Big Brother Is Watching You!

The CCTV Camera's Role In Modern Day Life

Everywhere you look CCTV is part of our society today. The FBI and other agencies around the world report that crime is going up, and violent crimes are becoming a norm for western society. Increasingly businesses are installing CCTV for added security both inside and outside their premises; and more and more people are thinking about using CCTV in their own homes. 

Of course, there is one aspect of this increase in CCTV usage that the law-abiding citizen rarely thinks about - perhaps because the reality is too disturbing to contemplate. Big Brother is indeed watching us - almost all the time!

New computer technology and electronic gear protect so many places that we visit on a regular basis, that the majority of the time you might not even realize you’re being watched and recorded by video. Educational systems in the primary and secondary levels are using it to monitor dorm hallways, areas outside dorms and recreational rooms, particularly on college campuses. In the high schools it’s very important to have monitors with cameras that can record every move. Out of the way areas are a favorite place for illegal drugs, and violence. Since the Columbine shootings, schools take very seriously the control of their hallways and classrooms.

Banks are one area where we expect to see CCTV cameras, and indeed banking institutions are at the forefront with their security. Remote locations with motion sensor detection cameras can direct panels to fly up if a robber brandishes a gun, or threatens to harm customers or employees.

Industry is using CCTV for safety, as well as to catch employees that steal from the company or consistently slack off. Tight controls on workplace safety by the federal government require businesses to turn to a CCTV and cameras to stop faulty machinery, so employees won’t get hurt, and federal guidelines on environmental issues are met too. By using CCTV it also cuts down on injury lawsuits by employees, and workmens' compensation claims.

Of course, retail establishments use CCTV to stop shoplifting and robberies. Cameras in the ceiling can now watch you shopping without indicating what direction they are filming - so the shoplifting pro can't watch the camera's and wait for an unfilmed moment! Outside dressing rooms cameras watch you coming and going. Display cases and jewelry counters may have tiny computer microchips hidden in them, as may home accessories such as pictures frames. Cameras stationed at cash registers are able to pan, tilt, and zoom in close, just in case an employee gets sticky fingers for the cash in the till.

Airports are another place that are highly secured since the 911 tragedy. CCTV cameras watch suspicious activity inside and outside the airport doors. CCTV is located in remote locations so that type of unusual activity can be monitored. Passengers are watched closely at check-in - and even in airport restaurants! 

We all know that traffic jams are monitored by CCTV cameras - and many a motorist has run foul of the speed trap camera too, or run a stop light and been caught on film. Many car parks are now monitored by CCTV cameras on a constant basis as well.

Staff in daycares must perform their day to day tasks under the CCTV's beady eye. You might install a camera in the home to catch your nanny napping when she ought to be looking after the baby. Just remember that one day she may be watching you!