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Day 6

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
13 views4 pages

Day 6

Uploaded by

Aziza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Pros & Cons Of Public Security Cameras -

Surveillance Camera Systems

There is much debate on whether or not surveillance cameras should be


installed in public places such as airports, schools, libraries, and stores.
The line between privacy and security is thin and both sides can be argued.
Although so may feel like public surveillance is an invasion of privacy, laws
that prohibit surveillance in public places are few and far between, and may
be limited to geographical areas. For example, in New York, police may
only use video surveillance footage as part of an investigation into the
alleged criminals after obtaining a warrant from local authorities.
And remember, placing cameras in areas where an individual has a
reasonable expectation of privacy (ex. bathrooms, changing rooms) is
always prohibited.
Let’s look at the different pros and cons of public surveillance.
Pro: Increase Public Safety

Just like surveillance on our private property improves our home security,
surveillance in public areas increases public safety. Public surveillance can
aid in keeping you safe when you are out and about.
Public security cameras can keep an eye out for crimes as well as act as a
deterrent. For example, if suspicious individuals are seen in an area,
authorities may be able to get ahead of the situation and possibly move
innocent bystanders out of harm’s way.
Pro: Reduce Crime Rate

According to statistics, after security cameras are installed, crimes rates


drop. For example, crime rates in Humboldt Park dropped 20% after video
surveillance was implemented. As previously mentioned, the presence of
security cameras act as a deterrent as criminals do not want to risk getting
caught on camera.
Pro: Helps Catch Criminals

For crimes committed where video surveillance is present, the chance of


catching criminals is much higher. With advanced technology like facial
recognition, security cameras may be able to better identify criminals,
helping authorities to track them down. Also, these images and information
may be shared with the public to help spread the word. It may be difficult to
obtain eyewitness accounts, but with security cameras, you often have
video evidence of the events that transpired.
Pro: Provide Evidence & Gather Clues

Along the same lines, surveillance footage can be used as evidence in the
courtroom. On the other hand, video footage may also help to prove a
person’s innocence. Either way, recordings of public areas can help
provide clues to solve crimes, and may even provide solid evidence for
criminal cases.
Pro: Convenience

Convenience comes in the form of traffic cameras. Surveillance cameras at


stoplights help to prevent drivers from speeding through a red light, while
security cameras installed on streets and freeways can help to monitor
traffic conditions in real-time.
Con: Easily Abused

Unfortunately, this helpful technology can be easily abused. For example,


information collected from public cameras can potentially be used as a form
of blackmail. Another example is voyeurism and stalking. To combat these
issues, strict regulations on public surveillance must be put into place.
Con: Doubts About Effectiveness

In addition, many people doubt the effectiveness of public surveillance.


While statistics may show that crimes and incident rates have decreased,
security cameras are not as effective when it comes to horrific acts such as
terrorism.
Con: Expensive

The cost of public security cameras is another issue. Since many doubt the
effectiveness, they feel that public surveillance systems are a waste of
money. They argue that high maintenance and costs of these systems is
not justified by their limited results.
As you can see, both sides have valid arguments. It is a matter of whether
the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa. For the most part, public
surveillance has been working for our benefit.

Essential words for speaking and writing


1.Install – to fix equipment or furniture into position so that it can be used
They're planning to install a new drainage system.

2.Invasion – an act or a process that affects somebody/something in a way


that is not welcome
The actress described the photographs of her as an invasion of privacy.

3.Alleged – stated as a fact but without any proof


The girl gave evidence in court against her alleged attacker.

4.Warrant – a legal document that is signed by a judge and gives the


police authority to do something
They had a warrant to search the house.
5.Deterrent – something that makes somebody less likely to do
something
Hopefully his punishment will act as a deterrent to others.

6.Implement – to make something that has been officially decided start to


happen or be used
A new work programme for young people will be implemented.

7.Transpired – to happen
You're meeting him tomorrow? Let me know what transpires.

8.Abuse – to use power or knowledge unfairly or wrongly


She abused her position as principal by giving jobs to her friends.

9.Blackmail – the act of putting pressure on a person or a group to do


something they do not want to do, for example by making threats or by
making them feel guilty
We can’t let them practise this emotional blackmail on us.

10.Maintenance – the act of keeping something in good condition by


checking or repairing it regularly
The school pays for heating and the maintenance of the buildings.

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