You Are Being Watched

Smruti D

In current times, Close Circuit Television (CCTV) is not a novelty. They are a common sight at traffic signals, offices and residential complexes. While CCTVs do not always prevent crime, they do help in keeping vigil and subsequently in the investigation of a crime. However, as seen at commercial spaces, the notion of people being under surveillance does help prevent crime.

CCTV camera outside Prime Minister’s residence in Delhi

Only recently, Delhi police solved a case of snatching within four hours of it being registered. The snatchers were arrested with the help of the CCTV footage. Another incident which gained much traction around the world was that of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Investigating agency identified and arrested the two suspects in the bombing after sifting through several hours of the video recordings captured by cameras installed in the city.

The CCTV, even though widely used now, is an old invention. It was first used in 1942 in Germany to observe the launch of V-2 rockets. While the system became commercially available in the late 1940s, it was only in 1968 in Olean, New York, that the first security camera came to be used for surveillance. After 9/11 though, the technology not only became widespread, but evolved rapidly too. For instance, earlier one couldn’t save the data obtained through the camera, hence constant monitoring was required. Now, data can be recorded.

In the camera’s category alone, there are number of types such as dome camera, bullet-type camera, C-mount camera, day/ night camera, infrared/ night vision camera, varifocal camera and wireless camera. The camera technology now is both handy and remote. Some cameras are so small that they can easily be hidden from human sight.

Today, security establishments rely heavily on data gathered through technological means. CCTV cameras is a common tool that is used by individual, communities and law enforcement agencies. The versatility of the security cameras can be gauged by the fact that they are a common sight not only in most cities but are also deployed on the national borders. The camera-based surveillance system has evolved in such a way, that the smallest device is able to detect the minutest details, including those which the human eye may overlook.

Video Management System

At the very basic, the CCTV system consists of a camera, a lens, a monitor and a recorder. The camera acts as an eye and does the work of watching. The visuals are in turn transmitted to a recording system, which further sends them to a monitor. The data captured by the camera is then stored and can be revisited multiple times, which gives the investigating forces the benefit of observing the procured visuals carefully repeatedly in order to gather proof or to draw a seamless picture of the perceived criminal activities.

Even as the said components are sufficient for surveillance, technological i