Sunday, July 12, 2009
No More Cameras!
Constant and complete surveillance can definitely make our world a safer place, but there is a point where enough is enough. Of course there is the issue that our privacy is breached if we are monitored around the clock, but one lesser known issue is the price tag on surveillance systems. Like most technology, electronic surveillance systems are much cheaper now that they have been on the market for many years and are available to the public, but the big price comes with the new technology. Public locations already have cameras in every corner; enough where every street in major cities can be closely monitored. (The city of London has over 500,000 cameras!) Adding cameras in places where there are already heavy systems in place would surely enhance security, but at a point of diminishing return. For example if the current security system at Santa Clara University allows campus safety to monitor enough of the campus to prevent 50% of “undesired acts,” then it would be a bad decision to purchase a complimentary system if it would only increase that percentage to 55%. As for government spending on surveillance, one might argue that even the small increase in prevention from upgrading systems is worthwhile because it will save American lives. On the other hand, the money to upgrade the surveillance system could be better spent on the military, or other government programs.
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I just read a post recently on the internet somewhere about how cities want to implement these security cameras at every street corner so to catch illegal drug dealers or other crimes. I tried to think of reasons why security cameras shouldn't be placed on the streets, but I couldn't really come up with any good ones.
ReplyDeleteSecurity cameras would also allow police to identify criminals. For example, a lot of people have their valuables stolen oftentimes from parking lots or side streets. Having these cameras would enable criminals to be caught easier, so the victims wouldn't be left helpless. Also, if there were cases of rape in empty parking lots or dark street alleys, it would probably be easier as well to catch the rapists.
I guess one negative thing that could come out of having so much security is an overload of it. If there were surveillances on the internet everywhere, in homes, then there would be a point where people would have no privacy anymore and everything becomes transparent. The idea of surveillance is not bad per se, but definitely not practical to implement now. There are bigger and more important things for the government to focus on at the moment.
I must admit that I feel that there is a demand and need for having surveillance camera’s monitoring the city. When driving down the street you can see camera’s that monitor traffic flow and when at the bank there are cameras watching you withdraw money from the atm. While there is a need for these camera’s and I agree with them, I don’t feel like monitoring the entire city would be beneficial. I believe that our money can be spent on much better projects or given to our education system. In a safe neighborhood where no crime or unusual activity happens what is the need for having cameras posted. I also wonder, with all this footage being shot around the city, who will watch all of it. In order to catch crimes or drug deals someone must be monitoring the footage at all times. I feel like in theory this is a great idea, but in real life it is just not practical.
ReplyDeleteI find it very unsettling to be watched by people. Especially if we are being monitored by random people that we don't know. I think that this kind of surveillance would be useful in stopping violence, but I almost don't think it is worth it to have such a breach in privacy.
ReplyDeleteI hate camera espeically near the intersection. Go to Fremont, and you can easily get a red light ticket for not doing the proper stop while making a right. It is ludicrious in my opinion
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