Security cameras are any video device used as part of a security surveillance system for, monitoring, capturing and recording footages that can prevent criminal activities or aid investigations of crimes. Security cameras are also referred to as surveillance cameras or Closed Circuit Television- CCTV.
They come in various types all designed with various strengths and weaknesses to deter crime, provide valuable evidence for investigations, and enhance public safety. They are commonly used in homes, business and public spaces while some could be installed in cars or worn on the body. Countries like China, Japan, Russia and US have over the years, used surveillance cameras to prevent and solve crimes.
The world’s most populous country, China has the highest number of CCTV usage in the world and is known to have one of the lowest crime rates as well. This feat could be traceable to the over 200 million cameras installed across public and private buildings in that country. Nigeria, the most populous black country in the world also bedeviled with high crime rates for several years, needs to adopt the Chinese model by popularizing the installation of cameras across the country to help tackle insecurity.
The Delta State Government has recently ordered owners of commercial premises to install security cameras to help combat crime in the state. The Kano State government has also announced plans to install thousands of CCTV cameras in the state’s metropolis. Meanwhile, Lagos state Government has already made the installation of CCTV cameras mandatory for buildings of six floors and above, as well as any building with four or more occupants.
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These efforts are commendable and should be emulated by other state hovernment. However, to popularise the use of security camaras in the country, government through its ministry of works ought to include a budget for the installation of street cameras, highway cameras and traffic light cameras to capture crimes such as over speeding, drunk driving, police road extortions among others.
The government should also make provisions for security forces to access wearable cameras called body cams when on duty as this has been known to solve crime puzzles in some countries. The National assembly and various state assemblies need to make laws that ensure that all public and private buildings install functional security cameras around their premises.
Additionally, there should be laws that mandate all car owners to install dash cams in their vehicles to record internal and external activities. Security cameras should be an added accessory in buildings across the country just as air conditioning units are now incorporated into modern buildings in the country.
Everyone who is security conscious should support government efforts by installing surveillance systems and protecting the ones installed by government. It is also crucial to draft laws that protect people from potential privacy violations with cameras. Equally, it is important to ensure that footages from the security cameras are accessible and effectively utilized by security agencies to solve crime.
There is a popular saying that, crimes thrive mostly in the dark. This means that most criminals are emboldened by the fact that they can get away with their actions, however, if they are aware that their activities could be captured by a surveillance camera, the enterprise of criminality will be greatly reduced.
