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Around the world, various nations utilize public video surveillance as a leading tool for monitoring movement and possible terrorist acts. Some of these countries have come to rely very heavily on video surveillance for aid in crime prevention. That is not a surprise. Results show that video surveillance is indeed making an impact in the fight against crime.

Oh Canada

Canada began taking advantage of video surveillance in the early nineties. It is widely used by such establishments as banks, restaurants, and convenience stores. Video surveillance is also usually present in offices, apartments, and transit stations. A large part of all robberies in Canada are captured on videotape. Needless to say, this is a huge help to law enforcement personnel. Even missing persons cases are solved with the help of surveillance systems.

Canada also uses video surveillance in recording license plates of all vehicles that pass through its borders coming from or going to the United States. It also keeps video footage of all cars that pass through its toll booths. It is no wonder then that video surveillance has grown into a highly reliable tool.

France Is In

The war on terror sold France on the value of video surveillance. The French government authorizes cameras in public places such as major roads and public areas in cities. The authorities use hundreds of cameras to monitor French suburbs. In the business district of Paris, over a hundred cameras monitor the streets on a 24-hour basis.

France's transport officials also use video surveillance to regulate the flow of traffic, ease traffic jams, and keep track of any disturbances. There are over 2,000 cameras on the buses plying the routes of Paris. You can be sure that this will help detect any criminal acts that may occur! As a result, the crime rate has decreased. A lot of department stores in France also use surveillance systems. So too with France's airline terminals.

The Others Follow

Ireland also uses video surveillance to monitor post offices, stores, offices and many other public locations. The country's rail system is also monitored constantly with cameras. The prevalence of such surveillance has begun to decrease the crime rate of Ireland.

Spain uses video surveillance to ensure the safety of tourist areas. With the events following 9/11, the Spanish government has turned to this type of technology to ensure the security of its citizens. There has also been a special effort to set up surveillance in the Basque region to curb violence and vandalism in that area.

There is a reason for the adoption of this type of technology. It works. Not only that. It is cost-effective. It leverages the existing law enforcement personnel as well. By any measure, that is a good deal. It is no wonder then that all these countries have opted to incorporate video surveillance into their security operations. The results speak for themselves. Video surveillance is an excellent tool in the war against crime and terror. It will continue to grow and progress in its usage as time goes by.