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So you want to know about CCTV camera systems, huh? By and large the most common uses of CCTV camera systems are in the areas of surveillance and security in the fields of commercial use, law and order, and of course, the military. Frankly, some types of investment into CCTV camera systems are probably more indulgent than others and are simply not warranted by the returns on those investments. There is a growing body of research in major cities around the developed world and these are uncovering some rather interesting conclusions about the use of CCTV camera systems in surveillance and the monitoring of incidental crime.

Is It Worth It?
Obviously the most effective strategy in dealing with crime is prevention. Consequently, individuals or agencies have a vested interest in the prevention of criminal acts through the use of a deterrent. For many an investor or business owner, this is the rationale behind purchases of CCTV camera systems. These CCTV camera systems are utilized in many small to medium-sized businesses. But they may actually be better off finding other methods, as the cost-benefit analysis may not support the often hefty price tag.

Will It Stand in the Bad Guy's Way?
Despite the ubiquitous presence of CCTV camera systems in shops, petrol stations, public places, street corners, and other similar establishments, incidents of violent crime and burglary continue to rise. While CCTV camera systems may well make it easier to identify criminals "in the act," it does not deter them from performing the dirty deed. It should also be noted that the low-picture quality of many CCTV camera systems also work in favor of the criminal element and further cast a gloomy light over reality, as opposed to the perceived value of investing in such a system.

Is There a Bad Guy Here?
Many small businesses are showing increased interest in the use of CCTV camera systems within their businesses, ostensibly to safeguard the property from criminals at large, but also to safeguard the cash register from the possibility of so-called "inside jobs." Again, while these systems do not actively deter anyone from committing the crime, they do make it easier to apprehend the culprit.

Are They Watching the Right Way?
Some small businesses have discovered a far more disturbing and insidious use for CCTV camera systems. It is becoming more and more common for some bosses to use CCTV camera systems to monitor their employees while they are working. This may seem to be a reasonably justified use, but there is a huge possibility that this facility will be abused and can hide behavior which could previously have been considered sexually deviant, if not predatory.

Take for example a small day spa business owned by a woman, staffed by women, but managed by the owner's husband - a hard-nosed, rotund, well-fed, alpha male type. Would you really fancy being watched all day via the in-house CCTV camera system by this guy? Sure, he tells his wife he's just keeping an eye on the girls. But he could be using the CCTV camera system to perversely watch not just the staff, but the female customers as well. Then again, he might not be. Still, if you are the customer, would you leave something like that to chance?

CCTV camera systems allow a big brother to watch us whenever and wherever, and this may well be a good thing. In this day and age, however, shouldn't Big Brother worry us as much as criminals do?