CCTV images as evidence

Abstract

The introduction of closed-circuit television (CCTV) into the public landscape has provided a new level of surveillance within contemporary society. Never before have vast numbers of individuals been under this level of surveillance and scrutiny. The density of surveillance cameras has increased exponentially in recent years, and other technologies such as cameras in mobile phones provide an itinerant source of surveillance. This new social phenomenon has raised ethical issues regarding privacy and several social debates have arisen. Some issues include the effectiveness of the technology to increase security over privacy, whether the security results in better or real protection of citizens, and whether the technology can be used as an effective crime deterrent tool.