but for how long the data is stored? Are all operators GDPR compliant?
?As for cyberattacks investing in cameras with robust security features, such as encryption and two-factor authentication, is crucial to mitigate this risk. Additionally, regularly updating firmware and using secure passwords can help protect this system from unauthorized access.
?Regarding, the high expenses, it is probably worthwhile to obtain an efficient legal system that is able to provide security and prevent significant losses.
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?Lastly, the legal system must not rely totally on AI facial recognition to solve crimes, other evidence must be considered in order to prevent any misinterpretation of evidence that can lead to serious injustices and laws must be enacted to regulate the installation of these cameras. As with any technology, the use of cameras is by no means a substitute for good old-fashioned ground work. The camera footage provides additional leads in an investigation and aids in securing witness cooperation. It serves as a complement to but not a replacement for eyewitness evidence in the courtroom.
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