| Studies have shown that in a well-lit, properly | | | | in a sensitive area. This makes both the issue of image |
| structured public area, with sufficient public traffic, | | | | storage and the review of those images much easier. |
| criminals will hesitate to commit crimes. The reason for | | | | Another huge step forward was the incorporation of |
| this is not that the opportunity for crime didn't exist, or | | | | infrared imaging into security surveillance systems. |
| even that escape was not possible, but because the | | | | Infrared imaging was originally a military technology that |
| criminals were afraid of being witnessed carrying out | | | | allows the viewer to clearly see a target in total |
| their crimes. Bear in mind that human beings cannot | | | | darkness. What this improvement means is that the |
| record an incident of criminal activity, or transmit those | | | | use of darkness as a cover for criminal activity can be |
| images to a remote location as video surveillance can. | | | | largely defeated. |
| Video surveillance began in the 1960s as closed circuit | | | | It is possible for an individual to assemble and build a |
| television. These systems were used primarily by | | | | video surveillance system of their own. The feed from |
| banks in order to identify bank robbers. In the 1970s, | | | | the video cameras can even be sent to a remote |
| the development of video recording equipment | | | | location on the Internet, to prevent the evidence itself |
| resulted in an explosion of surveillance cameras in | | | | from being stolen. The big advantage of a homemade |
| convenience stores and gas stations, both the target | | | | system is in the cost savings, as well as the ability of |
| of robbers. The video recording equipment meant that | | | | the home owner to customize the system to exactly |
| an incident of criminal activity could be captured for | | | | what they want. |
| evidence. The drawback was that as the owners of | | | | The biggest disadvantage, when compared to a |
| these stores became complacent, they forgot to | | | | professional security service, is the lack of response |
| replace old tapes. In some cases the machines didn't | | | | capability from security personal or police at the time |
| even have a tape. | | | | of the crime. Depending on what may be at risk of |
| A later technical development; the video camera | | | | being stolen, this could be a crucial issue. If there is also |
| attached to a high capacity hard drive, solved that | | | | a risk of home invasion, some kind of third party |
| problem, although some older video systems still exist | | | | response may very well be an important priority. |
| today. The improvement in picture quality as a result of | | | | The use of video surveillance systems in banks and |
| digital cameras and storage creates an image that can | | | | businesses has clearly shown both the deterrent |
| be more effective for identification purposes, as well | | | | capacity and the ability of these systems to capture |
| as more compelling as evidence in the courtroom. | | | | evidence. A video surveillance system in your home |
| Aside from technical advances in both digital cameras | | | | can offer you an additional layer of security. Don't fool |
| and storage, there have been a number of | | | | yourself; doors and windows still have to be locked, |
| improvements in the area of video surveillance. These | | | | lighting issues considered and hiding places from which |
| include the development of reliable and accurate | | | | criminals can stage their crimes eliminated or modified. |
| motion detectors. A motion detector will allow the | | | | As part of an overall security strategy however, video |
| video equipment to function when there is movement | | | | surveillance can play a useful and important role. |