In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to reduce crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual freedom. Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?

The proliferation of criminal activities has resulted in the increased use of surveillance cameras. The usefulness of these systems is debatable, as some people believe that these
equipment
Suggestion
equipments
limits our freedom.
This
essay will discuss the benefits and disadvantages and why it is better to continue using video cameras in public places. Primarily, there are two reasons why many people subscribe to installation of close circuit systems in public places.
Firstly
, the availability of these monitoring devices have helped reduce the incidence of crime as people with bad intentions will be deterred from carrying out their evil acts, due to fear that they could be easily identified.
For example
, The nation newspaper reported a forty percent reduction in cases of phone theft reported in the Onikan area of Lagos due to the existence of cameras.
Secondly
, the presence of these recording facilities has
also
assisted in locating missing persons. When an individual has been declared lost, authorities can use them in finding
such
individual by monitoring cameras located at different locations within the neighbourhood. Despite the advantages explained above, some disadvantages have
also
been identified.
To begin
, it is argued that the privacy of members of the society is compromised due to the presence of cameras in our streets. Some of these could visualise some indoor activities through windows, thereby exposing what could be considered private affairs.
Also
, considering that
this
involves the use of information technology, it is
therefore
highly susceptible to hacking. Hackers may capitalise on vulnerabilities of these infrastructures to steal confidential videos which can be used for criminal activities. In conclusion, having considered the positive and negative aspects of installing CCTV systems, the advantages outweighs the disadvantages as the improved security and tracking assistance
that is
catered for by these systems overrides any disadvantage that could exist in the form of privacy intrusion and data theft.

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • Surveillance cameras
  • Public safety
  • Deterrent
  • Evidence collection
  • Apprehend perpetrators
  • Public spaces
  • Invasion of privacy
  • Civil liberties
  • Abuse of power
  • Misuse
  • Cost implications
  • Monitoring
  • Maintenance
  • Essential services
  • Justice system
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