CCTV stands for Closed-Circuit Television also commonly known as video surveillance. CCTV involves the use of video cameras that transmit signals to a network with a display for monitoring activities. We live in an increasingly technologically sophisticated society, and we are now adopting the use of various electronic devices of various sorts that have become inextricably embedded in our lives to improve our health, financial transactions and now personal and family security. One of the methods is the use of surveillance using CCTV. There is also a need for integration of psychological research that is now focused on both the variety of forms of digital surveillance as well as the implications in our lives. This article looks at CCTV at home.
CCTV stands for Closed-Circuit Television also commonly known as video surveillance. We live in an increasingly technologically sophisticated society, and we are now adopting the use of electronic devices of various sorts that have become inextricably embedded in our lives to improve our health, financial transactions and now personal and family security. One of the methods is the use of surveillance using CCTV.
Surveillance and Experiencing the Surveillance Scrutiny Society
The rise in technological advancement has led to information technologies in society, and in turn to a new breed of surveillance on the streets, shops and now at home. The many images on television and other media on the road and at home remind us of the ubiquity of surveillance. There are cameras in shops, banks, streets, helicopter-borne cameras, and on mobile phones. In addition to the embodied surveillance of CCTV cameras, we have the surveillance of information. It is now accepted that people are increasingly collecting information about themselves and their families leading to greater surveillance. One of the major goals of surveillance is to detect and deter criminals.
The CCTV camera has become an iconic signifier of the gaze of ‘others’, and now people are taking it to the home and the house. At first, CCTVs were for airports and other entry points, State Houses, government buildings, banks and homes of the rich and famous and celebrities. This is because the offices were felt to be a security threat by would-be criminals and other people who may not have had good intentions. However, more people are now seeking the surveillance of their homes and houses so that they can get to know the going on. The rule of thumb is to make sure that the cameras are installed for security purposes. Therefore, avoid installing your security cameras in your neighbours’ properties and other private places such as bedrooms, bathrooms and washrooms, or places where people enjoy a reasonable expectation of privacy such as a swimming pool.
Avoid installing security cameras in neighbours’ properties and other private places such as bedrooms, bathrooms and washrooms, or places where people enjoy a reasonable expectation of privacy such as a swimming pool.
There are many examples of why many people want CCTVs at home. In one of the videos in Kenya, for example, a house help was caught mercilessly beating a baby as she forced the baby to eat. In another case, a house help was caught helping relieving in the kitchen using the utensils rather than going to the washroom. In yet another video, a man was caught bringing a lady guest to the family home in his wife’s absence. Apparently, he had forgotten to ‘switch-off’ the cameras to avoid detection. In yet another bizarre episode, an employee was caught red-handed in the garage removing parts of a car. For security purposes, CCTV has recorded intruders at home leading to the arrest and prosecution of the culprits. It is apparent from these and other examples that there is a need for visual surveillance (such as CCTV) even at home, house and for the family. It is also acceptable that CCTV can, and leads to greater safety and security. This includes the psychological satisfaction that you, your family and visitors and the home and house are safe from possible intruders and other unwanted and uninvited guests.
Home a Place I love to Dwell: 7 Benefits of CCTV
There are several benefits of CCTV systems at home. Indeed, setting up a home video surveillance system is secure, fun and an easy experience. For maximum benefit, it is important to place the cameras strategically in order to maximize their efficiency. This includes the angle coverage and distance that the camera can cover. Important positions and points include the gate, front door, back door, garage and table room. These are the best locations and positions suggested by security experts.
Benefits of CCTV at home
- You get to know who comes into the compound and house.
- Provides a greater peace of mind at home and in your house.
- Discourages and prevents crime in your home, house and community.
- Assists and ensures effective arrest and prosecution of intruders.
- Reduces your insurance premiums and saves money.
- Ensures remote and effective monitoring of your home and house.
- Get an intruder alarm to monitor your home and house.
For your peace of mind, safety and security these are psychologically fulfilling reasons to have CCTVs since they record everyone who enters the home, house and compound.
- Getting to know who comes into the home, house and compound. The home and house are important and it is imperative that you get to know who comes in and out of the house. This leads to the next reason.
- Provides a peace of mind. You and your family need peace of mind. This allows you to relax and also get peaceful and adequate sleep. This is ensured by ensuring your home is safe and secure.
CCTV highly dissuades criminals from breaking into premises including homes and stealing or committing other crimes such as vandalism and other anti-social behaviour. Most criminals like the easy option and will pursue properties that are not protected especially by CCTV.
- To discourage and prevent crime. Psychologically, thieves, burgers and other intruders know exactly who they are; they are trespassers. Therefore, they do not want to be detected or recognized. CCTV highly dissuades criminals and burglars from breaking into premises including homes, offices and other premises including stealing or committing other crimes such as vandalism and anti-social behaviour. This is because most criminals like the easy option of popping in and out without being caught or detected. They will pursue properties and homes that are ‘safer’ for them and certainly not protected especially by CCTV. Thus, CCTV puts them at bay.
- Assists in arrest and prosecution. Good cameras will capture many details including the physical features such as the face, as well as the weapons and other important details such as car registration. This makes it possible to apprehend the criminals and effectively prosecute them. In addition, CCTV footage is compelling evidence for courts in case of litigation.
- Remote and effective monitoring of home and house. A major development in technological advancement is the ease and benefit of modern CCTV systems that allow for remote monitoring on a computer, tablet or mobile phone via a secure connection over the internet. You can then log in remotely from anywhere in the World and check your CCTV cameras. This is psychologically fulfilling and gives you greater peace of mind.
- Reduced insurance premiums. Many people include insurance for homes and properties. Many companies will often reduce the premium when CCTV is installed. You can always contact your insurer to find out if they can offer a discount on your premium and besides the comfort, you can as well save some money.
- Additional home and house safety with intruder alarms. You can include installation of an intruder alarm in your system. The system triggers an alarm and you will receive a notification or call on your mobile phone. This alerts you wherever you are including waking you up if you are asleep. Also, if you are away from home, at work or on holiday, you can then log in to view your camera footage and determine if the incident is a false alarm or person is an intruder.
Ensure cameras are up high. This is to get a clearer and wider view. Cover as many entries as possible using the least number of cameras to save cost. Place the security camera in a place that is out of reach of home intruders and thieves, and, naughty children.
CCTV installation is relatively cheaper with several companies offering competitive prices. This includes cameras, digital video recorders (DVR) and installation. Modern systems are capable of recording and playing back in full HD (high definition). Ensure that all the cameras are up high with carefully run wires and cables. This is to get a clearer and wider view. Also, cover as many entries as possible such as gates, doors, garage and if possible, windows. Finally, place the security camera in a place that is out of reach of intruders and thieves, naughty children or vandalism.
