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

Numerous towns are employing more

surveillance

cameras in public-access areas to facilitate a fall in

crime

rate.

However

, certain individuals feel these measures limit our personal

freedom

.

This

essay argues that the advantages of heightened

surveillance

outweigh the disadvantages.

Firstly

, the essay will demonstrate the benefits of increased

security

being

deterrence

Suggestion

a deterrence

to people who intend to break the law and providing a sense of safety to civilians.

Secondly

, the essay will explain why concerns on the limitation of personal

freedom

are invalid.

This

will be followed by a reasoned conclusion. With more video cameras in public areas, these cameras act as deterrence against criminal acts.

This

is because their footage can serve as evidence against criminals. Knowing that their actions will be caught on camera,

this

prevents potential offenders from breaking the law in public places.

For instance

, in the United Kingdom, there was a 10% fall in cases relating to petty theft after more

surveillance

cameras are used in 2010.

Furthermore

, these cameras provide a sense of

security

for civilians. With

awareness

Suggestion

the awareness

an awareness

that these cameras help to prevent

crime

, these civilians feel safer whenever they are in public areas.

This

is proven by a recent survey by the Straits Times where about three-quarters of the survey respondents reported that they felt more at ease when they knew more

surveillance

cameras are used in public. While opponents

to

Suggestion

of

this

measure claim that the use of

security

cameras limits personal

freedom

, these people should set their priorities right.

This

is because there is no room for personal

freedom

when the cities are not safe to live in. Opponents

to

Suggestion

of

this

measure claim that the use of

security

cameras

limit

Suggestion

limits

personal

freedom

as their movements are constantly watched by law enforcement agencies.

However

, if the cities are unsafe to live in, there will be no room to worry over personal

freedom

. One theory that shows

this

is the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, where safety clearly takes precedence over personal rights. In conclusion, with increased

surveillance

, individuals can enjoy a lower incidence of

crime

and

thus

a greater sense of

security

. While

this

does limit personal

freedom

, in states where lower

crime

rates are not achieved,

surveillance

should still remain as the priority.