VIDEO SURVEILLANCE IN PUBLIC SPACES (PART 2)

The use of video surveillance is getting vital and important especially in crime prevention tool used by both in public and private sector. For instants, larger metropolitan areas such as London and Perth are equipped with video surveillance since early 1980s and the 1990s. However, the implementation of video surveillance in Malaysia considered as relatively new with prevalent developments only in the last five years.

Indoor camera

Video Surveillance can be defined as an activity using a video appliance that enables image capture of video images or extract information to be compressed, stored and transmitted over communication network and digital data link. Its also used to monitor, observe and analyze a person, a group and activities or even objects using surveillance camera.

CCTV is short for Closed Circuit Television is often highlighted since CCTV is one of the earliest and most well-known forms of video surveillance since its availability in 1960s. CCTV is a television transmission system where live or pre-recorded signal are sent over a closed loop to a finite and predetermined group of receivers, a monitor, sets of monitors or video recorder, either via coaxial cable, television wires, fiber-optic, microwave radio systems, internet or communication satellite. (This definition source from Sci-Tech Encyclopedia, Answers.com, VideoSurveillanceGuide.com)

However, implementing a video surveillance systems in public spaces must be done with integrity and respect for personal privacy and civil liberties. Other consideration and issues are recording of workplace surveillance as cameras installed at public spaces indirectly record the activities of on-street workers and cleaners, the potential risk of liability incurred in the responsibility of ensuring public safety within CCTV areas and the limitation of disclosure of video recording and images to other parties. (Source from SKMM)

Note: Due to the length of this article, types of surveillance cameras will be published in Part 3.