The History of Home Security Cameras Since the mid-1960’s, the use of home surveillance cameras has grown drastically. Security cameras for home were invented by engineer Walter Burch. The first of them were installed by Siemens in 1942 at a rocket launch site in Peenemunde, Germany. By 1962, the first home security cameras used in the United States appeared in Olean, New York. These cameras were installed by the city in its business district to help deter crime. Surveillance cameras were first used on a large scale by the banking industry. All over the world, governments use surveillance cameras at government buildings, military bases and all areas at risk of terrorism. Since the mid-1960’s, the use of home security cameras has grown drastically. Solving and Deterring Crime Many commercial organizations use surveillance cameras as a way to counteract theft and vandalism. Surveillance cameras are also widely used in many public facilities like bus terminals, airports and train stations. In the US, studies show that there is one surveillance camera for every 14 people. Though home monitoring systems may be quite prevalent in both the UK and the United States, roughly 5 percent of crimes are solved using surveillance cameras. Industrial Use Industrial areas often use surveillance cameras on areas not possible or safe for humans to enter. Chemical factories and nuclear power plants are the two most common users of
surveillance cameras. These plants also utilize thermo-graphic cameras, which let operators measure the temperature of these hazardous areas. Traffic Monitoring A lot of modern cities make use of surveillance cameras to help ease areas of congestion. In certain parts of the country, systems similar to home alarm systems are used to detect traffic violations and capture them with digital images. Violators are then mailed citations for their offenses. Private GPS companies also utilize surveillance cameras to locate the current position of drivers and lead them to their desired location. Felonious Use Criminals have also been using surveillance cameras for their crooked acts. Bogus surveillance cameras have been positioned near bank ATM’s which let criminals see card information and PIN numbers. Expensive residential areas have also fallen victim to these cameras which are used by criminals to see when residents leave their homes without having the risk of actually being on the spot. Issues on Privacy There are many individuals who oppose the use of surveillance cameras. Some claim that it violates basic civil liberties. Others tend to argue that they do not really prevent crime, but only relegate it to areas that cannot afford expensive alarm systems for home. Supporters of surveillance cameras, however, believe that cameras are not intruding on one’s privacy when they are installed in public areas.
Current Developments Since its invention in 1942, surveillance cameras have turned out to be more sophisticated. Current cameras out in the market can now show images in high definition and in color, with some that can be linked with an existing home alarm system through the Internet. Other surveillance cameras are designed to pick up irregularities in large crowds of people. Airports and large commercial buildings often utilize this technology.